How Designers Are Using Printmaxxing In Their Schemes This Fall
A room layered with prints always has character. Whether it’s a block-printed cushion to finish off a soft bedscape or a striped rug to bring some drama to the center of a living room, doses of pattern bring contrast and playfulness that take an interior design from good to great.
And decorating with lots of layered patterns isn’t just reserved for maximalists. In 2026, designers are embracing the ‘printmaxxing’ trend in unexpected and quieter ways. From romantic bedrooms layered with ditsy florals to dining rooms that make tropical ikats the star of the show – ‘printmaxxing’ allows patterns to be as bold or subtle as you like – and it all lies in how you apply them.
A way to create warmth and inject personality into a space, here’s how designers advise making the ‘printmaxxing’ trend work for you this fall, for a scheme that feels instantly more lived-in and layered.
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Five patterns may sound bold, but Justina Blakeney’s dining room proves they can feel connected and considered side by side.
(Image credit: Ruggable)
‘I usually start by choosing patterns that share something in common with each other,’ advises interior designer Justina Blakeney, founder of Jungalow. A lover of bold color and layering prints, Justina isn’t afraid to mix patterns. ‘For example, in my dining room, I used five different kantha quilts as upholstery fabric for the dining banquette. Then I vary the scale, pairing a large, bold print with smaller ones. The rug in here is an example of a larger print that doesn’t compete with the smaller motifs on the kanthas.’
‘This room is part of my home in Altadena, California, and it reflects my belief that pattern, color, and texture can create spaces that feel joyful, personal, and relaxing. I like to think of prints almost like the drum beats in music – it gives the room a steady rhythm and a little bounce – and they can be layered together in “on-beats” and “off-beats” as long as there are “rests” in between!’
‘Don’t be afraid to mix patterns that feel completely different from one another,’ she continues, ‘that’s often where the magic happens. I love pairing structured geometrics with loose or oversized botanicals. The key is finding a common thread, usually color. If the prints share a similar palette, they’ll naturally feel like they’re part of the same conversation. I also think it’s important to vary the “energy” of the patterns. Let one be the star while the others play supporting roles.’
Alice Palmer layered ditsy florals and block prints in this bedroom to create a charming, romantic feel.
(Image credit: Astrid Templier)
While clashing patterns can sound striking, finding common ground through color will ensure uniformity. ‘When layering prints and patterns in a space, I always come back to sticking to three or four colors within the scheme,’ says designer Alice Palmer. Known for her romantic home creations, from patterned lampshades to whimsical bedding. ‘I find this can stop a room from feeling chaotic.’
‘Within that palette, I love to play with different scales, mixing smaller, subtler prints for detail with larger, bolder patterns for more of a statement. I feel a contrast in size rather than too many colors helps to give a room depth and interest without it feeling too overwhelming.’
‘I must admit I tend to live by the motto “more is more.” Rooms that aren’t too rigid or strict on rules almost always feel much more relaxed, more lived in and more homey. A considered layering of pattern is what will give a space depth and personality. Using a stripe is a really easy way to contrast prints with other patterns, as it almost works as a neutral for combining lots of prints in one space. There are lots of different areas and items within a room that you can introduce patterns and prints through lampshades, curtains, bedding, cushions, rugs, etc.’
Elizabeth Hay layered several prints in this whimsical bedroom, but ‘they’re all connected by a restrained color palette, which keeps the overall feel elegant, timeless and inviting.’
(Image credit: Elizabeth Hay / Jonathan Bond)
‘For us, successful print layering is all about creating a common thread,’ says interior designer (and avid pattern layerer), Elizabeth Hay. ‘We usually start with one dominant print and then introduce smaller-scale patterns that share a similar color palette or mood. We also make sure there are moments of visual rest through plain fabrics, natural materials and considered negative space. The aim is for a room to feel collected and harmonious rather than busy.’
‘Don’t be afraid to mix different types of prints, but vary their scale,’ advises Elizabeth. ‘Pairing a large botanical or geometric with a smaller floral or stripe creates contrast without competition. Stripes are particularly useful as they act almost like a neutral and help tie more decorative patterns together. Color is also key – even if the patterns are very different, a consistent palette will make them feel intentional.’
‘This is a guest bedroom (above) in a countryside home, where we wanted to create a room that felt joyful, relaxed and enveloping. We wrapped the walls and sloped parts of the ceiling in the same hand-block-style wallpaper to emphasize the architecture and create a cocooning effect. From there, we layered patterned textiles, vintage furniture and decorative accessories to build warmth and character. While there are numerous prints throughout the room, they’re all connected by a restrained color palette, which keeps the overall feel elegant, timeless and inviting.’
Printmaxxing Picks
‘Printmaxxing’ is the way to make a scheme feel more lived-in and curated. But designers advise finding common ground through color, shape, and texture to ensure you don’t stray into the loud or overwhelmed.
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