Design Style Remix: Expert Q&A on Creating a Cohesive, Mixed-Style Home
- Halee Thompson
- 10 hours ago
- 22 min read
Blending different design styles in a single space can feel both exciting and intimidating. Done well, it creates interiors that feel layered, personal and timeless. Done poorly, it can look chaotic or disconnected. To help decode the process, we asked five design professionals, Susan Garland, Holly Marsland, April Luedtke, Mandy Straight and Leila Hill, to share their best advice on mixing styles with confidence and cohesion.
What’s the key to successfully mixing different design styles in one space?
Susan Garland: If you go into it with intention, you can be certain that the design doesn't lean one way or the other. I think it's most successful when there's an even balance between two styles, as opposed to focusing on a single style and then adding in one or two elements that feel out of place. I also like to think about what some key materials used that are common to different styles - wood finishes, for example, can help marry two different styles together.
Holly Marsland: The key to mixing styles is confidence and intentional curation. When I design a room, I create a dialogue between the pieces, so it feels curated and personal, not just “on-trend”. Scale & proportion also matter. A grand, oversized element can unify wildly different aesthetics. Repeat textures and colors so the room feels intentional and each piece tells a story. When styles come together with narrative and flair, the space feels collected over time, not designed overnight.
Tip: Find common ground with a repeated texture, color or scale to make different styles coexist beautifully.
April Luedtke: Effectively combining various design styles requires considerable thoughtfulness. When attempting to blend significantly different design styles, it is crucial to determine which style should dominate over the others. Incorporating subtle elements from other styles is what truly unifies your space. For instance, emphasize the contemporary style, but utilize industrial materials or finishes to achieve a modern loft ambiance.
Mandy Straight: The key is intention. If it looks like you “forgot” to finish, the mix falls flat. If it looks chosen, it reads as confident and alive. The trick is to find the thread of commonality between the pieces you’re blending, materials, mood, or history.
For example, mixing brass with dark bronze naturally leans historic because both metals carry that patina of time. Pair stainless with matte black and you’ve got a sleek, minimalist conversation. Silver with gold? Instant glam. Those aren’t rigid rules, but tendencies, and knowing them helps you see how two styles can harmonize rather than clash.
Think of it like music: different instruments can play wildly different notes, but if they’re tuned to the same key, the result is a symphony, not a mess. Your job is to be the conductor, not just the collector.
Leila Hill: Different design eras can absolutely work together, but they often clash when there’s no clear connection between them. The issue usually isn’t the time period; it’s the lack of a shared concept or cohesive theme. Blending two styles successfully starts with finding common ground. That connection doesn’t always have to be visual; it can come from a shared feeling, lifestyle, or story the space is trying to tell. It might show up in a repeated pattern, a standout piece, or even something subtle that ties the room together without competing for attention. For me, the easiest and most natural approach is to let one style lead and define the space, then weave in elements from the secondary style in a more understated way, through lighting, color, or accents. It’s all about creating a sense of balance so everything feels intentional and connected.
Are there any design styles that naturally pair well together? Which ones clash?
S.G: Going off the material comment from above, I think rustic, farmhouse, and industrial can play well together. Mid-century, Scandi and Contemporary are a fun combination as well. I think Art Deco, Eclectic and Regency can be challenging to pair with, but not impossible.
H.M.: Some styles are simply destined to be together. Mid-century modern and Scandinavian, for instance, are a match made in heaven; they both encompass simplicity, functionality, light and airy spaces. I also love pairing modern with eclectic. Modern delivers the structure, and eclectic provides the personality with artisan and cultural pieces.
As for clashes, it’s not that certain styles can’t live together, but they can feel like they’re fighting for attention. Ultra-minimalism next to heavily ornate Victorian can feel jarring without a transitional piece or a shared element to link them together. The key is to find common ground: a unifying color, a repeated texture, or a balanced scale, so your room feels curated rather than chaotic. With thoughtful editing, almost any style combination can work.
Tip: Find common ground with a repeated texture, color, or scale to make different styles coexist beautifully.
A.L.: While it is possible to create a home that embodies a coastal shabby chic boho aesthetic, it is essential to recognize how these styles interact with one another. Soft and feminine design aesthetics will consistently complement each other, just as masculine rustic and industrial styles harmonize effectively. While it is possible to blend masculine and feminine elements, it can prove to be more complex. My preferred styles that combine feminine and masculine are rustic bohemian and contemporary industrial.
M.S.: It’s less about style labels and more about dynamics. Some styles are just louder—they dominate the room whether you want them to or not. Craftsman, Art Deco, even true Mid-Century… they’re like that friend who always steals the mic at karaoke. If you don’t balance them intentionally, they’ll drown out everything else.
