Pay attention to color when you’re mixing patterns.
The easiest way to mix patterns is with color. It gets easier to combine florals with plaids and abstract motifs when they share a common color palette.
Your colors don’t have to be all the same color. Pick a color scheme and work with the colors in that scheme. An analogous color scheme (i.e, a scheme in which your colors sit next to each other on the color wheel) is a great starting place for working with schemes and patterns.
When you’re considering color as you mix patterns, remember that working with neutral-colored patterns can result in a backdrop for your photos that’s full of texture and interest.
Debbie Hodge started choosing patterns for this page with a small multi-color block of patterned paper with a floral motif. All other pattern colors on the page come from that block. Additionally, all other patterns are either tone-on-tone or tone-with-neutrals. There are two yellow prints in the background, and two black-and -cream prints: a zigzag and a text.
Patterned Paper: 5th and Frolic by Dear Lizzy, Soho Garden by American Crafts; Thread: Flossy Stitches 2 by Katie Pertiet; Bits: Ordinary Special by Kaye Winiecki, Oh Dearie by Paislee Press, Pasted and Pinned by A Stoeffel; Brad Bonanza by Pattie Knox; Alpha: Basic Paper Alpha Teal by Katie Pertiet; Bohemian Typewriter font (MSD Make It Mean)
SEE IT IN MAKE IT MEAN