Mixing Fabrics in Design

How We Mix Fabrics in Our Interior Designs

When it comes to interior design, one of the things we love most is playing with fabrics. There’s something so satisfying about finding the perfect combination of colors, patterns, and textures that brings a space to life. Over the years, we’ve developed a few strategies for mixing fabrics that we’d love to share.

Starting with a Cohesive Color Palette

The first thing we always do is choose a color palette that will guide all of our fabric choices. We typically start with a few base colors—sometimes neutrals, sometimes bold shades—and build from there. The key is to make sure every fabric we select fits within this palette. This way, even when mixing different patterns and textures, the space feels unified and harmonious.

Mixing Patterns

Mixing patterns is one of our favorite parts of the process. We like to combine different types of patterns—stripes, florals, geometrics, you name it. To keep things from looking chaotic, we vary the scale of the patterns. For example, we might pair a large floral print with a small, subtle stripe. This adds visual interest without overwhelming the room. Our rule of thumb is to have one dominant pattern and let the others play a supporting role.

Experimenting with Texture

Texture is a game-changer when it comes to creating a cozy, inviting space. We love mixing soft, plush fabrics like velvet with rougher, more natural materials like linen. This contrast not only adds depth but also makes the room feel more dynamic. For us, the tactile experience is just as necessary as the visual one, so we always aim to create a balance of textures that feels right.

Anchor the Look with Solids

While we enjoy mixing patterns and textures, we never forget the importance of solid fabrics. Solids give the eye a place to rest and help to anchor the overall design. We usually choose solids that echo the colors found in our patterned fabrics, which helps tie everything together. It’s a simple trick, but it makes a huge difference in creating a balanced look.

Consider Scale Carefully

Scale is something we pay close attention to when mixing fabrics. Large-scale patterns can make a big statement, sometimes too big, so we use them strategically—perhaps on pillows. That way, it’s easier to change them if you get sick of them! Then, we balance those with smaller-scale patterns on large-scale items such as rugs or furniture. This layering of different scales creates a dynamic yet cohesive look that feels intentional and well-thought-out. Whether you use large-scale patterns for the big items or the small ones, make sure you balance it out.

We Always Test Before Committing

Before we commit to a particular fabric combination, we like to test it out. We’ll gather fabric swatches and lay them out on a tray to see how they interact. It’s amazing how different fabrics can look under different lighting conditions, so we make sure to check them at various times of the day. This step helps us tweak our choices until we find the perfect mix.

Mixing fabrics in interior design is something we truly enjoy—it’s where creativity meets comfort. By focusing on color, pattern, texture, and scale, we’re able to create spaces that are both beautiful and inviting.