That doesn’t mean you can’t mix them; it just means you have to treat them like the lead singer and choose “backup vocals” that support rather than compete. Pair a strong Craftsman line with pieces that echo its honesty in materials. Let Mid-Century’s sleekness play against contemporary minimalism.
The styles that blend easiest? Ones that share a material story or an energy. Industrial and farmhouse both lean raw and grounded. Traditional and eclectic work because one brings order, while the other brings play. And don’t forget, sometimes contrast itself is the point. Pairing opposites can be electric when you do it with intention.
The only real “clash” happens when neither style gives the other breathing room. Drop a dainty French provincial settee into a hard-core industrial loft without a common thread? That’s not contrast, that’s chaos.
The bottom line: every style can be mixed if you respect its volume. Some just need you to turn the dial down so the whole thing feels like harmony, not a shouting match.
L.H.: In my opinion, combining Scandinavian and Industrial styles isn’t ideal. While both can lean minimal, Industrial tends to feel somewhat cold, edgy, and raw... Whereas Scandinavian design is softer and more serene. Their core moods don’t naturally complement each other. Scandinavian and Contemporary styles, on the other hand, work beautifully together! They share a similar design language, clean lines, neutral palettes, and simplicity, making them feel cohesive rather than conflicting. Rustic and Farmhouse also pair well, as they both rely on texture and natural materials, often feeling like natural extensions of each other. Similarly, Rustic and Modern can create a striking balance. This combination embraces nature through stone, wood, leather, and organic textures, while introducing modern touches like sleek finishes and metal accents. The result feels grounded and warm, like a walk through the woods, but elevated.
How do you keep a mixed-style space from looking chaotic or mismatched?
S.G: It's all about editing and understanding what your focus is. If you have an exotic tile you want to use, let that be the star and use the other elements to complement that selection. If everything is fighting for attention, you reduce the impact of the thing you were trying to highlight.
H.M.: I always start with a cohesive base, whether that’s a color palette, a signature material, or a finish repeated throughout the space. That becomes the thread that ties everything together. It is a bit like putting an outfit together; if you’re wearing a dramatic statement jacket, keeping the rest of your outfit simple makes it look intentional.
Scale is also crucial. A grand vintage mirror can look sensational over a sleek, modern console because the proportions balance. Editing is absolutely key. I’d rather see one extraordinary piece that tells a story than five forgettable ones that create clutter. The goal is for a room to feel like it evolved naturally over time, full of personality and soul.
Tip: Anchor your room with a unifying color, material or texture before adding contrasting pieces.
A.L.: A simple method to prevent your space from appearing disorganized or inconsistent is to adhere to your color palette. If your palette is gentle, then your materials and finishes ought to correspond accordingly.
M.S.: Give it a backbone. Chaos happens when everything is shouting at once and nothing is listening. You need a through-line: color, material, scale, or mood, that keeps the mix intentional.
If you’re blending styles, pick one or two anchors (a palette, a repeated texture, a shared vibe) and let them be the glue. That way, your eye can travel the room and connect the dots instead of ricocheting all over.
It’s not about matching, it’s about belonging. When each piece feels like it’s in conversation with the others, even wildly different styles can live together without looking like a garage sale exploded.
Think of it like hosting a dinner party: the guest list can be eclectic, but you set the table so everyone has a place. That’s what creates flow instead of frenzy.
L. H.: Always start with a clear focal point and ensure the space maintains a natural, open flow when viewed as a whole. Balance is key; consider the scale of your furniture and how design elements are distributed throughout the room. The goal is to create a layout that feels cohesive and easy on the eyes, rather than chaotic or disjointed. A unified color palette helps tie everything together. You don’t need to stick to just one color, but using varying shades of the same tone with one or two intentional accent colors can create depth without overwhelming the space. Patterns also play a big role! Be mindful not to overdo them; things like a herringbone feature wall competing with a diagonally set floor, or high-contrast grout drawing attention away from beautiful tilework, can make a space feel too busy. Similarly, pairing a high-variation granite countertop with a colorful mosaic backsplash can be visually overwhelming. Instead, subtle solutions like matching grout colors and tighter joints can help soften the look while still showcasing texture and detail. Furniture placement and angles also matter, especially if you’re considering principles from Feng Shui. Avoid positioning items where sharp corners point directly into open pathways or toward entry points, as this can create a sense of discomfort. Visual balance doesn’t require everything to match, just to relate in scale and proportion. For instance, you might place a lamp on one side of the sofa, and balance it with a tall plant or floor lamp on the other. It’s not about symmetry, but harmony and creating that visual balance to the eyes.
