How to Decorate with Patterns, According to Designer and Author James Farmer

"Repetition of texture can help achieve wonderful results when mixing patterns. Here, the wool rug is knotted and serves as a grounding element on which I based the scheme for the room," says Farmer. "The antique textile hanging behind the sofa is also a loomed and knotted piece.

"I also often rely on a jaunty color combo for the 'heavy lifting' in rooms with multiple patterns. In this case, mustard and turquoise are strategically placed and arranged from the top of the shelving to the ottomans below. The colors can also be seen in the rug, textile piece, and other fabrics."

The antique coffee table is from Peachtree Battle Antiques; the pillow and sofa fabrics are Schumacher and Lee Jofa; the turquoise pottery lamps are Paul Schneider Ceramics.

Using one significant statement pieces, in this case the antique Coromandel screen, establishes a "base" for mixing patterns. Its colors are carried throughout the furnishings, including the rug.

The arrow root wallcovering is Schumacher; the tiger pattern fabric is Cowtan & Tout; the floral pattern is Schumacher; the leather is Edelman.

"This room has wonderful symmetry, which made it possible for us to add architectural pattern on the ceiling. Here, I designed a fretwork motif reminiscent of Chippendale cabinets; we lacquered it in white for further effect."

A tightly patterned antique carpet unifies the room. Its warm reds are picked up in the accent pillows and the sandy hues repeated in the sofas, which are upholstered in a cut velvet tiger pattern (Cowtan & Tout).

"Imagine a garden painting. The garden’s ground is alive with blooming groundcovers. Then a vine grows vertically upward. The sky is a perfect shade of blue. That's what we were hoping to achive with the design of this dining room."

An antique Persian rug is the grounding of this “garden.” The Lewis and Wood wallpaper is truly a vine motif growing up to the sky. The ceiling is lacquered in a sky blue (Pearl by Benjamin Moore). Pops of garden-fresh green are carried throughout, from the lampshades to the majolica plates.

"This kitchen connects the terrace and dining room to the rest of the home. Because it's a transitional space, we kept the palette fairly neutral and added pattern with lots of texture, from the rush barstools and glazed subway tile backsplash to the honed countertop and glazed cabinets. Wood beams lend a rustic air, while touches of metal (in the pendant lamps over the island and in the range hood) pick up the steel and glass doors used throughout the home."

In the breakfast book, a grid of pressed botanicals framed all together echoes the geometric patterns in the ceiling beams and the dining chair backs.

"When mixing patterns, a formula actually can help give some order to the patterns' playfulness. Here, I used a floral (the acanthus wallpaper from Brunshwig and Fils), a check (the bedskirt, Euro shams, and headboard, from Colefax & Fowler), and a stripe (on the floors), which is an easy formula for mixing pattern.

"Another trick is to repeat color throughout the room. The green check also shares the same green tone as the wing chair's flame stitch (from Clarence House). The flame stitch’s red is repeated in the monogram (from Legacy Linens)."

Sometimes a degree or two “off” of traditional color pairings helps add cadence and rhythm to pattern combinations. For example, instead of classic red and green, this bedroom is more of a raspberry and kiwi combination. Pottery lamps (by Bradburn) pick up on the green hue in the checks, while warm brown antique side tables add earthiness.

On the patio, we took one pattern (a striped performance textile from Perennials) and cut it into concentric squares for some of the toss cushions. The juxtaposition against the striped cushions creates an energetic vibe that's not overwhelming. The furniture (from Janus et Cie) is all cast in the same finish, allowing the patterned cushions to truly stand out.

Landscape Design: Rick Anderson.