When wondering how to decorate a kitchen, you may initially be drawn to expensive hardware, new backsplashes, repainted cabinets, or a full island replacement. However, the more dynamic, affordable way to make an impact is by layering and mixing expressive, soft patterns designed to really brighten up the room.

At Geometry, we specialize in artful home essentials that make a splash, all particularly great for layering your way. And don’t worry. Mixing patterns doesn’t mean creating random chaos. By following a few design rules and exploring kitchen styling ideas, you can reinvent your space and keep away the counter clutter. 

Step 1: Establish Your Anchor Pattern

Don’t know where to start? An anchor piece is an interior design concept which states that the boldest item should always ground the room’s aesthetic. While this anchor piece can take many forms and be located in a variety of spots, an oven bar can serve as a great primary display area.

Here is where Geometry’s Tea Towels really come in handy. Add one to the oven bar in your kitchen and don’t be afraid to go bold. Consider a large-scale floral or vibrant abstract print that will help create the color palette for the rest of the room, all while showing off your own unique personal style. 

Step 2: The Science of Scale and Proportion

When learning about how to decorate a kitchen, you can’t forget the golden rule of mixing patterns: never place two large-scale prints right next to each other. While they can be great on their own or mixed and matched around the space, pairing two bold pieces will cause them to visually compete for the eye’s attention.

If you’re looking for colorful kitchen ideas, instead, pair the large anchor towel on the oven with a smaller, more subtle micro-print in the form of a Geometry Discloth. Putting this by the sink creates a visual balance that will still feel intriguing, but also calm and inviting. 

Step 3: Unify Through a Common Thread

Looking for more kitchen styling ideas? Color theory tells us that completely different patterns and styles (think geometric and floral) can actually look super cohesive if they simply share a single unifying color. According to the Interior Design Institute, they also influence emotions and can evoke certain feelings within a space. Here is where your creativity can truly shine. Think of your favorite color, then choose a Geometry Tea Towel where it's the most prominent. After that, find a secondary color hidden in the anchor piece and use that hue for other items you’d like to add to your kitchen. 

Here, a stack of Not Paper Towels can really pull double duty, serving as a functional eco-friendly alternative and a statement piece. 

Step 4: Use Texture as a Palate Cleanser

Whether you’re a maximalist or like to keep things simple, you’re going to want to have a bit of “visual resting space” in your kitchen, as the eyes can get overwhelmed if every item is bold, loud, or graphic.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate your favorites. It’s simply all about striking the right balance. Integrating solid colors or heavy, tactile textures, like a Waffle Hand Towel perfectly draped by the sink, makes for the ideal visual addition to the space without overwhelming the eyes. Mixing patterns and matching Geometry pieces adds depth to your kitchen decor and finding the right combination ensures they aren’t competing for attention. 

FAQs: Kitchen Decor Troubleshooting

How many patterns are too many for one kitchen?

According to interior design principles, following the “rule of three” (or 60-30-10 rule) allows you to find the perfect balance and elevate your kitchen. This means incorporating one large-scale, one medium-scale, and one micro-scale color or pattern. And we have just the three in mind for you. Try a Tea Towel, Bar Towel, Dishcloth combo in various pattern sizes and styles. Put on your interior designer hat and pull in colors that seamlessly blend together to create the kitchen of your dreams. 

Can I mix seasonal prints with my everyday kitchen decor?

Yes! Whether you’re drawn to our Spring and Easter Collections, our Sports Collection, or have something else catch your eye, you can easily mix them with any of our everyday favorites. Consider one of our striped, plaid, or black and white decorative kitchen towels that match the main color of your anchor piece. 

Curate Your Perfect Kitchen Space

While you may be eager to make large renovations, a beautiful kitchen is truly one where scale, color, and texture are balanced through everyday essentials. If you’re curious about how to decorate a kitchen, there are many amazing pieces of interior design advice to follow. However, you can also feel free to let your creativity and style shine through, implementing a variety of colorful kitchen ideas. See which patterns, colors, and styles you gravitate toward, and which Geometry pieces are calling your name. Then, begin to create a kitchen that’s all your own and watch as the most-used space in your home comes to life. 

We have a variety of subtle, bold, and striking prints for every style. Plus, our pieces are sustainable, durable, and up for any challenge in the kitchen, effortlessly blending style and function. Shop the Geometry Kitchen Collection to get started on your journey and build your custom, mixed-pattern textile bundle. Happy decorating!