If you've ever wondered how grandmacore rooms get away with mixing so many prints, the secret is knowing your patterns and giving each one a job. Here's my quick field guide to the vintage fabrics I keep reaching for.
The prints to know
Ditsy florals are small and scattered, cabbage roses are big and romantic, and chintz is glossy and bold. Calico is a cheerful little sprig print, gingham is the dependable check, and ticking is that classic narrow stripe. Lace adds the soft finish.
A simple mixing formula
Pick one print that's large, one that's small, and one that's a stripe or check. Keep the colors in the same family, and repeat each print somewhere else in the room so it feels gathered on purpose.
Put your scraps to work
Rag baskets of fabric scraps turn into doorstops, bowl covers, and braided rugs. If you'd like a soft way to bring florals onto a tray, box or frame, my decoupage paper collection is full of pretty patterns.
Which print are you drawn to? Tell me in the comments.