Saturday, March 27, 2021

Mixing Patterns Using Big Bold Buffalo Checks

Are you noticing buffalo checks everywhere?  I am and I'm loving the look.
I believe the checks make a statement and work best when mixed with other patterns.


Here are some guidelines when mixing patterns:

1.   Choose one loved pattern.  Mine at the moment is buffalo check.

2.  Select a common color(s).  Black and white checks are my favorite.  Next beige or brown, then blue.       It's all a personal preference. 

3.  Make sure you distribute that color(s) evenly throughout the room.

4.  Select different patterns.  Three patterns work.

5.  Balance geometrics, stripes, plaids, chevrons, and dots with softer patterns like toile, florals, animal 
     print, or botanicals.

6.  ALWAYS INCLUDE A SOLID OR TWO.   


For clarification, here are some mix and match fabric combos that include buffalo checks.

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Source:  Pinterest

These mix and match pillows are another example.  
You have a buffalo check, a polka dot, and a floral plus two repeating colors.

Caitlin Wilson

There is buffalo check, toile, ticking stripe, a geometric, and a small pattern in this room.
The orange color breaks up the brown and beige.  It all works. 


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This is my absolute favorite room with buffalo checks.
Notice that the transferware plates are the toile pattern.
The fern adds a pop of green and the natural wood table and chair add texture.

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You don't have to put the buffalo check on your furniture.  A black and white checked pillow matches perfectly with leopard and green.

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Here's another space with a lot going on. 
Would you ever think to combine navy with brown and all these patterns?

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Plaid, ethnic, buffalo check, and stripes.  Yes.
The art even has a pattern.

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Buffalo checks on the window seat, a large pattern on the red pillows, and stripes on the other.

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Buffalo checks and florals.

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Buffalo checks and paisley.

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Red, white, and blue.
Checks, geometrics, and stripes.

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Are you on board the buffalo checks train?

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13 comments:

  1. Thanks so much. Glad it was helpful.

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  2. Yes. Travel trailer done in black and white buffalo with solid black accent.

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  3. I think that black and white buffalo checks are my favorite color. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. I love hearing from readers.

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  4. I have a pewter colored couch, with gray and white Buffalo plaid arm chair. Also have gray and white rug and Buffalo check accent cushions. Any suggestions for incorporating pop of color into curtains? My kitchen and dining room adjoin and have reds and blues

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    1. Your room sounds lovely. You already have your checks and plaid. (Check out the list of instructions for mixing and matching at the beginning of the post.) It looks like you have your geometrics and solid color covered. You may want to repeat the buffalo checks or plaid in the draperies. You could add color with some red or blue trim or some tie backs on the draperies. Also, if there's space add some solid pillows in blue or red on the chair or sofa. Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope that helps.

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  5. Hi! I love this blog post. I have a gray couch and love seat and a blue buffalo check chair. I'd like to get some pillows that work with your suggestions above. Do you think blue toile and thin blue stripe would work? Any suggestion for another set of pillows?

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    1. I love toile. I think the thin blue stripe would work too. The one thing about pillows is that if they don't work it's not a big investment. You'll have to send me a photo when your project is complete. It sounds like a lovely room.

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  6. Sadly, my favorite buffalo check by Brunschwig and Fils is now.....discontinued bc of the mills shutting down due to Covid (I think the country for the check being produced is India). Italy has also been hard hit with mills shuttered for fabric production. I am hopeful that Brunschwig will again produce their buffalo check as the color ways are the best!

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    1. Yes, it's very sad about so many things impacted by Covid. Hopefully all will be back to normal soon.

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  7. You know I love my check, buffalo and Courtly Check. We have had a blue buffalo check wainscot wallpaper in our breakfast sitting area for decades. It's time to replace the wallpaper in that room and the kitchen. Not sure what I'll do, but it will involve checks. Fun post, Kathy. I love the swatch examples at the beginning.

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  8. Thanks Sarah. I love the checks in your home too.

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  9. Thank you for this nice sharing. Great post.

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    1. Thanks so much Emily for your kind comments. It's so nice e-meeting you.

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