Mixing Floral and Plaid Patterns

Mixing Floral and Plaid Patterns: Obtaining Balance for a Professional Interior Design Look

The mix of floral and plaid is charming and inviting; it is a healthy balance of feminine and masculine; it is a harmonious blend of country and modern all at the same time. Putting these two elements together and achieving balance can be exciting and result in a well put together room and interior decor that looks professionally designed. A successful mix of floral and plaid patterns makes you feel comfortable and cozy, like a warm country home or a tucked-away bed and breakfast.

If you want to think beyond the expected solid colors and everyday patterns, consider the following tips for adding appeal to your living space by mixing floral and plaid patterns:

1. Choose similar colors for all the patterns you include in the room, both floral and plaid.
2. Select patterns of different sizes. Consider an oversized floral pattern with a medium plaid in complimentary colors.
3. Distribute different patterns throughout the room. Don’t devote one area to floral and another side of the room to plaid because this creates a visual imbalance.

   
   

   Photo: Floral and Plaid bedroom design from Decorate Today. Click the photo for more details and larger pictures.

4. Carefully select the fabrics you put together. A lightweight material coupled with heavy chintz would appear awkward. Combine complimentary textures for a great visual and physical feel.
5. Use at least three different patterns throughout the room for greater visual interest.
6. The most versatile patterns are medium-sized because they won’t overpower a small room or get lost in a large room.
7. Visualize the size of the room and how the size of the floral and plaid patterns will fit in.
8. Add height or width to a wall or piece of furniture by using striped plaid designs.
9. Put up a floral wall border and toss in some floral throw pillows and you’ve effectively combined plaid patterns and floral patterns with very little effort.
10. Avoid using more than five patterns in a room so you don’t have visual chaos.

With these basics in mind, you’re ready to get started…Pick a pattern and color you want to build your room around and work with it. Find other patterns to compliment it and items that match to create a welcoming floral and plaid room. Use pale tones on the walls that match the patterns you use. The carpet can be in a neutral, medium tone to match your patterns while accents can be in the darkest version of the color scheme to make them pop against your fabrics.

If you want to see pattern combinations at work, visit your local fabric store. With a bit of visual creativity you can use floral and plaid patterns to create a comfortable balance for a professional interior design look in your own home.

© 2007, Kathy Burns-Millyard.