From Outfit to Interiors: Pattern Pairings Inspired by My Closet
When I am looking for inspiration, I do not always start with paint decks or Pinterest boards. I often start in my closet. Fashion has always been my first creative outlet, and it naturally spills into the way I style interiors. The way I pair a floral skirt with a striped blouse is not all that different from the way I layer wallpaper with art. Both are about confidence, balance, and finding harmony in the unexpected.
Your wardrobe already tells you so much about your taste. If you gravitate toward breezy bohemian prints or tailored plaid jackets, chances are you will love those same vibes at home. Today I want to share how my own closet inspires my interiors and how you can use fashion pairings as a guide to mixing patterns in your home.
Start with a Signature Piece
Every outfit begins with one item that takes the lead. For me, it is often a bold floral dress or a pair of patterned shoes. In interiors, the same idea applies. One piece should set the tone. That could be a large scale wallpaper mural or an oversized piece of art. Once the statement piece is chosen, everything else layers around it.
For example, my Pattern Mixing Guide shows how one strong pattern can anchor a space while others act as accents. Think of it like choosing a favorite dress and then adding just the right jacket, shoes, and accessories.
Play with Scale and Proportion
One of my favorite tricks in fashion is wearing a chunky knit sweater with delicate jewelry. That contrast makes both pieces shine. The same goes for interiors. Mixing a bold oversized wallpaper pattern with smaller scale accents like a micro dot pillow or a checkered rug keeps things visually interesting but not overwhelming.
A perfect example is my Driftmark Wallpaper . Its subtle neutral pattern acts as a backdrop that you can layer with smaller art prints or more detailed pieces like the Modern Boho Arch . Together, they create a balance of scale that feels fresh but still curated.
Use Color as the Connector
Color is always the bridge between patterns. In fashion, I will pull a blouse in a less obvious shade from a skirt’s floral print, creating harmony without being too matchy. At home, I do the same by choosing an art print or wallpaper that pulls a hidden color forward and lets it shine.
If you love wearing navy with mustard accessories, imagine that combo on your walls. Navy wallpaper paired with mustard accented artwork feels sophisticated and unexpected. If your closet is full of blush and sage, translate that into soft floral prints layered with botanical wallpaper.
My Color Connector page is designed to help you do exactly that. It shows which hues tie your favorite prints together so you can confidently bring them into your home.
Fashion Inspired Pairings to Try at Home
Stripes and Florals
Think of the classic striped tee with a floral skirt. At home, striped wallpaper paired with a floral art print feels just as timeless and playful.
Plaids and Abstracts
A plaid blazer works beautifully with a flowing abstract scarf. On your walls, try plaid inspired prints layered next to abstract art for a chic modern twist.
Monochrome Layers
All black outfits work because of texture — leather, knit, satin, denim. At home, layering tone on tone patterns creates depth without relying on color. The Blue Rhythm Arch is a perfect example of how monochrome blues can create richness and movement without adding busy color.
Bold and Neutral
I love pairing a loud patterned skirt with a classic white blouse. Interiors work the same way. Balance one daring wallpaper with more neutral artwork or vice versa for a curated feel.
From Closet to Couch
What excites me most about this approach is how personal it feels. You do not have to follow anyone else’s rules. Just look at what you already love to wear. That is your style speaking loud and clear. Whether it is romantic florals, tailored plaids, or playful geometrics, bring those patterns into your interiors with wallpaper, art, and accents.
Your closet and your home do not need to feel like separate worlds. When they share the same design DNA, you create spaces that feel truly yours. And that is what living your style is all about ✨
If you loved this, you might also enjoy my post on Closet to Couch: How Fall Wardrobe Shifts Inspire Home Styling . It takes a seasonal angle on the same idea, showing how fall textures and palettes can inspire cozy interiors.