Home & Lifestyle, Design & Style
Mixing and Matching Patterns
Lesson time 11:36 min
In this lesson, Corey demystifies the process of mixing and matching patterns and demonstrates how to create visual balance with a bin full of fabrics.
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Topics include: Playing With Patterns · Building in Breaks · Assignment: Shop for Swatches
Teaches Interior Design
Acclaimed interior designer Corey Damen Jenkins shows you how to make bold, functional interiors on any budget—from mood boards to space planning.
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[MUSIC PLAYING] COREY: So far, we've gotten to a great investigation, right, about vibrant color and paint. We talked about harmony when it comes to using colors, and, of course, the importance of utilizing both mood boards and color boards. You can use color boards to really launch the creative genesis of your project. A color board represents specific fabrics and textures we're going to utilize. And now, let's do a little bit of discussion on how to put together patterns-- how to mix and match patterns. Here are my five tips for a harmonious pattern playing. Number one, mind the specs. Patterns have specifications. They come in different sizes and scales. You want to be mindful of mixing and matching in such a way that actually looks good on your color board. When a person walks into a space, you want them to be captivated by what you've done. So you want the eye to rove about the entire space and to be delighted by what is seen. So don't put all your large patterns together in one clump-- mix it in with stripes and smaller-scale prints. And that way is a great diversity in your scheme. Number two is contrast, but don't compete. So you want to make sure that these things play well together. You want to have, again, a push and pull between the patterns. Is it too much of a good thing? If it looks that way, then it probably is. So variety, having a mixing and matching of different scales-- that's when the room becomes fun. It's like, okay, wow. They have this pillow over here and this plaid and now, this very large blown-up Persian rug on the floor. Oh, check out that stripe on that wall covering. Now, it's interesting because each and every element has been given a space to visually breathe. So you want to make sure that everything plays well together. But you don't want to cancel each other out with the same scale of pattern. My first step is to build in some breaks. So when you're laying out a great scheme when it comes to pattern play, don't forget to make sense some solid fabrics. It's good to have, like I said, a solid fabric on the sofa and then punching it up on some pillows with the pattern play because the eye needs a break. If everything has a pattern on it, again, you can get like, visual vertigo. And that's not good. So you want to bring in some solids, whether it be on the walls or an artwork or a color-blocking furniture with the fabric play, whatever you think is best. And that way, you can ensure that the patterns have a space to shine. Number four is pick your leader. When I'm putting together a great scheme, I look at it as casting a movie for Hollywood. What is my lead actor? Who is my lead actress? And then who are my supporting actors and supporting actresses? Not everyone can lead the show. So if I'm laying out a great number of fabrics that all speak to me in some way, shape, or form, I may have to be an editor and take out that which is actually competing with t...
About the Instructor
Considered one of the most prominent interior designers working today, Corey Damen Jenkins creates elevated spaces for clients across the globe and believes everyone should have access to great design. Now he’s teaching you how to build bold, functional interiors on any budget. From mood boards to space planning, learn how to embrace the design process, make choices with confidence, and turn your home into a true haven.
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Corey Damen Jenkins
Acclaimed interior designer Corey Damen Jenkins shows you how to make bold, functional interiors on any budget—from mood boards to space planning.
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