A lesson in design and style

First all colors are not solids! Many of the colors we use in our homes come from the various patterns on the fabrics, wallpapers, accessories, and even the flooring. The color schemes are not the only factors to consider when working with this balancing act! The patterns or design on them are also an integral part of your room's success. The skill of combining patterns takes a little practice and becomes easier if you follow these guidelines! It is not important whether or not you choose patterns, it is important HOW you use them!
BASIC PATTERN GROUPS:

1. LARGE FLORAL
This category consists of most large patterns, consisting of, printed cottons, wall murals,oriental rugs, large paintings.

2. GEOMETRICS
This category consists of most linear patterns such as stripes, checks, plaids, diagonals, chevrons, circles, lattices, etc......

3. MINIPRINTS
This category consists of the small scaled prints that are both floral and geometric. This difference is in their size. These consist of small dots, calicos, paisley etc...

4.SOLIDS
This category is perhaps the most important of all. The effect of a solid serves to accent or compliment it's companion fabrics. This consists of walls, floors, ceilings, upholstery, accessories, window treatments, etc...

Remember that patterns do NOT come from fabrics, or wallpapers alone! These might be paintings, brick work, flooring, architectural details, or even the views from the windows!

These are some notes I had from my recent Interior Design class....I learned so much in this class..things I had no idea about! I look at rooms from an entirely different perspective now... the juxtaposition of items, the art, the color, everything. Perhaps this might help some of those having trouble with their rooms!
Cheers
French;)