We Answer Wednesday - How to mix patterns

"In magazines I see designers mix different prints and patterns in one room.  I love the look.  How do you mix patterns without making a mess?"

You are so right! Mixing prints and patterns in one room is a designer look and it makes a room more chic and sophisticated but it can be tricky to get right.

Combining prints brings excitement to a room—but how do you make it work? Set small patterns against large ones, limit your palette, and include one big solid (on sofa, floor, or wall) in the scene.

We recommend a solid for large pieces like a sofa and then we can build on that.

Here are a few examples that you could follow.




This room is a great example of mixing prints and patterns with a limited palette.  We have a solid and neutral wall paint and sofa and simple window coverings - on it's own it is a bit boring.  Now let's add the excitement....the stripe rug in white and blue is fresh and adds a big pop in the room.  This area rug in white and blue is the inspiration for the colour palette for the prints.  We have an accent chair in a modern botanical print in the blue and white palette plus we have some decor pillows in a different blue and white pattern. This room has a cohesive look with a bit of a nautical theme (but certainly not overboard on the theme - pardon the pun!) This room has the designer look and follows the simple formula of a few solids, a mix of large and small prints in a limited colour palette.



If you prefer a look that is softer, you can still play with pattern.   In this room we have a mix of stronger and softer prints.  The drapery has a larger pattern yet still in a neutral colour palette, the ottoman has a very subtle print in a low contrast colour scheme.  The pillows on the accent chair add a bit more pop to the room but the look here is very soft and toned down.  The walls and the chairs are a great neutral backdrop for the prints and texture. This creates a very relaxing and soothing look in a space.  The rattan tray and plant add some texture adding some visual interest.

 

Love the look of wallpaper but think it limits your chances to add other patterns? Think again! Use the wallpaper as a point of inspiration for other prints in the room.  The wallpaper in this image has a blend of orange tones, yellow, blue and white.  It's a pretty bold wall covering so the other prints should be a bit more subtle.  Here we have a blue bed frame that pulls from the wallpaper tones.  The bedding textiles have a soft mix of corals and white with a blue throw blanket -so this way everything works together.



Don't be afraid to mix prints when it comes to pillows.  This arrangement follows a 'buddy system'.  The soft mint green is seen in some solid pillows (at the back) and we also see it in the front lumbar pillow.  The white is seen in all of the print pillows.  We have black in 3 pillows and the only true pop is the pink peony.  This combination of prints seems unexpected and maybe random but it is very much planned which is why it looks great!

When it comes to playing with prints you can get as bold or as subtle as you like.  Follow the easy steps and you can achieve a designer look in your space.

What's Hot in Textiles - 2016 Textile Trends

Textiles are a great way to switch up your look - this includes: drapery, pillows, bed linens, and even area rugs.  There are always certain prints that are in style.  Remember when we used to see chevron everywhere and on everything? Well, here's what hot in textiles for 2016! 


1- Fur has been 'trending' since about 2012.  It has been seen in living rooms, bedrooms and even dining rooms - pillows, throws and rugs. It is incredibly versatile - it works in a modern space, contemporary, rustic - any style!

 

2- Jungle prints  - big and bold jungle prints really add a splash of colour and fun to any space. We have also see a lot of tropical prints in wall paper, too. Not sure of this trend - try it in small doses, a pillow on your sofa in a bold jungle print can really make an impact.  We love this bold pillow available on Etsy. 



3 - Stonewashed - the ultimate in relaxed.  Think soft texture, slightly crumpled and subtle tones - perfect for the bedroom.Check out restoration hardware's Belgian  linen collections. Layer it and add some other textures too like cable knit or fur to keep the room from looking flat

 

4 - Velvet is really making a comeback in women's fashion too, it's the whole nod to the 90's! But we will be seeing this luxurious textile in the home too. Velvet looks great in any colour but we love it in rich jewel tones like this emerald green. The texture really adds a touch of luxury to any room.

 

5 - Botanical print - soft and subtle and a little whimsical.  This print still makes a statement, we love it layered with other prints or echoed in botanical print art (not matching prints). It works with all neutrals too

 

6 - Soft and low contrast Damask prints - we have seen the Damask print for a few years now in big and bold colours and black and white, so old Hollywood glam (very Kardashian - esque).  We will still see the print but in lower contrast and more subtle tones. 

 



7- Colourful Geometric prints - if this looks like a bit of a retro throwback, it is! These colour combos and geometric prints have a bit of a mod vibe but refreshed and do you see the pops of rose quartz, too?

 

8 - Colour Blocking - similar to the geometric print but fewer colours but still that mod look.We love this bedding set in white and soft grey with a pop of coral - it's a great balance of male and female elements too.

 


9 - Japanese tie-dye : Shibori.  Blue and white Japanese style tie-dye print is hot! We love this way this adds some organic looking print to this bedroom.This is fun and fresh plus we love the organic feel of this, it reminds us of your favourite jeans!

 

We Answer Wednesday - Rose Quartz Trend

"I want to update my space.  I know light pink is a trending colour for 2016.  How can I use it in a modern way, I don't want my place to look too girly or old lady."

Yes, Rose quartz is one of the two hot colours this year! Rose Quartz is a soft, light pink hue with a touch of a mauve quality.  For some, they had already seen this trend and are not hopping back on the band wagon but for others this is a fun and fresh colour that can add a touch of feminine whimsy to a space. 

