Think it takes a decorator’s eye to mix patterns? Think again! With a few smart tips and some simple rules to keep in mind, you can mix patterns like the pros in any room in your home.

1. Choose a color scheme. First, pick a color scheme that you’ll stick with throughout the room. Whether it’s basic black and white or something brighter, like yellow and blue, this will make your pattern mixing much easier.
2. Limit the number of patterns. While it may seem overwhelming to mix a dozen different patterns, even the most novice home decorator can work with three or four. Keep things simple, but still incredibly impactful.
3. Decide where you’ll mix your patterns. Adding a variety of different throw pillows on the sofa or the bed is one of the most popular ways to incorporate a few different patterns in a room, but you might also want to add even more fun prints. For even more depth and dimension, try a temporary wallpaper in a big, bold pattern, or use a funky rug with simpler throw pillows and curtains.
4. Make your own. If you’re having a hard time finding pillowcases or curtains in patterns that go together, try creating your own! It’s very easy to sew these items at home, and some tutorials don’t even involve any sewing at all.

How to Mix Patterns in a Room [For Dummies]
Learn How to Mix Patterns [BHG]
10 Easy Ways to Mix and Match Patterns in Your Home [Freshome]

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr Stacie Stacie Stacie

Located adjacent to a gas station, Leesburg’s Thai Pan restaurant is as well known for its unique location as it is for its standout authentic Thai cuisine. The extensive menu at this hole-in-the-wall hot spot has something for everyone. Favorites like lemongrass soup, drunken noodles, and crispy duck will satisfy even the most die-hard Thai food fans. Vegetarians will appreciate that almost the entire menu is available meat-free upon request. Serious spice-lovers especially love the many hot and spicy specialties like curry bowls or crying tiger flank steak. Every dish is made to order, and the kitchen staff will go out of their way to accommodate diners’ taste preferences. Visitors say Thai Pan really proves the adage “Don’t judge a book by a cover.” In this case, the welcoming staff, charming décor, and made-to-order dishes put even the biggest skeptics at ease.

The Thai Pan
2 Harrison Street SE
Leesburg, VA 20175
(703) 777-9487

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr theilr

Many tourists around the United States and the world visit Old Faithful every year. If you’ve never been to this incredible natural landmark, these five facts will show you just how special it truly is.

1. Old Faithful is the largest regularly erupting geyser in Yellowstone.
It erupts for 1.5 to 5 minutes every 35 to 120 minutes, shooting a burst of hot, steaming water up to 184 feet into the air.

2. It is one of the most studied geysers in the park.
Because scientists study it so closely, Old Faithful’s eruption times can be predicted very accurately, making it the easiest one to see when visiting the park.

3. The amount of time between eruptions lengthened in the past few decades.
Due to the earthquakes in Hebgen Lake in 1959 and Borah Park in 1983, OId Faithful’s eruptions have grown a bit further apart in recent decades.

4. Old Faithful is incredibly hot.
Sure, you probably knew that a geyser is hot, but did you know that Old Faithful ranges from 204 degrees Fahrenheit? The steam can even reach 350 degrees Fahrenheit!

5. Thousands of gallons of water are expelled with each eruption.
Old Faithful’s water eruption contains anywhere from 3,700 gallons in a 1.5-minute burst to 8,400 gallons in a 4.5-minute burst.

Old Faithful [Yellowstone Net]
Frequently Asked Questions at Old Faithful [National Park Service]
Old Faithful [The Geyser Observation and Study Association]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/carolynconner