Rooms with the most character are those with the least uniformity. In other words, if you want to awake a glitter in your friend's eye, mix and match patterns to create something unpredictable and visually interesting.
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When mixing patterns in your home there is in fact just one rule: the balance is the key. There are endless possibilities and flexibility but there should be something that keeps all patterns together, and that balance is what separates mix and match style from a total chaos. The easiest way is to choose a hue you like and then add pieces in different shapes but in the same hue. You'll get a room full of different things that communicate with each other perfectly.
Another simple but proven way to go is to mix furniture pieces of the same height. For example, two different chairs, with different patterns and texture, may go well together perfectly if they are of the same size. That will create a dynamic tension between them and if you choose a color or pattern from one chair and match is with a pattern on another, you will get a perfect combination. Sometimes we can't do that because we have one-color chair, but never mind, almost any piece of the same size will do.
Choosing wallpaper, fabrics or some other decorative element can be very frustrating but in fact you just have to pick a thing you love. It may be your sofa's pattern or even a detail from a picture on the wall, and then you can build based on it. Choose a dominant pattern and then select smaller patterns for accent details. And add textures. Texture can create visual depth, but equally important is the tactile qualities that just call you to touch that beautiful piece.
And don't forget the kitchen. Since kitchens are full of different objects, it is easy to make them overloaded, so you have to restrain yourself a bit. One simple idea is to expose your plates with different colors and patterns on them. Kitchen is also a good example of a space that needs a visual relief. You can create it by painting walls in similar hues, to create an area that will allow your eyes to rest. This is an advice you should follow in any room: the more patterns you mix, the more you need a visual element to calm down the whole thing and make it balanced. ■
