So many of us love a room decorated with layered patterns…the coziness, the charm, the character!! Rooms like this look so romantic and pulled together.

But when it comes to committing to pattern in their own homes, people often waver, nervously unsure.

Uncertainty rises:

It’s enough to cause homeowners to freeze in their tracks!

This is why so many people have homes almost completely devoid of pattern and color. Sticking with neutral solids is much less risky, but also way less charming and unique.

Still, this hesitation is completely understandable.

Pattern can feel like a commitment, but the good news is pattern doesn’t have to mean bold florals, loud colors or dramatic statements. When approached thoughtfully, pattern can be just what a room needs to bring it life and give it personality.

In this post, I will walk you through 5 simple ways to successfully introduce pattern into your home…even if you are a little pattern shy.

1. Start with a Single-Color Pattern

A single-color pattern keeps things visually organized. There’s less for the eye to process, which makes the room feel both interesting and restful.

Patterns created with multiple colors, each with equal intensity, can seem “louder” than a pattern consisting primarily of only one hue.

When the number of colors is limited, your eye can relax.

Look at the following examples of vibrant patterns that use only one color. The effect is interesting and layered but not overly busy.

2. Choose Low-Contrast Patterns for a Softer Look

The most subtle patterns are those in which the design and the background have little contrast. This is another type of pattern to look for if you are just a little uncertain about how to make it all work.

3. Use Wallpaper in Smaller, More Controlled Areas

If you are concerned that a wallpaper pattern will take over a room, consider applying wallpaper in smaller doses.

Use wallpaper inside picture frame molding to create rectangles of pattern but not whole walls of pattern.

Wallpaper installed inside picture frame moldings is both elegant and limits the amount of pattern being introduced in a room. This is a great option for those who have shyed away from wallpaper in the past.

Another option is to apply wallpaper above a chair rail instead of from floor to ceiling.

4. Mix Patterns from the Same Source for an Easy Win

Okay, so you’re ready to introduce a pattern or two in your room. Now how can you be sure they will play nicely together?

One easy way is to choose a few items from the same company. Many home décor suppliers offer selections that are designed to work well together. Go ahead and order a few items from the same manufacturer. Then you can be confident the colors and patterns will work together. After all, they are designed that way!

Choose a couple of pillows you like from one source and you can’t go wrong. This is a great starting point for those who are nervous about pulling patterns together.

5. Use pattern selectively.

So how do I know when enough is enough? Well, that definitely depends on your pattern tolerance.

However, one of the best ways to be successful with using pattern is to keep some of the larger items in a room free of pattern. Sofas and rugs, for example, that are rich in texture but low in pattern create a lovely foundation for patterned wallpaper, pillows, and drapery.

Many people start decorating a room with a patterned rug. This is a good approach for those who are comfortable with pattern. But for the pattern shy, a neutral rug like the example below will lay the foundation for some very successful pattern play as other elements are added to the room.

Pattern doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.

By easing into pattern with these five strategies, you will build your confidence one step at a time.

Just remember to start small, pay attention to color and contrast, and soon you will create a home with that cozy, romantic feel you love!