Cooler weather means we’re adding layers to our wardrobes and (yay!) bringing out the boots. The concept applies to home, as well – the layering part, at least.

Do you love the idea of confident pattern mixing in your home? Tired of looking at those plain four walls? Ready to spice things up, just as the landscape outside is doing the same? Go for it.

But seriously, where to start?

Pillows are the absolute easiest way to make a quick, personal and dramatic update to a living room, bedroom or other favorite, cozy spot. And let’s add in not just one, but a coordinated mix of patterns and texture.

The exuberant mix in vintage dealer and design blogger Kate Pearce’s retro home is just one option.

You could also think Ralph Lauren in the 80s – plaid skirts, knit cardigans and a paisley printed blouse. Or English cottages overflowing with florals, plaids, stripes and more. These are traditional fall feels – each one perfectly played.

We can tell you how we do things and show you some examples of pattern mixes we love. Ultimately, you gotta do you.

Start Where You Are

Do you already have a sofa that’s going to be with you for a while? Drapes that you love? A rug that has meaning and memories attached? Start there.

Look for a patterned pillow that has just a touch of the same color/s. Once you’ve discovered a few choices that make you happy, look more closely at the patterns. What other, unexpected, colors can be found there? You’ll want to bring larger swathes of those colors into the room, too.

The Blue Sofa

Take a look at how different a navy couch can look with a different combination of pillows. In this first room, by Atlanta designer Kevin O’Gara, the play of jewel-toned solids is quietly elegant. Flattering peach walls and colorful pillow welts add just the right interest.

Option two: start with a bold patterned, one of a kind pillow in silk ikat, pull out the bright fuchsia color in a coordinate, and suddenly the room is full of energy.

We’d love to see this combo accessorized with a colorful vintage saddlebag used as a wall hanging, and a bright, over-dyed rug on the floor.

New Options for Gray or Greige Interiors

Have a solid gray sofa or drapes? We can think of multiple ways to refresh those classic pieces. One option? Add a patterned pillow featuring peach, pink, tan and aqua.. This will still retain the sense of calm that gray can evoke, while adding an unexpected twist.

In this case, we’re highlighting SmithHönig’s Villa Verona vegan, down-alternative pillow in plush velvet, as well as coordinating solids and a crocheted throw.

Another option is this moody, large-scale floral wallpaper called Bryony Storm Noir. Still subtle. Still gray. But such a refreshing statement. And just look at the softness of that luxe velvet shown mid-air!

And while we aren’t necessarily condoning pillow fights, these beauties are exceptionally high-quality. Each is handmade in a durable cotton velvet and filled with the plushest down-alternative we’ve ever felt. So one or two throws probably won’t hurt!

Classic with a Maximal Twist

Grandma’s sofa getting (or needing) an update? We love keeping things in the family, almost as much as we love animal prints. So of course, we adore the way design influencer Tiffany Brown of My Eclectic Nest redid her own existing sofa and accented it with SmithHönig’s popular Sebra Stripe pillows.

Here you see how versatile these velvet pillows are. We’ve seen how the Sebra Stripe pattern works with dark blues and greens. Here we see them blending perfectly into a glamorous, light-colored space .

Do Yourself a Solid

If you’re considering going bolder in your overall color scheme or pattern mix, consider adding solid color velvet pillows to balance things out. In this combination, the large geometric pattern is quieted by solid velvet pillows in complementary colors. A throw keeps things cozy, too.

Add Lots of Texture

And lastly, here’s a cozy winter pillow that’s not velvet, but even more plush. The Nordic pillows by SmithHönig (they come in three bold patterns) are backed with a super soft faux fur that adds instant drama.

Use one on its own, or mix it up with additional solids and patterns. Either way, these pillows are show stoppers.

And of course, they’re filled with SmithHönig’s high-end vegan down alternative that feels silky smooth. Shown here is The Nordic in Bakuba, with a Luxe Velvet pillow in Golden in the background.

Ready to try your hand at mixing and matching? We’ve put together a few combinations to inspire your creativity.