We want to take you through the next basic step. What is the next basic step? The next basic element you need to decide on when embarking on your decorating project, is the proper use of patterns, textures and fabrics.

1. The first step in choosing your pattern is to find an inspiration pattern piece. It can be anything from a favorite piece of fabric, a painting, an heirloom throw, a quilt, or even a piece of clothing.

Your inspiration pattern piece will serve three specific purposes that will set the tone for your room...

A. The first purpose for your inspiration pattern is to find one of the palest shades, which will be best used on the walls.

B. The second purpose for your inspiration pattern is to pull some of the medium hues for use in your flooring, area rugs, draperies and other upholstery items.

C. The last, reference to your inspiration pattern is for the purpose of pulling the deepest hues. Which will be applied and distributed throughout the room. In the form of accessories, pillows, flowers, candles etc.

2. The second step is to decide on two or three different patterns, two being the minimum. Most designers believe that like accessories patterns too should be introduced in three's.

All patterns must have the same core or background color. Keep in mind they can be a mix of floral's, solids, stripes or any other pattern that appeals to you. The key is to make sure they all have the same core or background color for uniformity.

For example, you can combine a floral of six colors with a check pattern that incorporates three of those colors, and a jacquard fabric that's just one of those colors. Be sure to mix and vary the scale, from the smallest pattern to the largest of the patterns for a balanced look.

3. The third step is to make sure that you are working with the same intensity of color. If you have decided on vibrant color palette, such as jeweled tones, stay away from muted color backgrounds.

4. The fourth step is to make sure that you create a balance in your room through the use of patterns. Distribute your patterns throughout the room for a smooth transition. Avoid placing all your pattern pieces together, this would throw the entire space off balance.

5. The next step is to consider your choice of fabrics. Fabrics can communicate formality or simplicity. For instance, if you have decided on the use of damask fabrics, the style that you are communicating is one of formality and elegance. Therefore it would be a mistake to incorporate fabrics that are considered casual or informal such as denim fabrics. Whatever fabric you choose keep it unified with complimentary fabrics and patterns.

I urge you to experiment with mixing paisleys with stripes and plaids with floral's. If the thought of multiple patterns in a room, scares you, at least offset the solid fabrics with the use of color and texture.

Many people play it safe by having few patterns and mainly solids in a room. If you are sticking with solids, do not stay tone on tone. At least add a pop of color and some texture for visual interest.

For example:

Let's say you are using a muted blue micro suede comforter on your bed, and prefer solids to patterns. Add layers of color and texture through the use of accent pillows. Add different size pillows using other complimentary colors. Such as silver, black, pink or any other favorite color you wish to incorporate.

Always keep in mind that any color you introduce must be spread throughout the room at least three times. Also choose complimentary fabrics such as satin, beaded or sequenced fabrics that will add more texture and coordinate well with the micro suede fabric being used on the bed.

It has never been easier to coordinate patterns, textures, and fabrics as it is today. Designers have made the mixing process easy for us. Walk into any home store or department store and you will find an abundance of choices Using two, three, even four patterns all designed to exist harmoniously together in one room. All you have to do is choose the color palette you like.

Tip: If it's calm and peaceful atmosphere you desire, go for blue, lavender or green. Or use them all together, these colors all work well with one another.