Not sure how or where to start when trying to coordinate patterns and prints? There are some basic guidelines that will help you create an interesting look without resulting in a “Matchy Matchy” look.

A well-put together scheme is successful in achieving variety, by including patterns and prints that create “Interest”, “Structure” and “Support”. Patterns and prints can fall under more than one category depending on the circumstances.

First lets start by classifying patterns and prints. All fabrics can fit into one of these types:

Large Print– used to add “Interest”.

Small Print– used to add “Support” to the dominant pattern or print.

Geometric– used to add “Structure”.

Stripe– used to add “Support” or “Structure”.

Solid– used to add “Support”.

Make sure your scheme meets all three requirements (Interest, Support & Structure); use color to further tie together your look. The combination of patterns and prints are endless. Below are some examples to give you a better idea.

1^st Example

*A large floral print (interest): Coral colored flowers with a turquoise background and cream highlights.

*A medium size geometric pattern (structure): Turquoise geometric circles on a cream background.

*A solid cream colored (support), textured fabric.

2^nd Example

*A large geometric pattern (interest): Coral background with cream colored geometric shapes.

*Medium sized stripes (structure): Wider turquoise stripe and smaller coral colored stripe.

*A small print, for example polka dots, (Support): Cream colored dots on a turquoise background.

As long as your scheme has variety by meeting required guidelines (interest, structure & support) you can’t go wrong. The possibilities are endless when you consider mixing and matching while meeting requirements. Have fun making your own combination!

People typically associate wallpaper with being out of style and dated. This is not the case, with faux finishing on the rise. Wallpaper companies are trying to keep up and compete with faux finishing, and doing a great job at that! There is an abundance of variety and styles available in wallpaper today.

The days of floral dated wallpaper are over. Sheik wallpaper is available in all decorating styles from traditional to contemporary. If not done right, faux finishes can look cheap and rushed. In many cases, wallpaper looks better than faux finishing.

Textured wallpaper is available in all types of styles and many different materials, such as Grass, Cork, Stucco, Rock and Embossed Leather, and the list goes on and on. Tromp L’oeil style wallpapers are popular. Tromp L’oeil means realistic imagery that creates an optical illusion of being the real thing. For example there may be a wallpaper that looks like an old rock wall or a marble wall.

Patterned wallpapers are really sheik and interesting. The traditional Damask pattern has gone under a makeover. A wide variety of modern damask patterns are available in an array of sizes, colors and even metallic.

Use wallpaper to turn an ordinary room into an extraordinary room with character. Dinning rooms and powder rooms are great spaces to install wallpaper. These rooms can handle drama; use wallpaper to add instant drama and appeal!