Chicago Apartment with Delightful Color(18)

Designer Melanie Elston offers tips on decorating with color and pattern:

. To create a balanced room, offset large patterns with solids or patterns designed on a smaller scale.

. To use color successfully, continuity of tone and intensity from room to room is essential. When using bold colors, be bold everywhere.

. Create transition spaces when using a lot of pattern and color. A great runner and a focal point at a hall's end are all you need.

. I nearly always use a solid on a sofa to anchor the room. I love to then offset that piece with a fun pattern on a shapely chair.

. Mix styles! The beauty is in the mix of modern patterns.