The key to an on-trend home this spring? Mixing pattern like a pro

When it comes to spring trends, pattern mixing gets extra playful this season, claims the Wayfair Professional team.

wayfair pattern mixing in a neutral space
(Image credit: Wayfair)

If you're looking to be out with the old and in with the new spring trends this year, Wayfair's professional team of esteemed experts is here to help. The retailer's in-house style-makers gathered together to select the spring interior design trends to watch, all sure to make an impactful statement this season.

Among the standouts? Fresh spins on traditional styles and all-matte moments, but there's one major trend we think will take center stage this spring: Mixing pattern.

A pattern-packed interior is not only an excellent way to liven up your home, it's perfectly on-trend with the current turn towards maximalism, says Wayfair's in-house design specialist, Brianna Torres. “With the right combination of shape and color, pattern mixing can create a statement while remaining harmonious,” she notes. “This trend is all about embracing complementary colors, graphic patterns, and organic embellishments." 

And if you need a helping hand on how to best go about acing this trend? Here are three tips for mixing patterns like a pro.

Vary the scale and style of your prints

Mastering the art of mixing pattern can be tough, especially if you've never attempted it. But, there are some tried-and-true rules that make it easier. 

First and foremost? Pay attention to scale. Pattern that's visually similar, or the same scale (i.e. two ditsy floral patterns, or a large-scale geometric paired with a wide stripe) will visually compete with one another. A ditsy floral paired with a wide stripe, on the other hand, is a recipe for pattern-mixing success.

Check out the visual, below. 

1. Start with a small scale accent piece

spring trends

(Image credit: Longaberger)

<a href="https://longaberger.com/products/pink-and-white-calli-table-lamp" data-link-merchant="longaberger.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pink & White Calli Table Set for $327, at Longaberger

Infuse gracious style into any living room with this traditional table <a href="https://longaberger.com/products/pink-and-white-calli-table-lamp" data-link-merchant="longaberger.com"" data-link-merchant="longaberger.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">lamp. Delicate pink flowers cascade over its classic white ceramic curves, while its base and finial feature a luxurious brass gold finish. It's the perfect mix of subtle and striking rolled up into one. 


2. Add a rug with a larger pattern

spring trends

(Image credit: Wayfair)

<a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8446686-13771918?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://www.wayfair.com/rugs/pdp/fleur-de-lis-living-mcculloch-oriental-pinkwhite-area-rug-w004583310.html?piid=2119678277" data-link-merchant="wayfair.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">McCulloch Oriental Pink/White Area Rug l Was $635, Now $259.99, at Wayfair

Delicate to the touch and luring with a peculiar high-low construction,<a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8446686-13771918?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://www.wayfair.com/rugs/pdp/fleur-de-lis-living-mcculloch-oriental-pinkwhite-area-rug-w004583310.html?piid=2119678277" data-link-merchant="wayfair.com"" data-link-merchant="wayfair.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> this rug offers a romantic colorway of multi-dimensional pink hues mixed with creams and whites for a contemporary display. 

3. Finish it off with a geometric-patterned seat

spring trends

(Image credit: Perigold)

<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X1572902&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perigold.com%2Ffurniture%2Fpdp%2Flexington-brookline-armchair-ltn10444.html%3Fpiid%3D&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - perigold.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lexington Brooklinen Armchair l Was $2,774, Now $1,949 

<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X1572902&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perigold.com%2Ffurniture%2Fpdp%2Flexington-brookline-armchair-ltn10444.html%3Fpiid%3D&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - perigold.com"" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - perigold.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">This armchair has a similar scale to the lamps above, but because its upholstered in a crisp geometric, while the lamp pattern is more abstract, the pairing is still a harmonious one. 

Want more options? Check out our <a href="https://www.realhomes.com/us/buying-guides/best-armchairs?region-switch=1607376606" data-link-merchant="realhomes.com"" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - perigold.com"" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - perigold.com"">best armchair buying guide!

Pick prints in the same color scheme

If you're looking for another way to pattern mix to perfection, start with one multi-color piece — a rug, chair, pillow, etc. — and use those hues as a jumping off point for layering additional pattern. 

For example, if you're using a blue and black wallpaper, choose the same hues for other patterns in your space.

1. Begin with a multi-colored rug

spring trends

(Image credit: Rifle Paper Co.)

<a href="https://www.gopjn.com/t/8-12339-101987-197186?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&website=194177&url=https%3A%2F%2Friflepaperco.com%2Fpeonies-navy-wool-hooked-rug" data-link-merchant="riflepaperco.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Peonies Navy Wool-Hooked Rug starting at $220, at Rifle Paper Co. 

Hooked by artisans in India from 100 percent wool yarn, this Peonies <a href="https://www.gopjn.com/t/8-12339-101987-197186?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&website=194177&url=https%3A%2F%2Friflepaperco.com%2Fpeonies-navy-wool-hooked-rug" data-link-merchant="riflepaperco.com"" data-link-merchant="riflepaperco.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">rug features large-scale blooms and budding branches in a multi-colored print featuring greens, blues, and brass tones for a feminine feel that's feels a bit edgy. 


