Bold, clashing patterns are an instant hack for livening up virtually any space. Design options such as vibrant wallpapers and striking textiles can easily create an eye-catching atmosphere and make places like your home look more eclectic and unique.
But if you’re not familiar with how to mix them, you may worry about unintentionally making your interiors look cluttered or chaotic. What can you do so that these clashing patterns work in harmony?
Here are some clever tips from the design experts at DROOL Art to help you achieve a stylish interior.
1) Stick to a Common Colour Scheme
An easy way to pull this design technique off is by ensuring the patterns have a common colour scheme. When patterns feature a shared colour palette, it creates a sense of cohesion—even if the designs themselves are vastly different.
For instance, mixing a floral print wallpaper with a bold geometric rug might not seem like an obvious match at first. But if both designs include accents of deep blue, the room will still feel balanced. You can also choose a few key colours to repeat throughout the space so that the patterns complement one another rather than compete. This strategy helps to ground the space and keeps the design from feeling too chaotic.
2) Layer Bold Accents to Create Contrast
To make bold patterns truly stand out, layer contrasting elements into your design. Adding large statement pieces alongside smaller, more delicate patterns will achieve a visual balance that prevents the room from feeling too busy.
If you’re looking for wall art that can complement the zigzag patterns of an armchair in your living room, hanging contemporary art prints is a good option. The prints’ vivid, striking designs work wonderfully as contrast pieces in a room full of clashing patterns, as they make for easy focal points that draw the eye without overwhelming the rest of the space.
DROOL offers a carefully curated collection of contemporary art prints and posters that bring bold, yet sophisticated energy to your interior. Our pieces are made by some of the most promising new artists, and you can rest assured that the art we carry can inject a fresh and captivating element into your home. Have a look at our best deals and discover the perfect art prints to refresh the vibe in your space.
3) Play with Scale
Combining large statement designs with smaller, subtler ones is an excellent way to create depth and visual interest with clashing patterns. The contrast in size ensures that each pattern can stand out while maintaining the cohesion of your home’s interior design.
Try hanging a large contemporary art piece on a minimalist dot-patterned accent wall to introduce some visual dynamism into the space, making it look and feel alive, yet balanced. DROOL’s contemporary art prints are available in a variety of sizes, so you’ll have a hassle-free time choosing a piece that fits your room’s scale and style.
4) Break Heavily Patterned Designs with Solid Colours
When working with bold, heavily patterned designs, it’s essential to incorporate solid colours to break up the intensity and achieve harmony. Solid colours can act as a visual breather that allows a room to feel less chaotic while still keeping the flow of the space.
If you have a room with a large geometric patterned rug and a matching patterned sofa, consider adding throws that come in deep charcoal. This helps to ground the space and offers visual relief from the busyness of the patterns. Strategically placing solid elements throughout the room—whether through throws, cushions, curtains, or furniture—will enable the bold designs to shine without any one overwhelming the other.
5) Start Small and Build Gradually
Do you think you’re not confident enough to fully commit to mixing bold patterns? Then it’s best to begin with smaller, less overpowering elements and gradually increase their presence. Approaching it this way eases you into the design, allowing you to gauge how different patterns interact within the space and with each other. This is also a great way to find a pattern combination that works with you.
Start by introducing a couple of patterned items, like a geometric throw blanket and a set of striped cushions, and see how they interact within the room. You can also add a patterned lamp with a subtle chevron design for some additional pop.
Once you're comfortable with these smaller patterns, you can experiment with larger ones, such as curtains with a soft damask motif or a statement sofa with large-scale, organic print like leaves or florals. This approach will give you the flexibility to make adjustments as you go, ensuring that you come up with a balanced space without feeling overwhelmed.
Bold and clashing patterns can add unexpected charm and character to your home. The resulting vibrance can showcase your unique style and turn any humdrum space into a more exciting one. Shop on DROOL now to find pieces that contrast, but also unexpectedly complement each other.
