Hello everyone, I’m so happy to welcome back contributing writer Michelle from Ten June today to offer some tips on a hot topic in interior design: how to mix patterns. Each designer has their way of bringing a space to life with the use of mixed patterns and if you study them carefully, there are always tips to glean from great design. Today Michelle is back to share five helpful ways to mix patterns. 

“Hello, hello! It’s great to be back here writing at Centsational Girl. After taking some time off to have my first little one, I’m ready to dive back into discussing the world of interior design. And where better to start than one of designs most puzzling concepts: mixing patterns. 

First off, bravo to you if you are already a whiz at pattern mixing! It’s one of those skills that I marvel at, kind of like when someone can do long division in their head or remember the capital city in every state. For me, the concept of mixing patterns in interior design is tough and is something I strive to learn more about as I play with patterns in my own home.

Today, though, I’ve done my homework and am excited to share with you a few tried and true methods to mixing different patterns in interior design. Think of it as sort of a “Pattern Mixing For Dummies” approach if you will. Without further ado, here are five approaches to effectively mixing patterns in design.

1. Start with Solids. If you ever feel overwhelmed with the patterns you are trying to piece together, simply start with a solid foundation and mix in a few more solid pillows to help break up the patterns.  It’s an easy way to get polka dots, florals, and graphic or exotic prints to work together when the backdrop is a solid, or you’ve separated the patterns with solid color fabrics.  

Oh Happy Day

Pottery Barn

Amber Interior Design

Better Homes & Gardens

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New month, new roundup post! I almost didn’t do one for March since I spent a week away but looking back, there were quite a few good posts during the work weeks, so here y’all go, the top ten not to miss posts from March.

1.  I painted a thrift store credenza in gray and gold; 2.  Here’s a roundup of fabulous sources for affordable pillows; 3.  Spring came indoors in the form of blooming branches;  4.  The ideas for renters series continued with solutions for kitchens; 5.  This is my travel camera; 6.  the proper measurements for chandeliers.  

7.  My daughter’s room got a fresh look in lavender and blue; 8.  We adventured in Oahu; 9. table runners became new spring pillows; and 10. washi tape Easter eggs.

        Be back later today with a requested topic: tips on mixing patterns!

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Oh, just editing these pictures makes me miss Maui so much. *sigh* After our three days in Oahu on spring break we island hopped to Maui for another four days of bliss. “Maui No Ka Oi” in Hawaiian means “Maui is the best” and it’s a phrase tossed around by Maui residents a lot – they take pride in the beauty and community of their island. 

We love Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island too, each has its own unique beauty, yet we find ourselves returning to Maui the most because for us it offers everything we want to do, see, and taste when in Hawaii.       

Here’s a glimpse of our four days in Maui and some of the favorite places we’ve come to love over the years in this beautiful destination.    

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Happy Monday everyone, hope you had a lovely Easter weekend! We managed to squeeze in an egg hunt just before it started to rain, and Matt grilled seasoned lamb chops for dinner under the umbrella, but because of the raindrops it was nice quiet day for us. Today is a rare Monday ‘Best of the Blogosphere’ post but it’s been a few weeks, so Amanda and I again gathered up our favorites, enjoy these inspiring spaces, projects, and ideas!       

I loved reading the story behind this creative home office makeover designed by Stephen Saint Onge at Designer Dad. 

This big girl room at Lily Pad Cottage is filled with colorful sweet touches.

Miss Mustard Seed transformed her inviting kitchen and documented the process over the years with a recent reveal of the new space, gorgeous!

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