Decorating with prints can add energy to your decor.

You may be surprised that mixing and matching is a beautiful strategy for prints.

Today’s home decorating prints are not the old fashioned patterns that might first come to mind. Options include stripes, geometrics, florals, animal prints, abstract shapes and more, all updated to today’s color palettes and decorating styles.

Prints can be bold and colorful or oh-so-subtle and neutral. It depends what YOU like, and what looks good in YOUR home!

Mix colors, patterns and scale for a beautiful finishing touch.

Decorating elements that are perfect for prints include:

Furniture and upholstery fabrics

Window coverings

Flooring

Wall coverings

Bedding

Tile and backsplashes

Even painted patterns on wood furniture and walls

Do mix and match patterns – within a few simple guidelines! It’s good to start with one print that has a relatively large pattern, and use this for more than half of your printed materials in a room. Then as you mix patterns with additional home elements, use smaller scales and some of the same colors. This will ensure a harmonious look, rather than a sense of chaos. And balance prints with solid color design elements in the same color range to settle your look.

As with all design decisions, try to bring print samples home before you make your selections. Sometimes colors and patterns look different at home than in a showroom. If you’re nervous about adding prints to your home décor, experiment just a little with decorative throws, pillows, bedding and table linens. Prints are a great low-cost way to update the look of your home for just one season or for a lifetime!

Add some energy and visual engagement to your home, with prints this season.