Should we mix and match patterns? It's a recurring debate in the interior design world, and certainly among the Homes & Gardens team. While some of us love the maximalist approach of pattern clashing, others prefer to keep things more uniform with a singular pattern. Shea McGee, however, has recently made her stance clear: mixing and matching is here to stay.
In a clip shared on the McGee & Co. Instagram page, the brand's designer showed off some patterned pieces from her collection. She has proven that with the right styling, you can learn how to mix patterns in a room with ease.
'We’re mixing cross-stitch and jacquard details; we have a check and a block print. All this pattern-mixing and some of these vintage, nostalgic styles, they still work against the clean lines of this space,' she explains in the video.
Shea says that the key to making mixed patterns work seamlessly together rather than against each other is to be selective with the prints you are introducing to your space.
'But it’s just choosing a few select moments to add those really heavy, charming details,' she elaborates. 'Pillows are a great way to do that as well as decorative accessories.'
We can see that she has opted to decorate with neutrals via her pillowcases, with browns, creams, and grays serving as the dominant colors. By keeping these shades within the same color family, she ensures that there is continuity with these mixed pieces (despite their differing prints).
Size is also significant; rather than implementing statement patterned furnishings. The designer has intentionally placed printed throw pillows on her striped sofa, adding just the right amount of pattern clashing to the otherwise neutral-hued space.
Want to try out the look for yourself? Take a look at the McGee & Co micropatterns edit, and shop a few of our favorite products below.
Shop the Shea McGee-approved pattern clashing edit
This gorgeous, Jacquard pillow cover has a heritage-inspired feel, with a woven texture and versatile, white and gray colorway.
Beloved in a variety of design styles, plaid is a staple pattern, and this brown and cream pillowcase is an excellent addition to any sofa.
We would be remiss not to include a floral print in a pattern edit, and this one is certainly worth the buy with its gorgeous, brown color and hand-printed design.
It can be daunting to know where to start when decorating with patterns, the possibilities within interior design are endless. Mixing patterns is a great way to bring color and depth into a home, but it can sometimes be tricky to get right. The key to success is to make sure the colors and scales are balanced. Have fun and be playful when it comes to your chosen home decor ideas, and it will be hard to go too wrong.
