A Guide to Mixing Interior Design Styles
Do you love different interior design styles but struggle to combine them? Or maybe you and your partner have contrasting tastes?
Either way, you’re not alone! Many homeowners struggle with combining different elements from various styles, and the good news is that you don’t have to choose just one.
Mixing styles allow you to create a home that reflects your personality while achieving a curated, layered look. This approach, known as "style mixing," brings depth and visual interest to your home.
Here are five practical tips to help you confidently mix different interior design styles and create a home that is uniquely yours.
5 ways to mix interior design styles
Tip 1: Pick out your preferred styles
Start by identifying the styles that resonate with you most.
Are you drawn to the clean lines of modern design, the ornate details of traditional, the rustic charm of farmhouse, or the minimalist aesthetic of Scandinavian?
Identifying your preferred styles is the first step toward creating a cohesive and personalised space. Once you have a clear idea of what you’d like, it’ll become much easier to turn your vision into reality!
Interior design magazines, websites, or platforms like Pinterest are a great way to source inspiration and gain a clearer insight into the styles you love. Also, browse through our Shop The Look lookbook to see if anything sparks your interest!
Having a set theme, like @groundedinneutral, can help determine what type of furniture will fit into the space. Pictured: The Albie Travertine Round Coffee Table and Solange Performance Bouclé Chairs.
@stayfoxx creates a rustic space with the Jonathan Leather Sofa, Colette Swivel Armchairs, and Lorenzo Wool Area Rug.
Tip 2: Find common ground
Now that you've chosen your preferred styles, look for similarities you can weave together. The different interior design styles may share a colour palette, utilise similar materials, or have a common emphasis on functionality.
For instance, Scandinavian and Japanese styles prioritise natural materials and clean lines. You could incorporate a Scandinavian-inspired Auburn Performance Fabric Curve Sofa alongside a wooden coffee table reminiscent of a Japanese Chabudai.
Transitional furniture can also serve as a common ground to bridge the gap between two interior design styles. For example, a leather sofa, with its laidback but contemporary qualities, could serve as a link between Modern and Rustic styles.
Tip 3: Settle on a colour scheme
Different styles may have different colour schemes, making blending them a challenge. However, fret not; here’s a secret tip you can employ from interior stylists!
The 60-30-10 rule is a classic interior design rule that helps create a balanced and visually appealing colour palette. It suggests dividing your colour scheme into three parts:
60% dominant colour: This is your primary colour, often used for walls, large furniture, or flooring. It sets the overall tone of the room. This could be a neutral colour if one of your styles is more modern or minimalist or a bolder colour if it is more eclectic or Bohemian.
30% secondary colour: This colour complements the dominant colour and adds depth. This could be a contrasting colour from the second design style to create a more dynamic look, or if both styles share the same colour palette, a shade within the same colour family for a more subtle effect. Use this colour for curtains, rugs, smaller furniture, or an accent wall.
10% accent colour: This is your pop of colour! Use it sparingly for accessories, artwork, and decorative elements to add intrigue and personality. For example, if you’ve combined modern and coastal styles, your dominant and secondary colours may be grey and teal. You might then choose an accent colour like coral to add some interest. You could incorporate this colour into items like throw pillows, artworks, or even ceramic vases.
By following this simple rule, you can keep the interior of your home looking cohesive and prevent visual overwhelm.
Another tip is to keep your dominant colours neutral. This allows you to introduce bolder colours and patterns through accessories or statement pieces. It also provides a versatile backdrop for mixing different styles, giving you a blank canvas to play and make your home truly yours.
@mareenah keeps majority of the living room white, pairing the Hamilton Round Chaise Sectional Sofa and Amber Bouclé Swivel Chair with the Cupid Coffee Table.
@lemonleafhomeinteriors adds a touch of warmth to the living space with shades of brown. Pictured: The Jonathan Extended Sofa with Ottoman.
Tip 4: Avoid matching sets
While matching sets may save you time when designing your space, they restrict your creative freedom when it comes to mixing interior design styles. They can also create monotony, making a room feel static and lacking in personality.
Instead, seek out furniture and decor with unique shapes, textures, and histories. Such furniture can make the space look more exciting and create depth. For example, pair a vintage armchair with a modern sofa or a rustic dining table with contemporary chairs.
Tip 5: Have fun with layering textures
Lastly, when it comes to mixing different interior design styles, layering different textures helps. Layering is crucial for creating a rich and visually interesting space. It creates multiple focal points to draw the eye to, producing depth and dimension and creating a more dynamic and engaging space.
Besides its visual aspect, layering textures can also help create more comfort within your home. With upholstered seats, plush cushions, and a soft throw blanket, you can sink into a safe haven away from the world's stresses.
Try experimenting with lots of different textures. Textures like wood, metal, fabric, and upholstery can be layered through textiles, rugs, artwork, and home decor accessories.
Create a space that’s truly you with style mixing
Mixing interior design styles can be a great way to showcase your unique personality and taste. By following these tips, you can confidently blend different styles and create a space that's uniquely yours. Remember, the key is to have fun and experiment until you find what works best.
Frequently asked questions about mixing interior design styles
What interior design styles go well together?
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to style mixing. However, a few classic design pairings always work well together.
Modern with traditional: Modern and traditional styles mix well and have gained traction over the past few years. Their polarity is their charm — traditional furniture adds character and warmth, while modern touches add a little edge.
Farmhouse with coastal: Since both styles are exceptionally inspired by nature (albeit of different landscapes), these designs share elements of wood, natural accents, and cool colour palettes, allowing them to play well off each other.
Can you mix patterns in interior design?
Mixing and matching patterns can create visual interests but should be done with caution. Doing it too much can overwhelm the room, so remember to add some solids now and then to break up different shapes and lines.
Is it OK to have different styles in different rooms?
Totally! Different styles in different rooms can help keep your decor fresh and appealing. However, not getting carried away with all the options is essential! Your home should still have a cohesive theme.
Mixing interior design styles can be a great way to showcase your unique personality and taste. By following these tips, you can confidently blend different styles and create a space that's uniquely yours. Remember, the key is to have fun and experiment until you find what works best.