2. Dial-in on the French blue hue when selecting wallpaper

spring trends

(Image credit: Society 6)

<a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8446686-13449276?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://society6.com/product/french-linen-chambray-tassel_wallpaper?sku=s6-11071767p69a216v762" data-link-merchant="Society6.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">FRENCH LINEN CHAMBRAY TASSEL Wallpaper l Was $49, Now $39.20, at Society6

Further, extend the same french blue shade (seen in the previously-mentioned rug) by adding this textured <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8446686-13449276?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://society6.com/product/french-linen-chambray-tassel_wallpaper?sku=s6-11071767p69a216v762" data-link-merchant="Society6.com"" data-link-merchant="Society6.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">wallpaper. The stunningly blue matte wallpaper will make an impactful statement in any space. 

Want more? Check out our best <a href="https://www.realhomes.com/buying-guides/best-peel-and-stick-wallpaper" data-link-merchant="realhomes.com"" data-link-merchant="Society6.com"" data-link-merchant="Society6.com"">peel-and-stick wallpaper buying guide!

3. Then add a touch of black-and-white

spring trends

(Image credit: Society6)

<a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8446686-13449276?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://society6.com/s?q=bar%20stool&context=bar%20stool" data-link-merchant="Society6.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Preppy Brushstroke Bar Stool l Was $199, Now $159.20, at Society6

Then, add a black-and-white-based <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8446686-13449276?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://society6.com/s?q=bar%20stool&context=bar%20stool" data-link-merchant="Society6.com"" data-link-merchant="Society6.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">bar stool for a high-contrast, but simple dose of pattern. 

Rely on solids and textures

Every room needs an opportunity for the eye to rest. In a space filled with pattern, that comes in the form of solid colors. Generally speaking, a room can handle three-to-four different patterns before it starts to feel too busy, so once you've reached that threshold, stick to solids for the rest of the space.

Of course, just because you're choosing solid pieces doesn't mean they have to be boring. Use solid accents as a chance to play with texture and scale. 

1. Start with your boldest pattern

anthropologie multicolored rug

(Image credit: Anthropologie)

<a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=kXQk6%2AivFEQ&mid=39789&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.anthropologie.com%2Fshop%2Fhandwoven-rhoswen-viscose-rug%3Fcolor%3D054%26size%3D9%25E2%2580%2599%2520X%252012%25E2%2580%2599%26inventoryCountry%3DUS%26countryCode%3DUS%26gclid%3DCjwKCAjw9MuCBhBUEiwAbDZ-7j6HvrLHcnBHpi4ThdiH-6vELuNXSNd6B2d5cVsN0a_WjK9lYH8lWRoCphkQAvD_BwE%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds%26type%3DSTANDARD%26quantity%3D1" data-link-merchant="anthropologie.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Handwoven Viscose Rug l From $88 at Anthropologie 

Don't be afraid of a boldly patterned (and colored!) rug like this boho-styled Anthropologie find. Sticking to a cohesive color palette and tonal patterns will create a striking space that still feels polished. 


2. Add in solid furniture

spring trends

(Image credit: Wayfair)

<a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8446686-13771918?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/everly-quinn-milone-323-w-velvet-swivel-barrel-chair-w004314687.html?piid=245566009" data-link-merchant="wayfair.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Everly Quinn Milone 32.3'' W Velvet Swivel Barrel Chair l Was $1,0999, Now $384.99, at Wayfair

With so many of us spending so much time by our computer, what better way to liven up your WFH-stations than by implementing a <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8446686-13771918?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/everly-quinn-milone-323-w-velvet-swivel-barrel-chair-w004314687.html?piid=245566009" data-link-merchant="wayfair.com"" data-link-merchant="wayfair.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">brand-new chair into the mix — preferably one in this bright, bold orange shade. The velvet materials add a luxurious element to any room, and now is a perfect time to snag this seat, since it also happens to be majorly marked down. 

3. Tie it together with a tonal print

spring trends

(Image credit: Etsy)

<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X1572902&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F794146316%2Fpurple-velvet-pillow-cover-velvet-throw&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - etsy.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Purple Velvet Pillow Cover l Was $25.50, Now starting at $17.85, at Etsy

Tonal pattern, that is pattern made up of different shades of the same color, is a more muted way to add print to a space. This purple-gray pillow cover is a prime example, since it'll tie in to the bold rug, without stealing the show.

Brittany Romano

Brittany Romano is a Shopping Editor, based in New York City. From her start as a fashion market assistant at Marie Claire to building a highly profitable commerce vertical at Us Weekly and AMI brands, Brittany has produced award-winning content covering everything from celebrity beauty hacks to must-have items from online sales. She is a graduate of New England College. When she isn’t writing, you can find Brittany indulging in yet another DIY project or cheering on her beloved Boston Bruins. 

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