How to Coordinate Floral Patterns Like a Designer

Floral patterns are everywhere this summer, making interior designers extremely excited.

“We’re never afraid to use beautiful florals,” says Ashley Ferguson, founder of Ashley Ferguson Interiors. “Flowers can make a space feel alive and warm.”

If you want to incorporate different patterns into your home without making it look chaotic, you’ll want to read on. We asked designers to share their top tips on how to mix and match floral patterns to make them look elegant, not gaudy. Below, the experts offer their go-to solutions.

Play favorites

Pick a floral pattern you like best and designate that as the dominant fabric to help you determine your color palette, says Bambi A’Lynn Bratton, founder of Bambi A’Lynn Interior Design.

“It doesn’t have to be the biggest or densest floral—just the one you like best—and then build from there,” says the designer. “Once you have a base you like, it’s easier to mix and match to get a layered look.”

Amy Pigliacampo, founder of Amy Pigliacampo Interiors, agrees and recommends focusing on your personal preferences for color and pattern.

When it comes to color palettes, it’s wise to stick to a general color scheme for maximum sophistication. Bratton suggests using a tie-in color between floral patterns to help unify the overall look and feel of the space. “Try a bold color or even a nice neutral to connect the dots between patterns,” Bratton says.

You may also want to consider the overall look of your home when choosing colors.

“It’s really all about scale, instinct, and a few elements that tie it all together, whether it’s a specific floral pattern, a specific color or texture, or references to other elements in the home so the space doesn’t feel completely random,” says Pigliacampo.

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Pay attention to the scale

Worried that your space will look too busy with multiple florals? This is easily avoided with a thoughtful approach. Stay away from duplicate patterns of the same size and make sure the white space and density don’t clash with the florals, says Bratton.

Pigliacampo notes that combining too many small patterns together is a no-no.

Woven in prints and other solids

Instead of just throwing in flowers and calling it a day, consider introducing other patterns and textures into your space. Bratton suggests mixing things up by decorating with stripes, plaid, birds, or animals.

“You can also weave floral patterns in a variety of textures, such as linen, chintz, brocade or embroidery,” she says.

Sarah Latham, founder of Latham Interiors, agrees and recommends balancing the space with geometric shapes and patterns rather than using florals on every surface.

Have fun with Trim

Get creative with your floral patterns and don’t forget the borders.

Grey Joyner, founder of Grey Joyner Interiors, likes to use subtle floral borders when paired with bold florals for chairs or pillows because it helps each pattern stand out in its own unique way.

Think beyond the obvious

Remember that you don’t have to use pillowcases and curtains when decorating with flowers.

“A large floral rug in the living room can be balanced with smaller floral patterns on decorative pillows and a delicate floral pattern on a lampshade,” says Allison Kaminsky, principal designer at Lola Tucker Interiors.

Be confident in your choice

If you want to use flowers, really go all out.

“It’s really the boldness that makes pattern matching work,” says Pigliacampo. “If you’re too
With caution and restraint, the end result will usually be evident.”

Ultimately, successfully combining floral patterns comes down to choosing what you love and feel good about the arrangement.

“There are some rules to sample mixing, but it’s mostly intuitive and fun,” Pigliacampo explains. “I think you have to be very comfortable with your choices and follow your instincts.”

Pigliacampo encourages people to believe in their original vision and trust in the effective combination because their confidence will make others believe in it too.