How to Mix Patterns Correctly

That title sounds so formal....

Ha!  You all know I'm not much about formal...
(Something inside me wanted to type y'all..??)

I have always been intimidated by mixing patterned fabrics.  When I tried, it never quick looked right.  More like something out of the 70's, can you picture tye dye and psychedelic all jumbled up. Not very put together. 
Actually kinda scary looking...

Now, I really love this fabric! Look familiar?
 Normally, I would have NO CLUE what to put with it.  

But, while I was at Haven this summer, 
I learned the FORMULA!  
Had I known there was a formula, 
I could have conquered this a LONG time ago!  

While at Haven I took this workshop called Design Studio.
I think it was one of the best workshops I took.
I took it with my friend Sallie from Texas Cottage.
She was such a joy to meet!
Anyways, back to fabrics....
These are the fabrics I chose to go with the bench in my office.

So, let's go over why I chose these fabrics.
The blue was a no brainer. I loved it for months and
 knew I had to have it in the office. 
(That's not part of the formula, that's an extra)
The orange fabric... Well, it's orange, enough said!
But I also think the pattern is kinda cool, it reminds me of a mini cheetah print.
Look how the orange is picked up in the floral and
the blues are almost the same too!
The floral fabric was not my first pic. 
This was....

I kinda picked them out of order. 
See, I actually picked the yellow chevron before I found the orange. Then I went look for a small print and found the orange. 
This was my first attempt at mixing patterns in a LONG time. I knew something wasn't working. So, I went back to the formula and realized the yellow chevron was kind of the same size as the blue and I was trying to put two graphics together. 
So, let's go over formula loosely and then I'll bring it all around full circle... hopefully  :)

Pick out three fabrics.  That's kind of a rule with all decorating.  They say...(whoever they is) to always group things in odd numbers.

You need a lead fabric, something with lots of color and movement.  
Doesn't that sound so designer-ish?
I love it! In the workshop they said florals do this best.

Then you need something graphic. 
Something medium to large, they recommended more of a neutral like brown or black, but I'm a bit more colorful.  The blue worked for me.

Now, look for a small print to coordinate. This gives your eye a place to rest. I don't think they meant a place to lay down and take a nap.  Although, with early mornings I've been having lately, that might not be a bad idea. :)

Now, if you are decorating a room, they suggested you could also add a large monochromatic fabric. 
Say, for curtains or a piece of furniture, something like that.
Ok, so let's make the formula, simple.

1. 3-4 fabrics

2. Lead fabric - color & movement

3. Graphic - medium to large

4. A small print

5. Add neutrals - Can be a large monochromatic print 

So, did I follow the formula to a "T". No, not really, but that's where your own style come in.  But, it sure did help me A LOT!
Here are two pics that I took with my phone while looking for that floral fabric.

Colors are coordinating, but the print on the right is in my opinion too small.
Next...

Again, the colors are coordinating, but I felt that the pattern was too whimsical, not what I was going for.
So, when I found the floral, I knew it was just right.
This is beginning to sound like goldilocks and the three bears....

While I was shopping, I found that some of the fabric companies would print fabrics and do the coordinating for you! 
Here's a few:

I hope this has help you as much as it has me!
I feel empowered to conquer the fabric store!

Well, I love how my pillows came out.

You can look at how I made them here.
So, do you think my fabric choices passed the test?

If you like it PIN it!