Courtney Fikri 8/27/25 Courtney Fikri 8/27/25

Pattern Play: How to Design With Prints Like a Pro

Learn how to design with patterns in your home. Discover timeless prints, mixing tips, and expert advice for a modern, cohesive interior.

Master the art of decorating with textiles, motifs, and patterns to create a timeless and elevated home.

Are you drawn to bold prints or subtle motifs but aren’t sure how to bring them into your home’s design? Maybe you’ve tried before and the result felt busy, unbalanced, or disconnected. Don’t worry, there’s a method to the madness.

When done right, incorporating patterns can completely transform a space. From adding character and depth to creating a personal touch, these design elements can make any room feel layered and intentional. Whether you lean into a statement print or mix multiple styles, this guide will show you how to use patterns in home decor so your interiors feel fresh, cohesive, and timeless.

*Kristen Elizabeth Design, Photographer: Kat Alves*

Why Design with Patterns in Your Home

Patterns are one of the most powerful tools in interior design for adding visual interest and character. They can:

Bring energy and movement into a room.
Highlight architectural features.
Create focal points.
Reflect your unique style, from classic to contemporary.

There are many ways different prints can enhance the design of a space, but before we get into the how, we’re going to cover psychology, different types of styles, and more below.

*Kristen Elizabeth Design, Photographer: Stephanie Russo*

The Psychology of Pattern

The prints you choose affect more than aesthetics; they influence mood and perception. When picking a motif for a room, ask yourself how you want the space to feel. Below are some general guidelines for how different types of patterns can affect the vibe of a room.

Geometrics: convey structure, order, and modernity.
Florals: add softness and romance.
Stripes: elongate or widen a room visually, depending on direction.
Abstracts: create a sense of creativity and movement.

These aren’t hard and fast rules, but can help point you in the right direction when it comes to introducing pattern into your home's design.

Types of Pattern

Before we dive into how you can use patterns in your home, let’s review print styles. The world of patterns is vast, but some of the most common are:

Stripes
Plaids and checks
Paisley
Florals and botanicals
Geometrics
Animal prints
Toile
Abstract

In addition to different styles, you’ll also want to be mindful of scale or size. What is pattern scale? There are 3 main types of sizes.

Small-scale pattern means that the print is small or fine, it can be read as texture from a distance, and layer easily.
Medium-scale pattern means the print is medium-sized, and it’s great for adding detail without dominating.
Large-scale pattern means that the print is oversized, and it makes a bold statement and works best in moderation.

Patterns and Design Styles

Now that we’ve covered pattern style and scale, you’ll want to be mindful of what graphics to use based on your home’s design style. Certain patterns naturally complement specific aesthetics. For example,

Plaids or stripes for rustic and traditional spaces.
Chevron or abstract for contemporary designs.
Toile or florals for country charm.

Keeping designs aligned with your home’s style helps create a sense of cohesion. But again, these are guidelines; plaids can look very modern, while abstract patterns can work well in traditional spaces. There are other ways to create a balanced design, which we’ll cover more below.

Where to Incorporate Patterns in Your Home

The ways you can use prints are endless. They can be integrated in both small touches and bold design moves. You can use graphic motifs as:

Accents: throw pillows, blankets, rugs, drapes, and artwork.
Large surfaces: wallpaper, upholstery, tile, or flooring.
Unexpected places: inside cabinetry, on stair risers, or on ceilings.

Whether you want to start small or go big, keep reading for best practices below to guide you.

Designing Around One Pattern

When you fall in love with a statement print, make it the focal point and let other design elements support it. Here are good rules of thumb to consider:

Do:

Choose a focal pattern and let it guide your color palette.
Balance the print scale with the room size.
Pair with solids and neutrals for visual rest.

Don’t:

Overcrowd the space with competing busy patterns.
Ignore your home’s existing architecture or design style.

In the kitchen of our Well Suited project, a bold black-and-white checkerboard floor anchors the design. The rest of the space features a minimal color palette and finishes that are solid or near solid in color, so the floor feels striking but not overwhelming.

How to Mix Multiple Patterns in Interior Design

Alternatively, layering patterns can create a rich, collected look. But when mixing printed elements, balance is key. Here are some best practices:

Do:

Mix small, medium, and large-scale patterns.
Use a cohesive color palette to connect different prints.
Combine different pattern types (e.g., a geometric with an organic floral).
Repeat at least one pattern or color for unity.

Don’t:

Use too many patterns of the same scale.
Mix unrelated color schemes that clash.

In the living room of our Country Mood project, patterned sofa and chairs share a consistent color palette but differ in motif and scale, creating a layered, timeless feel. The pillows also coordinate, adding another layer of cohesion. The plaid sofa with a large-scale print is paired with floral pillows with medium and small-scale motifs. The chairs with the small-scale floral print just have one medium-scale printed pillow so as not to clash or look busy.

Color and Pattern in Home Decor

When designing with patterns, consider the style, scale, and balance of the prints—but don’t forget about color. Color and pattern go hand in hand.

Monochrome patterns feel refined and understated.
High-contrast pairings create drama and excitement.
Repeating and coordinating colors across different patterns ties a room together seamlessly.

In the living room of our Curated Craftsman project, we layered a variety of patterns, all united by a central color palette of ivory, blue-gray, and blush pink, grounded by rich wood tones. The geometric tile on the fireplace and the patterned curtains, though different in design, complement each other in both theme and hue. Floral chairs introduce a bolder motif that still connects back to the palette, while a subtly textured blue sofa adds depth without overwhelming the space.

Next, let’s explore styles that stand the test of time and a few current favorites to refresh your space.

Trending and Timeless Patterns for Interiors

We believe the best pattern mixing tips strike a balance between classic style and a touch of the new.

Timeless patterns: stripes, plaids, herringbone, florals, and geometrics never go out of style.
Current favorites: oversized botanicals, playful checks, and abstract motifs add personality when used in small, changeable elements like pillows or artwork.

Invest in classics for large, permanent features, and use trends sparingly to keep your home feeling both fresh and lasting.

Need Professional Help?

Love the idea of pattern play, but not sure where to start? Take a look at our services to see how we can help! Our Designer for a Day service gives you expert guidance for a single project—or explore our full-service design options for a complete home transformation.