The Art of Mixing Patterns, Textures & Colors In Your Home
By: Mary Catherine Folmar / Cotton & Quill
I’ve always had a love for pattern and color.
From the timeless elegance of Colonial Williamsburg and my grandmother’s home—filled with fabulous chintz and trellis patterns—to my travels across Europe and Asia, diverse patterns, colors, and architectural details have long inspired me. These influences have shaped my design aesthetic for Cotton & Quill.
When I founded Cotton & Quill in 2012 as a textile and wall covering company, I set out to blend the richness of my Southern roots with inspiration from my travels. The result is a portfolio of bold patterns and colors, designed to help others create layered, stylish spaces.
The Art of Mixing Patterns
I never fully realized I had a knack for mixing patterns, colors, and textures until I started Cotton & Quill. Once I began offering my designs at market and in a storefront, I started hearing a common compliment: “You have such an eye for mixing colors and patterns.” This surprised me because I never consciously thought about it—I simply chose what was visually pleasing.
After opening our storefront, I recognized that many people love pattern and color but feel uncertain about how to incorporate them effectively.
I’ve learned that it’s entirely possible to include a variety of patterns in a space, as long as you maintain a consistent palette to create harmony. The scale of patterns also plays a crucial role in successful mixing.
My method for scale is simple: oversized, medium, and small. Cotton & Quill is known for its oversized patterns, but as my design approach has evolved, I’ve started to consider how a pattern will be used—will it be for drapery, upholstery, pillows, or lampshades? These decisions are key when mixing patterns.
The Art of Layering Textures
Layering textures and finishes adds depth and dimension to a space. Whether mixing materials—like pairing a classic wood piece with lucite or lacquered items—or combining fabric and wallpaper, textures create visual richness. For example, I love the contrast of metallic grasscloth walls paired with polished cotton or silk window treatments, complemented by velvet accessories throughout the room for added luxury.
As with pattern mixing, I have a method for layering textures and finishes. Recently, I designed a laundry room and powder bath for the Birmingham Home & Garden Inspiration Home, where I intentionally mixed textures to create a balanced yet dynamic space.
In the laundry room, I used the same pattern throughout but varied the finishes and textures. The walls were dressed in matte paper, which contrasted beautifully with the glossy cabinets and granite countertops. A cotton-voile curtain softened the window, while a polished cotton skirt covered the appliances. Woven baskets and a rustic farm table further added depth. The Colonial Williamsburg-style floor cloth provided another layer of texture, tying together the fabric, wallpaper, and cabinetry.
For the powder bath, I used metallic grasscloth for the walls and a polished cotton skirt for the sink. The pleated skirt softened the stone sink, adding a touch of femininity. An antique mirror with a natural wood finish and oil paintings completed the space, while a small oriental rug on hardwood floors added warmth and softness.
The Art of Color
Color is often one of the most daunting aspects of design for my clients, but here’s the truth: it’s just paint (or pillows), and both can easily be changed!
My advice is simple: choose one color as the dominant hue for the space, whether it’s a soothing Palladian Blue or a rich green. Then, pick a complementary color to serve as a pop—something bold like blood-orange. This creates visual interest and defines the space.
When designing my mother’s historic home—and now revitalizing my grandmother’s historic home—I used Palladian Blue as the main color. The custom-dyed cuckoo drapes matched the walls, and botanical pillows—from trellis to chintz designs—tied everything together in the same hue. I kept the upholstery neutral, introducing accents with black lacquer furniture and a striking deep red-orange candelabra and cabinet back. The result is a room that seamlessly blends old and new and has become one of the most beloved spaces.
The key takeaway? Don’t be afraid of color!
The Art of a Layered & Stylish Home
Ultimately, the art of creating a layered and stylish home is about incorporating the things you love. Be bold with patterns, textures, and color—trust your instincts, and if something excites you, make it part of your space.
Layering is key. Mix the old with the new. Pair sisal rugs with hides or place a lacquered piece of furniture atop an oriental rug. Combine different finishes—from natural wood to leather to lacquer—and mix velvets, polished cotton, and silk. And if you’re feeling particularly daring, add wallpaper!
Creating a layered, stylish home is all about embracing the things you love and trusting your instincts. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns, textures, and colors—whether you’re going bold or subtle, each piece contributes to the unique story of your space. Remember, design is a personal journey, and your home should reflect your individuality and passions. By layering in pieces that speak to you and playing with the elements of design, you can craft a timeless, curated space that feels truly your own. Enjoy the process, and let your home evolve into a place that brings joy and inspiration every day.
-Mary Catherine Folmar / Cotton & Quill
About the Author:
Mary Catherine Folmar is the founder and principal designer of Cotton & Quill, a textile and design company. A native of Alabama, she holds a degree in Industrial Design from the College of Architecture, Design & Construction at Auburn University. Mary Catherine has been designing and creating since childhood, and her work has been featured in numerous publications.
Her design inspiration draws heavily from her Southern roots and her travels abroad, and she is continually working to expand Cotton & Quill into a full lifestyle brand. When she’s not designing, Mary Catherine enjoys farming, foraging, and spending time with her husband on their property in South Alabama. She also cherishes time with their dogs, Butters and Toby, and their cat, Mr. Kitty.
Follow Mary Catherine and Cotton & Quill on Instagram @cottonandquill, Facebook @cottonquill, and shop her designs at http://www.cottonquill.com
Photos provided by: Cotton & Quill
Share this post:
Click this link to visit our shop! Follow us on social media below!
Southern Hospitality Company
2 responses to “The Art of Mixing Patterns, Textures & Colors in Your Home”
[…] southern hospitality […]
[…] below a marble backsplash or introduce a live-edge shelf above a slab sink. These material combos give your space texture, movement, and a sense of balance that reads custom, not […]