Mixology 101: Decorate With Colour & Pattern
Mixology 101: Decorate With Colour & Pattern
The word on everyone’s lips in 2025? Colour. Whether you're a seasoned interior designer, an aspiring home stylist or someone simply scrolling through endless Pinterest boards for inspiration, it seems like every corner of the design world is calling for statement-making colours and patterns.
But instead of getting lost in the search for the latest trending palette, we suggest starting right here with the basics.
From using the colour wheel to mixing different prints, these are the rules, tips and tricks we swear by.
Know the colour wheel
When it comes to understanding colour in design, the colour wheel is your best friend. It’s also where we start when considering colour temperature, which plays a big role in the atmosphere of your space.
Warm colours (red, orange, yellow) create a cozy vibe that’s perfect for making spaces feel more welcoming.
Cool colours (blue, green, purple) offer a calming ambience that’s ideal for relaxation zones.
The colour wheel is just the beginning. Now, let’s add richness with tints, tones and shades.
Tints are created when white is added to a colour. The result is a lighter, less intense version.
Tones are created when grey is added to a colour. The result is a softer, more complex version.
Shades are created when black is added to a colour. The result is a darker, more enriched version.
These variations let you refine your colour palette, so you’re not limited to a single flat hue.
Stick to a colour scheme
With the basics of colour theory in our back pocket, let’s explore three key colour schemes that you can always come back to for a well-balanced space.
Monochromatic: one colour and its variations (tints, tones & shades). For instance, blue paired with soft baby blue and deep navy.
Analogous: colours that sit next to each other on the wheel, like blue, blue-green and green.
Complementary: opposites on the colour wheel, such as blue and orange or red and green.
Each scheme offers something different, but they help create a space that feels thought-out and in perfect balance. Let’s bring that idea to life, shall we?
Apply the 60-30-10 Rule
This simple formula divides your colour palette into three distinct categories. Following this rule will ensure your colours complement one another instead of overpowering each other.
This is the main colour that covers most of the space—think walls, large furniture or flooring. It sets the tone for the room. Whether soft grey, warm beige or cool blue, the dominant colour should act as a backdrop and be versatile enough to blend with your secondary and accent colours.
The secondary colour adds contrast and visual interest but shouldn’t compete with the dominant colour. You might use it for furniture, curtains, rugs or accent walls. If your dominant colour is neutral, feel free to make the secondary colour a little livelier.
This is the boldest, most vibrant shade. It’s used sparingly to create focal points or highlight specific areas of the room. Pillows, artwork or small décor are great for showcasing your accent colour. Accent colours tend to be more energetic or daring, so use them wisely!
Play up the patterns
When it comes to choosing and mixing patterns, the first step is always returning to your colour scheme.
If you don’t have one in mind yet, start with your favourite patterned pillow or fabric. Simply use the colours within the pattern to build a custom colour scheme.
Working within your colour scheme is a failsafe way of ensuring that every print, no matter how bold, feels cohesive and intentional.
Pro tip: try mixing large, medium and small patterns together. Think oversized florals or geometric shapes balanced with small dots. It adds interest without making a room too busy.
Add depth with texture
Texture is the secret to making your patterns pop. Adding different textures—whether smooth, rough or plush—creates depth and prevents a space from feeling flat.
You might pair geometric prints with velvet cushions to balance smooth patterns with tactile richness.
Focus on the rhythm
Our number one tip for achieving balance with pattern and colour is to consider your space in its entirety. Luckily, colour is one of the easiest ways to establish rhythm. If you keep your colour scheme consistent and ensure all your patterns play into it, you can’t go wrong.
It’s kind of like the perfect playlist—each room is a different song, but when they all flow together, it’s a whole vibe