 

With any trend, we do not suggest NOT diving in head first unless it is something you absolutely LOVE and MUST HAVE! So before you commit, just make sure it is a trend for you.  Trends come and go, so we also recommend not going full out!  When it comes to a trending colour (especially) use accessories to embrace that trend.  So consider art, pillows, throw blanket and some knick-knacks, too.  But if you really want to dive in consider an accent wall, area rug and bedding.

 

To avoid looking too girly or old lady, think about what you are combining rose quartz with and how you are using it.  For instance, layering multiple pastel tones looks dated instead layer rose quartz with a more masculine hue like navy or charcoal even black.  Balance out the pink hues with more masculine elements.  We also suggest layering the rose quartz tone with some bolder colours like fuchsia, magenta, eggplant, jade green and teal - fun and punchy and not dated at all!

 

Here are some of our favourite ways to use rose quartz and some of our favourite combinations.

When it comes to colour you don't need a lot to make a statement. We love this mostly neutral motif with a slight touch of pink in the trellis pattern on this area rug.  Keep the main furniture pieces neutral and add a few more splashes of colour in your throw pillows and you are set!



 Try adding a fun accent chair in the living room, kitchen or dining room - it's a fun splash of colour and not a huge expense! This also makes a great desk chair in a home office!



Really want to embrace the rose quartz trend? Try these incredible table lamps - they make a real statement with shape and texture and add that pop of pink with a simple white shade!





 Grey continues to be a big trend (we would say it is a timeless classic) so add some softness to the neutral tone with some rose quartz pillows with texture. We also love the light pink floral arrangement, simple and feminine.



Make a statement on your wall that isn't a painted wall! Everyone looks great in pink and we love an over sized and bold art piece. Remember art doesn't need to match your room, in fact it shouldn't! So take a risk and add something fun and splashy!



Not ready to commit to an accent wall? Try painting the interior side of your door.  This makes a statement and we love this one in particular because of the details and character of this door.





Keep the colour modern looking by pairing it with streamlined furniture pieces and add it to a tone on tone room.  This room has many shades of grey adding the small pops of pink just adds some femininity to the space.





We love mixing soft pastels with bolder tones.  We love the mix of softer and lighter hues with the darker tones.  We also love the water colour effect of this pillow.  It's a perfect pop for any room!







Get creative, be bold but don't make too much of a commitment!  Let's face it painting an entire room or even and entire wall in pink sounds a bit over the top and intimidating but why not the inner part of your bookcase? You get that big pop of colour but not too big of a pop! We love how it looks in this image against the white bookcases and than paired with some dark accents in the room like navy and black!



Only you can determine what the right amount of pink in your decor is. Start small and keep adding until you are happy with what you have achieved.

Mad About Plaid - How and Where to Use Plaid in your Home Decor

Now that fall is almost here, we are seeing so many cozy and comfy textures like knits and flannels.  Plaid is one print that we see so much of this time of year - it just screams Fall!!  We love the look and feel of flannel plaids and they add so much comfort to any room.

Here are some of our favourite plaid looks for the home.

The plaid throw - just wrap it around yourself while reading or sitting by the fire.  It's also great in a bedroom.  Here we love it in the casual dining space at the head of the table.  Why not?



Black and White Plaid - Many think of reds, greens and blues when they hear the word 'plaid' but there are so many other colour options, so there's something for everyone.  We love the black and white plaid in this room. It adds a cozy factor to this off white wing back chair.



Boys' Bedroom - we love plaid in a bedroom and it's perfect for boys! Durable, soft and comfortable plus they add some pattern and texture to the space without making it feel and look feminine.  This grey and white boys bedroom looks great with the pops of orange plaid.



Decor Pillows - a plaid throw is perfect for a farmhouse or cabin look.  It's the right amount of plaid and it doesn't take over the space.  We love this chic farmhouse inspired living room with tone-on-tone plaid pillows mixed with some knitted pillows.  Totally chic and comfortable!



Vintage Country Plaid Chair - Plaid is a classic and if you love a farmhouse or vintage country style at home, try adding plaid to a furniture piece.  in our opinion a sofa is just to much but a chair or even a headboard would really make a statement. We love this streamlined chair in plaid - it has comfort and style plus paired with the soft better yellow and the styled chest of drawers you have a level of sophistication.  Country is totally cool!



If the cabin look is more your style, try a different type of plaid but we still love the idea of sticking with a classic and neutral colour palette. The image below has similar concept just more of a cabin or shabby chic angle.



Bedding - We love plaid in the bedroom but again you want to choose the right one for your look and colour palette.  We love the subtle and soft beige and white combination in this room.  It is perfect for a guest room or for anyone who likes a toned down and calming space. We love the mix of solids and the plaid in this room and the vintage bed frame and sconce lighting keep it from looking washed out.



Wall paper, why not? This might seem bold and extreme but it doesn't have to be.  We love the soft and subtle look of this room and the beige and cream wallpaper accent wall just makes the room feel cozy but still works well with the elegant nature of the room.



On the floor - we love a patterned rug and plaid works! Opt for a neutral toned plaid but it really adds some great visual interest in a room and it's a classic pattern on the floor just gives it a modern twist.



The nursery - this could work for a girl or a boy or just a gender neutral nursery.  This drapery, or bedding, or pillows or rugs.  But not everything.  The casual nature and the comfort would make the nursery a wonderful space for everyone even during those late, late night feedings and diaper changes.