Can Paisley and Floral Patterns Be Used in the Same Room?

Paisley designs typically include floral elements.

Mixing patterns within a room can result in a pleasing effect -- or it can be a disaster. Pairing paisley and floral designs can be achieved in a way that enhances features of each type of design. Connecting varying patterns requires finding at least one element shared by both patterns. Connect paisley and floral patterns within a room by selecting similar colors or pattern sizes.

Paisley

Paisley patterns apparently evolved from Persian patterns based on repeated pine cone shapes. These patterns were called "boteh," a word based on the Hindu word "buta," which means flower. Paisley is a popular pattern for accessories and upholstery. Carefully consider the objects you wish to cover with paisley and floral fabric. Either pattern can provide a striking treatment for a single wall or a piece of furniture, but the beauty of intricate paisley and floral fabric patterns can be lost in expanses of patterned fabrics within a room. When selecting paisley fabric for your decor, consider the size of the room and the size of the paisley pattern on the fabric. Huge paisley designs and floral prints can produce a jumbled and "loud" result.

Floral Patterns

Florals are a popular choice for patterned pillows and upholstery and can also be used for wall and window coverings. Incorporating neutral solid colors into your decor scheme, along with paisley and floral patterns, can help prevent a cloying effect. When you shop for floral fabrics, look for options of a similar pattern size to the paisley fabric you're using. You can also choose different sizes of floral patterns, but be sure to tie in colors appearing in your paisley fabric. Paisley patterns containing identifiable floral motifs can provide a basis for selecting floral fabric. A few floral-patterned accessories along with floral-themed art works will help connect the elements of your room with its paisley and floral theme.

Avoid Overdoing It

Too much color and large, overbearing patterns can overwhelm your perception of a room's decor. Using a large-scale paisley or floral-themed art piece as a focal point invites visitors in for a closer look. Use an image of the same colors or types as floral or paisley prints used in your room. A smaller fabric pattern containing roses can complement a large image of a rose of the same or similar color as those in the fabric. A pile of paisley and floral-themed pillows on a solid color couch or chair typically works better than a mishmash of paisley and floral fabrics without "breaks" of solid color.

Negative Space

Use negative space for enhancing the beauty of paisley and floral patterns. Solid light color carpeting or flooring, solid color accessories that draw out the colors of floral and paisley designs, and vacant space can all enhance intricate floral and paisley fabric patterns. Complement one wall patterned with a floral or paisley design with solid color furniture nearby. Choose a solid color for remaining walls that matches a color contained in your patterned wall. Select accessories sparingly and with care. Paisley and floral designs can quickly overwhelm a room containing too many decorative items. Follow your instincts. If something strikes you as "over the top," experiment with fabrics, color and furniture arrangements until you find the right look.

References

• House Beautiful: Decorating with Pattern - Mixing Patterns in Interior Design
• Quilter's Muse: Paisley: A Brief History