Introduction
Decorating your home can be a thrilling adventure, especially when it comes to mixing and matching patterns. At Contrado, we believe that personalisation and creativity should shine through in your home decor choices. In this blog, we will explore how to confidently combine custom cushions, curtains, and rugs to create a harmonious and stylish living space. Whether you’re a seasoned decor enthusiast or a curious novice, you’ll find practical tips and inspiration to guide your design journey.
Moreover, if you’re a business looking to expand your inventory with unique and sustainable pieces, Contrado’s custom products can help you fulfil bulk orders for events, enhancing your offerings with our exclusive designs.
Understanding Patterns: Scale and Families
Before diving into the specifics of pattern mixing, it’s essential to understand some key concepts:
- Scale: The size of the pattern in relation to the space. Large patterns can dominate a room, while smaller patterns can create a subtle backdrop.
- Colour Harmony: This involves combining colours that work well together, considering the overall palette of your space.
- Contrast: Using contrasting patterns or colours can energise the room and make it more visually interesting.
- Pattern Families: Types of patterns can be grouped into families including florals, geometrics, stripes, and abstract designs. Mixing within these families can increase cohesion and balance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Mixing Patterns
Ready to transform your living space? Follow these actionable steps:
1. Choose a Dominant Pattern
Select a bold, eye-catching pattern that you want to feature prominently in the room. This could be a vibrant floral rug or a striking geometric curtain. Make sure this pattern reflects the mood you wish to create.
2. Select Coordinating Patterns
Once you have your dominant pattern, choose two or three additional patterns that complement it. Look for patterns that vary in scale—mixing a large floral with smaller geometric prints, for example. This variation adds visual interest without overwhelming the space.

3. Harmonise with Colour
Use a colour palette to unify your chosen patterns. Pick colours from your dominant pattern to develop a harmonious look. Ensure that the additional patterns either share similar colours or contain complementary hues.
4. Test the Layout
Before making any purchases, layout your selected patterns within the space using digital tools or on paper. Consider how the cushions, curtains, and rugs will interact in terms of visibility and interaction. Adjust as necessary until satisfied with the balance.
5. Introduce Solids and Textures
To avoid confusion and chaos, introduce solid colours or textured fabrics that correspond with your chosen patterns. This could involve opting for a muted-coloured pillow that bridges the gap between your patterned cushions and rugs.
Best Practices for Mixing Patterns
Here are some tips to keep in mind as you design your space:
- Stick to a maximum of three different patterns to maintain visual coherence.
- Vary the scale of patterns to create a dynamic feel. For example, pair a large floral with a small stripe.
- Keep some patterns subtle enough that they don’t clash with more dominant designs.
- Make sure to reflect your personal style in the patterns you select.
Visual Inspiration: Mockup Suggestions
Imagine your space decorated with these Contrado custom pieces:
- Custom Cushions: Feature a bold geometric print as the focal cushion amid more subdued botanical prints.
- Beautiful Curtains: Opt for intricate floral designs that can cascade beautifully alongside your geometric prints.
- Rugs with Depth: A large, abstract patterned rug can ground the space, tying together all featured styles.

Wrap Up
Mixing and matching patterns in your home decor doesn’t have to be daunting. With a little guidance, creativity, and the high-quality custom products offered by Contrado—including sustainable fabrics—your space can become a reflection of your unique style. Remember to embrace the art of layering and balancing patterns, allowing your home to tell a story.
Ready to dive into the world of custom home decor? Explore our range of cushions, curtains, and rugs. Plus, enjoy 10% off your first order with us today!