Designers suggest that you’ll enjoy for years fabrics and furnishings reminiscent of fine period design. A simulated 18th-century pattern on the comforter — Ashton Peony from The Age of Exploration introduced by Waverly in collaboration with Williamsburg — reverses to Peyton Ikat and is punctuated by a sham and bedskirt in Palmer Stripe.

When choosing fabrics for your home, are first impressions best? “Your first instinct is an important factor when selecting any furnishings,” says Robyn Singer, co-owner of Interior Concepts, New York City, “but not an absolute rule. If you like the colors and texture of a fabric, but are not sure of the pattern, try living with a large piece. Should the design’s visual weight and color fit, the fabric will most likely enhance the space.”

“When a room is already decorated,” notes Patricia Wood of Patricia Wood & Co., Harbor Springs, Michigan, “color is the most important consideration. The impact of the new pattern on others is immaterial if the color is off.” Colors in a collection like The Age of Exploration, introduced by Waverly for Williamsburg, provide a comprehensive choice — raspberry, porcelain and paprika to mist/espresso.

Both designers find that most people soon tire of trendy, short-sighted, wild styles. But some patterns intrigue home decorators for years. “Long-lasting patterns are usually based on period design,” says Singer, noting Arts & Crafts, Victorian or 18th-century styles as examples. Wood agrees. “If you’re not sure what good design is, examine antique patterns in books and museums,” she suggests. The Age of Exploration collection celebrates 18th-century decorative arts with patterns such as Portsmouth Pineapple, showcasing a fruit that represents a symbol of hospitality, or Geddy House Damask, inspired by a brocade from the Colonial Williamsburg archives.

Brands, such as Waverly, coordinate patterns in fabric collections and home fashions for you. Wood explains how pattern mixing works. “Coordinating stripes and checks finish and frame a primary pattern on a pillow, comforter or upholstered piece and help relate all the motifs in a room.” However, she warns, “If you’re doing it yourself, take care to alternate pattern scale.” Enhance a grand floral with a mini check and moderate plaid, for example. Singer points out that coordinates can also sharpen or diminish the drama of a bold pattern.

She adds, “Remember that rooms need a certain flow between them, so make sure you carry through the patterns in your home, accordingly.”

For more information about Waverly, visit www.waverly.com or call 1-800-423-5881.

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