I gave our tiny guest room a quick summer refresh last week. It’s been lovely to welcome guests again—mostly family—and to use some of my growing quilt collection. Layering different quilts and patterns makes a small room feel cozy, charming, and inviting.
You don’t need to start from scratch—pull together what you already own and add a few new pieces if you want. In this room I used teal blue and white striped sheets, a white waffle-weave blanket, a reversible floral-and-dot quilt, stitched quilted shams, navy-and-white striped pom-pom curtains, and a fringed accent pillow. None of the pieces matched exactly, but the mix of textures and patterns gives the space a relaxed cottage feel.
Mixing and matching is also a budget-friendly way to refresh a room.
Here are a few simple tips to get started decorating with pattern:
If you’re unsure about mixing patterns, begin with one patterned quilt or a reversible quilt that pairs two designs for you. Another easy approach is to choose patterned sheets and build the rest of the bedding around them.
Stripes are classic and versatile—pair them with florals, geometrics, or both for interest.
A reliable formula is to pick one color plus white. Using several shades of the same color with white creates a cohesive look even when patterns differ.
When you’re ready to mix several patterns, rely on the “one color plus white” idea or use multiple tones of a single color to keep the palette unified.
If you want to combine two of the same pattern type—two florals or two stripes—vary the scale: pair a larger pattern with a smaller one to avoid visual competition.
For a bold color or large-scale pattern, let it be the room’s focal point. Balance it with smaller patterns and softer hues in supporting pieces.
Don’t forget texture: pom-poms, tassels, waffle weaves, and fringe add depth and make a room feel special.
For more decorating guidance, see my books The Inspired Room, Simple Decorating, and But Where Do I Put the Couch.
Room Sources
Stitched quilt shams and reversible floral quilts coordinate well with striped curtains and textured blankets. I layered a blue-and-white striped sheet set with a waffle blanket and added pom-pom trimmed navy curtains and a fringed pillow for contrast and warmth.
A camelback upholstered bed pairs nicely with soft florals and crisp stripes, and can be found in a variety of finishes to suit different budgets.
For more decor sources and ideas, visit the shop section of my site for curated pieces and similar finds.
Related Posts
Looking for more decorating tips? Check the How to Decorate page for ideas that work in every room, along with seasonal inspiration and small-space decorating advice.
Explore posts on summer decorating, small bedroom ideas, organizing a small house, tiny bedroom tours, and apartment updates for practical, real-life examples of mixing pattern, texture, and color.
If you enjoyed this room refresh, also read my tips on how to mix patterns in your home to build confidence with color and design.