How to Incorporate Tortoise Shell Patterns Into Your Home Decor

By Mer, on June 19th, 2012

Patterns can add flair to even the most muted color themes in your home. Tortoise shell pattens are both organic and geometric in design, making the pattern one that works well with a wide range of colors and styles. To incorporate a new pattern into your home decor, you will want to begin by evaluating the existing patterns and looking at small changes that you can make to fit the pattern into each room nicely.

Getting Started

One of the simplest ways to add a new pattern into a room is to choose just one or two patterns that work well together and eliminating others. For example, a circle patterned rug may not work well with tortoise patterned accent pillows. Solid colors should provide a foundation for more ornate decorations in your home. When choosing accent patterns it is a good idea to look for colors that already work well with the existing furnishing in each room you want to update with new accents.

Decor on a Budget

Incorporating tortoise patterns into your decor is very simple, even if you are on a budget and can't change everything in the room. Opting for accent rugs and throw pillows is one way that you can change the look of a room very inexpensively. Most accent pieces are also available in a wide range of colors and sizes, as well. You can choose a large fourteen by twelve rug for a living room, or a small patterned rug for the entrance of your home to tie the room together perfectly. If you are handy with a sewing machine, you also have the option of purchasing tortoise shell fabric and polyester fiber fill very cheaply at a local discount store to make your own throw pillows.

(Picture Credit Victorian Tortoiseshell Model of a Square Rigged Schooner Seller Guinevere)

Mixing and matching pattern sizes is also an option that adds a little drama to your home decor while also working well together. You may also want to consider looking for colors that unify the theme of your room. Mixing and matching colors that reflect each room in your home is a good way to do this. One of the benefits of choosing to color your home with inexpensive accents is that you can easily update your home with new color themes without replacing more expensive pieces of furniture. Decorating using accent pieces, such as vases, throw pillows, and rugs, is very easy if you have neutral colors as a main theme in your home.

Where it Works

Tortoise shell patterns work best with a contemporary style. If you aren't sure that this pattern is right for your space, you may want to begin by adding just a pair of throw pillows to the room to test the pattern. Everything from the color of the woods used in your home to the types of fabrics that you choose have an impact on how well each color and pattern will work. In general, tortoise patterns work well with any theme if you have chosen the right colors to fit into your existing decor.

In fact, if you have chosen the right colors and pattern sizes, you will be able to fit this pattern into a diverse range of styles easily. Taking the time to look for the colors and styles that will fit your home best ensures you get the styles that are right for your current decor.

Author bio:

Cassandra Challas is a professional interior designer who writes for News Updates Weekly.

Maitland Smith Dark Bronze Finished Brass Candelabra Lamp, Penshell Shade From Nobel Rugs Home