Say goodbye to cream and hello to bold and funky patterns. Today we're talking prints. They're a fantastic way to breathe vibrancy and interest into a room.
When looking to add color, many simply opt for a bright pillow or window dressing, but it shouldn't stop there. With prints, we can go much further. From chairs to tables, sofas and more, there are no limits to what we can cover in patterns and color.
If you're thinking of harnessing the power of prints, you've come to the right place. We'll be talking you through a few of the guidelines to help you create a cool and cohesive look you'll love. Shall we begin?
Moderation is key
You can certainly have too much of a good thing, and this is certainly true with prints. Mixing your prints is a great idea, but you shouldn't group a bunch of random prints or use a different print for each item in a room - you need to have a strategy. Too many prints can make the room seem chaotic and give you and your guests a headache. So it's wise to err on the side of caution and moderation.
Aim for balance
Creating a balanced look within a space becomes more challenging if there are many colors in play. So, if new to the game, it's a good idea to stick with a neutral, monochrome palette.
Let the pattern be your guide
If there's one piece that dominates the room, such as a patterned sofa or set of armchairs, let that be the guide to the rest of the room. Draw from the colors in the print and use them for the rest of the space, from the walls to the rug and accessories. Not everything should match of course, but the elements should gel together.
Mix and match patterns
Mixing patterns can be intimidating to some, and with good reason: it's easy to get wrong. Where most people fail is with scale, not pattern. If your main piece has a large-scale print, then use small to medium scale prints for the other elements to avoid them competing. If in doubt, use this trick: Go for one floral, one geometric, and one stripe pattern.
Big graphic florals are a statement
When using a big, graphic floral, remember that this will be a statement-making piece in the room. You will have to design the rest of your prints around this one. This is especially true for wallpapers, and still true when the object is small
Animal prints go with everything
There was a time when animal print was considered questionable at best. Thankfully, those days are long gone. You may still be wary of using animal print, but don't be. There are so many different types now that they can shine in almost any space.
Print with cupboards and credenzas
Did you think that prints were limited to upholstered pieces? Not anymore! In today's world, designers are using prints for all types of pieces. Cupboards and credenzas are perfect candidates for the print treatment. Use soft floral garlands or bold geometrics to create fantastic-looking furniture.
Print with sofas
A sofa is often the centerpiece of your living room and thus it's very important when upholstering this piece to choose carefully. Bold and colorful upholstery will make a powerful statement, so beware of creating an effect that's too overwhelming. If you're new to prints, it may be a good idea to use prints for just the sofa. It can often be enough to transform the room.
Print with tables and desks
Decorating tables and desks with prints creates quite a novelty effect. Tables are great for testing a print out as they can be moved from room to room with ease. For glam factor, try a zebra print on a desk table, or maybe an Ikat-style print to create an elegant dining table.
We hope this short guide has helped to explain how you can harness the awesome power of prints. Let your creativity guide you as you build the perfect patterned palace!
