How to Mix Patterns Like a Southern Pro

Mixing patterns can feel intimidating, but with a few simple tips, you’ll be pairing florals with stripes like a seasoned designer. Whether you're decorating a room or styling a tablescape, here’s how to mix patterns like a true Southern pro.

🎨 1. Start with a Color Palette

The secret to a cohesive look is sticking to a defined color story. Choose 2–3 dominant colors and build your patterns around them. Southern decorators love warm, welcoming tones like coral, navy, moss green, and soft pink—with pops of gold or chinoiserie blue for contrast.

✨ Pro Tip: Use one "anchor" color to tie it all together. It could show up in a wallpaper, pillow piping, or rug fringe.

🌺 2. Vary the Scale of Patterns

Mixing patterns is all about balance. Pair a large-scale floral with a medium-sized gingham and a small geometric print. This gives your eye places to rest while still keeping things interesting.

• Large: Bold florals, toile, oversized ikat

• Medium: Stripes, trellis prints, damask

• Small: Polka dots, ticking stripe, ditsy florals

Think of it like a Southern porch party—everyone’s got their place, but no one’s yelling over each other.

🧵 3. Mix Pattern Types

Don’t be afraid to throw in different types of prints! Combining stripes, florals, checks, and chinoiserie adds visual interest and keeps your space from feeling flat.

Here are some classic Southern combos:

• Floral + Stripe + Animal Print

• Gingham + Toile + Geometric

• Botanical + Plaid + Embroidery

🎀 Southern homes are full of stories, and patterns are one way to tell yours.

🛋️ 4. Use Neutrals as Anchors

With all that color and print, don’t forget your neutrals! Solid pieces in linen, rattan, wood tones, or even a white slipcover will help balance out the busy elements and keep your space grounded.

Neutral walls, wood furniture, or even natural fiber rugs (like jute or sisal) offer just enough calm to make the bold stand out beautifully.

🖼️ 5. Layer Like a Southerner

Layers are the heart of Southern maximalism. Add patterned pillows on patterned chairs. Mix a floral tablecloth with striped napkins and chinoiserie plates. Hang wallpaper inside bookshelves. It’s all about creating depth and delight.

💡 If it feels like too much, it’s probably just right.

🏡 Final Thoughts

Pattern mixing doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to feel like you. Southern homes aren’t built overnight; they evolve with time, heirlooms, and heart. Embrace what you love, play with color, and most importantly, have fun doing it.

Now go grab that toile fabric and gingham ribbon—you’re ready to mix with the best of 'em!