In our Book Club series, we hand over the mic to our Experts—inviting them to share their work, process, and top design tips in their own words. This excerpt comes from Caitlin Flemming’s new book, The Essentials, published last month by Abrams.

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One of the most exciting parts of designing your home is figuring out the colors and patterns you want to include.

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Preferences are very personal in this category. Think about how different shades make you feel, and look at rooms you are inspired by. Are you attracted to mixing patterns in a room, or do you prefer a solid tone?

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Colors and patterns can set the mood and have a huge impact on a room. Heidi Caillier is one designer who creates rooms with intimacy and also reinvents traditional design. She embraces both color and pattern in unique and authentic ways. Here, Heidi shares her insights on not being afraid to think outside the box.

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“It’s all about mixing colors—different shades, tones, qualities—and then also mixing scale, pattern, and vibe.”

—Heidi Caillier

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Layer in Vintage Textiles

I never want a home to feel too designed. I want things to feel collected and layered—like it’s been added to over time. I also value tension and think it’s important for there to be something off to create that. I love mixing vintage textiles with designer fabrics. I find that the designer fabrics tend to be recognizable, and I want something that feels a bit weirder to pair with them. It’s all about mixing colors—different shades, tones, qualities—and then also mixing scale, pattern, and vibe. I think there is a way for all of the colors to play harmoniously if used right.

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Lean Into Moody Vibes

I love to use moodier tones in small rooms to really lean into that coziness. But a very large room can also be a good candidate for an all-over pattern because it helps to bring the scale down and make it feel more livable.

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Go for an Immersive Experience

I like to use patterns in significant ways. I prefer to think big—walls, window treatments, upholstery. They can bring so much joy, and I just don’t get as much happiness from using them on just pillows or smaller pieces. I want to be immersed.

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Don’t Forget Texture

I use lime wash a decent amount, and I love plaster. I do a lot of paneling, applied moldings, and detailing on walls and ceilings. It’s so crucial to bring charm and architectural interest.

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