Deciding on a decorating scheme for a room can often seem daunting and overwhelming. Your best bet is to pick colors and fabrics that stay in style no matter the year. Although using trendy ideas and styles may look good at the present time, a few years down the road you could find yourself hating everything you own. Sticking with a classic pattern such as Plaid seems current no matter the time period.
Below is an article from Yahoo! Voices describing the best way to make your plaid designs sing!
Plaid never seems to go out of style in home furnishings or fashion. It is unsurprising, because plaid is extremely versatile. It can evoke either country style or chic sophistication. Here are some design ideas and products to help you to use plaid to decorate your home. 
Plaid wallpaper adds color and pattern to a room. For a rustic, country look, use a mauve or country blue plaid wallpaper. Accentuate the look with rustic wooden furniture. This style goes great in kitchen. Be careful of overkill though. To prevent the plaid wallpaper from being too overpowering, divide the wall in two with a dado rail. Use plaid wall paper on one half and a neutral color such as cream on the other half. This helps to give the eye a rest from the plaid pattern.
Plaid wall paper can also look dynamic and sophisticated. Use a large-scale plaid in strong colors such as red and black to create drama in a room. Modern furniture looks great with this look. Sleek black chairs and a large panel mirror harmonize beautifully with the graphic red and black plaid design.
Plaid upholstery looks attractive on a chair or sofa. For a French country look, upholster a sofa in a small blue and white gingham pattern. Accessorize with a lacy coverlet or cushions.
For an unusual look, try an unexpected color combination like orange and black plaid upholstery. The contrast of a traditional pattern with unique colors is very eye-catching. A chair or sofa which is upholstered in orange and black plaid fabric can create a focal point in a room.
Curtains are striking in plaid fabric because the soft draping effect contrasts beautifully with the boxy pattern. Choose a plaid color combination that harmonizes with the rest of the décor in a room. Luxurious fabrics such as silk show off plaid curtains to a dazzling effect.
Other plaid soft furnishings can give a room color and warmth. For instance, a plaid coverlet or bedspread in rich red and gold colors makes a room look cozy. Replace dark plaid furnishings with lighter cotton blends in the spring and summer. Plaid is so versatile that it’s easy to decorate your home with a plaid for all seasons.
- Mara Oakes, Yahoo! Contributor Network
