Hi, I’m Jaima, a designer who loves anything to do with color and prints. I just happened to be out and about at Chesterdales Home and Garden shop, a great store in Naples that specializes in antiquities, resale, consignment and designer goods. I like this shop as it inspires me with new design concepts. While walking around the shop I had an AHA moment, realizing the next trend in design was PATTERN BLOCKING. Read on…
Chesterdales Home & Garden
Pattern blocking makes interiors and fashion more interesting visually. I love this wall above as it screams pattern but offers a warm and inviting space. This kind of Patchwork style was popular during the 60’s and is coming back but with in a refreshed modern sensibility. Mixing prints and textures is the new style. Two designers who are ahead in this trend are Mary Katranzo and Stella McCartney. They love to mix it up creating unique one of a kind looks.
Pattern Blocking in Fashion
Photos Courtesy of Mary Katranzo, www.nystyle.com; stellamccartney.com
I believe fashion is just starting to get serious about pattern. Home design has always loved pattern, especially in the luxury market. As a pattern designer people have always asked me how to put patterns together. Here’s my design advice to help you style your home with this new trend.
Below are TIPS on what prints to use to create a pattern blocking style.
Look #1: Mix a large scale floral, stripe and plain pattern together.
- Select colors from the floral for the companion prints.
Tricia Guild Designer Prints
Photo Courtesy of www.designersguild.com
Look #2: Mix a stripe, check and floral together: Known as “The Classic”
*Ralph Lauren and Rachel Ashwell are great designers to follow for this look. They can help you create a more traditional style bedroom or living room with these three prints compared to the modern look below.
Tricia Guild Designer Prints
Photo courtesy of www.desginersguild.com
Look #3: Use one print for a theme and expand on it.
- Mix several floral prints together but keep them all in the same color range.
- Pick a novelty theme ( seashells / beach) and carry it throughout a room. Expand the theme onto the walls, carpets, furniture and accessories.

One Theme Prints
Photos courtesy of www.elledecor.com,www.seasideinspired.com
Look #4: Try only mixing graphic stylized prints together.
- A stylized floral mixed with a geometric print creates a modern look.
Madeline Weinrib Pattern Mix
Photo Courtesy of madelineweinrib.com
Look #5: Select various prints but all in one color story.
- Toile’s in one color are great to mix with other prints. This look creates an elegant and simple sophisticated decor.
Barclay Butera Interiors
Photo courtesy of barclaybutera.com
Look #6: Use one print in various colors.
- Any prints look good this way whether they are graphics, polka dots, flowers or stripes. Just use one pattern in various colors to create visual interest.
Kelly Wearstler Designs
Photo courtesy of www.kellywearstler.com
There you have it…a few ideas to get you motivated. Try a little PATTERN BLOCKING in your home decor.
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