Mixing Design Styles

How to Merge Design Styles – 5 Helpful Tips

Many of my clients say decorating is difficult — especially when mixing two opposing styles. What if you have a modern style that favors clean lines, but your spouse likes the ruffles and distressed wood characteristic of French country décor? How do you blend family heirlooms and antiques with contemporary pieces? As an interior designer, I’m faced with this challenge daily. But mixing styles doesn’t have to be difficult, especially if you follow these tried-and-true methods for merging design styles.

Limit Your Color Palette

Color is a powerful tool and can make items that otherwise wouldn’t match feel like they belong together. Using one color palette will unite everything in the space and marry varying styles.

Choose A Dominant Style

One reason why a space that combines two styles might feel like it’s clashing is because both styles carry an equal amount of weight in the design. Instead, choose one style to dominate the scheme and make the other secondary. I think 70/30 or 80/20 is a good ratio of primary to secondary styles.

Match Wood Tones

Matching wood tones is an easy way to make a space with several different styles feel cohesive. There are many different types of wood and a wide variety of stains. Choose just one for a space, like all oak or all white-washed, to attain a consistent look across furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and accents.  

Highlight Unique Pieces

If you’re struggling to incorporate a piece into a design, stop trying to make it blend in and instead try embracing its uniqueness. Making the piece the focal point of the room will help it feel purposeful like it was specially selected to stand out in that space.

TRADITIONAL ANTIQUES WITH LIGHT AIRY TRANSITIONAL DECOR AND DETAILS

Hire a Professional

Designing your home — especially if you’re building a new construction — can be a daunting task. That’s why interior designers exist. We make our clients’ lives easier by driving design decisions, managing the complex project, and adding a creative touch to the finished interiors. RI Studio would be honored to help you with your next project and merge your design styles. We can’t wait to hear from you!