Help Customers Choose and Mix Patterns

WLC_3_Kitchen_I_land_Trend_20160831-3-15f30h5-768x441More and more, customers are relying on fabricators to help them make choices with colors and patterns for countertops, backsplashes, tile and cabinets, but it can be a difficult proposition when first making such recommendations. However, a few tips from Willow Lane Cabinetry in Hopewell Junction, N.Y., can simplify the task and make you look like a professional interior designer.

Mixing patterns has long been an intimidating process for those outside the world of interior design. Many fabricators are afraid of clashing with their customers’ personal tastes, and trends can change each season. The risk you take with matching patterns is usually well worth the reward, which will be fully understood once you see the satisfaction on your clients’ faces, and they recommend you to their friends.

Tip 1: Choose Three Patterns

One mistake amateur pattern matchers make is to choose an even number of patterns, but an odd number, preferably limited to three, creates a well-balanced appearance. It is also much easier to match three patterns successfully rather than five, seven or more.

Tip 2: Stay Consistent With Colors

Consistency is key when choosing the colors of patterns. If you have three or more patterns all of varying colors, the room will look too busy, distracting viewers from the true beauty of the countertop and its complementary components. Much like swatches of paint, try to stick to different shades of the same basic color or use neutral colors to bridge the gap, such yellow and blue bridged with gray.

Tip 3: Use Permanent Patterns

Always try to use permanent patterns, like those of the countertop, backsplash and floor rather than relying on décor and accessories. Permanent patterns offer a sense of intent, as if they are meant to be there for a purpose rather than thrown together willy-nilly.

Tips 4: Consider Scale

One of the secrets of mixing patterns to be aesthetically pleasing is to choose one large-scale pattern and two small-scale patterns. Always choose the largest scale first and work your way down. The primary pattern should be the true focal point while the smaller patterns complement it. A good rule of thumb is that the secondary patterns should be about half the size of the primary pattern, but they should also use different design elements, such as one striped and one floral.

Tip 5: Don’t Limit Your Focus

When mixing patterns, always try to take full of advantage of the space, using fixtures or accessories as focal points. For instance, a decorated kitchen window can liven the room, and even above-the-sink windowsill décor can provide inspiration for a choice of patterns.

Read the full article here – Home Trends: How to Mix Patterns Like a Pro