Art Meets Design: Pattern Mixing Without the Fear

Discover the simple secrets of blending patterns, textures, and colors for a bedroom to feel curated, not chaotic.

The Mood: Breezy, Whimsical, Charming:

For this bedroom, I embraced a soft, dreamy palette - think modern fairytale and coastal cloudscape to create a calm, uplifting retreat. The wallpaper plays a quiet but essential role here: its airy brushstrokes give just enough movement without overpowering the space, keeping things light and breathable. It’s the kind of wallpaper that lets the furniture and playful details shine without fighting for attention. Step into the room, and you’re met with a gentle wave of calm, the whimsical pastels work like a subtle mood boost, making it the kind of space you actually want to wake up in.

A Conversation Between Pattern and Art:

Thanks to the airy feel of the wallpaper, bolder artwork gets a chance to shine. One of the secrets to creating a well-curated space is balancing the color palette across different elements, especially in the art. I brought in Multicolored Butterflies by Angie Heuton, a stunning realism piece that weaves together soft blues, purples, tans, and ochres. These hues call back to the room’s overall palette and help create a feeling of visual harmony. The contrast between the abstract wallpaper and the more detailed, lifelike artwork strikes a beautiful balance, letting the piece feel grounded in this space. To layer in more depth, I’d add abstract works in complementary tones, incorporating touches of green and yellow to bring emotional warmth and a sense of fresh movement to the space.

Bringing It All together:

I selected a rattan canopy bed frame in this space, paired with crisp white bedding to keep things feeling fresh, modern, and a little laid-back. The white nightstands keep things light and tie in beautifully with a charming lilac dresser that adds personality and a touch of quiet whimsy. Underfoot, a geometric rug grounds the space and draws attention to the bed, acting as a bold yet balanced statement against the otherwise soft palette. On the nightstands, I’ve paired pale blue hand-crafted ceramic lamps with purple patterned lampshades with just enough contrast to play off the white and add a calm, collected symmetry. To finish the look with warmth, I specified brass hardware throughout, bringing a soft glow that ties everything together with a welcoming, elevated touch.

Designer Tips for a Curated Bedroom: 

Pro Tip 1: Start with something that grounds the room.
Every great space begins with an anchor—whether that’s a statement rug, a standout fabric, or a larger furniture piece that sets the tone. From there, let that piece guide the rest of your choices to create a look that feels balanced and intentional. In this room, the geometric rug does exactly that. Its clean lines add structure and contrast to the softer, more free-flowing wallpaper and pastel palette, making everything feel tied together without trying too hard.

Pro Tip 2: Pattern mixing is an art (but not a scary one).
Don’t shy away from mixing prints! The trick is to vary both the scale and style. Pair a bold geometric with something more organic or soft, and mix large-scale prints with smaller, subtle ones. This keeps things feeling elevated and layered—instead of busy or chaotic. Think of it like conversation at a great dinner party: everyone brings something different to the table, but it still works together beautifully.



Do you have a space—or several spaces—that don’t feel like you? Or rooms that sit unused because they just don’t work for your lifestyle or spark emotion? At Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design, we specialize in creating spaces that not only function flawlessly but also reflect your personality, passion, and artful taste.

Whether it’s reimagining a cheerful breakfast nook or redesigning an entire home, we’re here to help you have a home that truly brings you happiness. Let’s work together to transform your environment into a joyful, personalized haven.