The key to an on-trend home this spring? Mixing pattern like a pro

If you're looking to be out with the old and in with the new spring trends this year, Wayfair's professional team of esteemed experts is here to help. The retailer's in-house style-makers gathered together to select the spring interior design trends to watch, all sure to make an impactful statement this season.

Among the standouts? Fresh spins on traditional styles and all-matte moments, but there's one major trend we think will take center stage this spring: Mixing pattern.

A pattern-packed interior is not only an excellent way to liven up your home, it's perfectly on-trend with the current turn towards maximalism, says Wayfair's in-house design specialist, Brianna Torres. “With the right combination of shape and color, pattern mixing can create a statement while remaining harmonious,” she notes. “This trend is all about embracing complementary colors, graphic patterns, and organic embellishments." 

And if you need a helping hand on how to best go about acing this trend? Here are three tips for mixing patterns like a pro.

Vary the scale and style of your prints

Mastering the art of mixing pattern can be tough, especially if you've never attempted it. But, there are some tried-and-true rules that make it easier. 

First and foremost? Pay attention to scale. Pattern that's visually similar, or the same scale (i.e. two ditsy floral patterns, or a large-scale geometric paired with a wide stripe) will visually compete with one another. A ditsy floral paired with a wide stripe, on the other hand, is a recipe for pattern-mixing success.

Check out the visual, below. 

1. Start with a small scale accent piece

2. Add a rug with a larger pattern

3. Finish it off with a geometric-patterned seat

Pick prints in the same color scheme

If you're looking for another way to pattern mix to perfection, start with one multi-color piece — a rug, chair, pillow, etc. — and use those hues as a jumping off point for layering additional pattern. 

For example, if you're using a blue and black wallpaper, choose the same hues for other patterns in your space.

1. Begin with a multi-colored rug

2. Dial-in on the French blue hue when selecting wallpaper

3. Then add a touch of black-and-white

Rely on solids and textures

Every room needs an opportunity for the eye to rest. In a space filled with pattern, that comes in the form of solid colors. Generally speaking, a room can handle three-to-four different patterns before it starts to feel too busy, so once you've reached that threshold, stick to solids for the rest of the space.

Of course, just because you're choosing solid pieces doesn't mean they have to be boring. Use solid accents as a chance to play with texture and scale. 

1. Start with your boldest pattern

2. Add in solid furniture

3. Tie it together with a tonal print