What’s the best way to mix traditional and modern elements without overwhelming a room?
S.G: Since modern looks are often about simplicity, traditional elements can definitely stand out, so I use them sparingly or I try to find a way to bring them in with a more modern flair, like a matte black finish or modern pattern if it's upholstery.
H.M.: It’s all about creating a conversation, not a competition. When I blend traditional and modern, I like to establish one style as the ‘anchor’, often through architectural details or large statement pieces, and then layer the other style in through accents. For example, a sleek, contemporary sofa can feel utterly at home in a traditional room with elaborate moldings, if you echo a classic element, like velvet upholstery or antique-inspired lighting.
I also rely heavily on a color palette to bring harmony. Neutrals create a quiet backdrop that allows both styles to shine without fighting each other. Textures are the secret weapon; pairing a polished marble table with a hand-knotted rug or a carved antique chair gives depth and warmth without clutter.
Ultimately, restraint is key. Think of each piece as a character in a play; everyone has their moment, but not all at once. A confident edit ensures the room feels sophisticated and layered, rather than busy or overwhelming.
Tip: Have one style anchor the room and layer the other through accents.
A.L.: Combining traditional and modern design styles can present challenges, and I recommend consulting a professional before attempting any design style integration. My emphasis would be on your accent features, such as lighting, plumbing, and cabinet pulls, to highlight the traditional elements while maintaining a predominantly modern appearance.
M.S.: Decide where the room lives. One style needs to be the foundation, the bones of the space, the thing your eye rests on. The other should act like jewelry: the accent, the sparkle, the pizzazz.
If traditional is your base, big architectural details, a classic sofa, a Persian rug, layer in modern lighting, art, or clean-lined side pieces as the shine. If modern is your anchor, bring in a traditional mirror, carved wood, or vintage textile as the statement jewelry.
The goal isn’t fifty-fifty, it’s harmony. When one style sets the mood and the other brings the flair, the space feels layered and alive instead of chaotic.
L.H.: The key to keep in mind is that less is more. Start with a foundation of solid, neutral pieces, then layer in subtle accents through color or pattern. The trick is to repeat those accents thoughtfully, whether it’s through artwork, the texture of a woven basket, or an area rug, so everything feels cohesive without being overdone. If a room feels overly structured with lots of straight lines, like square windows, rectangular furniture, and sharp edges, introducing softer, rounded shapes can bring balance. A round mirror, curved coffee table, or circular decor elements can help break up the rigidity and add visual comfort. I also love mixing styles to create a more layered and timeless look. For instance, if you come across a modern piece that feels a bit too sleek for a traditional space, pairing it with something that has classic elements, like a tapered leg or a timeless silhouette, can bridge the gap beautifully. When I think of modern or contemporary design, I think of clean lines, monochromatic tones, and minimal decor. You can still achieve that look while incorporating traditional elements, as long as each piece is placed with intention. It’s all about balance and making sure everything contributes to the overall feel of the space.
Can I mix wood tones, metal finishes, or patterns, or should those stay consistent?
S.G: Absolutely! But less is more, and I try to stick to two at most, though three is acceptable if I can find a way that they are interconnected. This also depends on the scale of the room and of the item in question. A large living room may have 5 different patterns in different places, but maybe the connection is between shades of blue and yellow. For a single sofa, I will use pillows of different patterns if the sofa is a solid color. If the sofa is a pattern, I may match another pattern, but then flip to solid color accent pillows. Again, balance is key.
H.M.: Life is far too short for everything to match. Mixing is where the magic happens. A room with all the same wood tone can feel flat, while a thoughtful blend of two will create depth and richness. The key is harmonious balance; choose one dominant tone and let the other act as an accent.
The same goes for metals. The trick is to choose 2 & repeat, so it feels intentional, not accidental. Choose a dominant metal and use the second as an accent. Aim for a 70/30 mix. Additionally, pay attention to undertones. Avoid mixing metals with clashing undertones. For example, don't mix cool silvers with warm golds.
And patterns? Absolutely! It can definitely be tricky to make a room feel harmonized and not look like a hot mess, so it’s about balancing the amount of pattern, the scales and colors. I like to anchor the room with the largest item, like a bold geometric rug or sofa, as the focal point. Then use a medium and a small scale print on the less dominant items, such as accent pillows or lampshades. A cohesive color scheme minimizes chaos and will make it feel as if it’s evolved, and that’s always far more luxurious than perfection.
Tip: Repeat materials or finishes in multiple spots to create cohesion.
A.L.: I enjoy combining various finishes. Metals are the most suitable for mixing. I would refrain from using more than 3 different colored finishes. The greater the number of colors you incorporate, the more chaotic the result will appear, so it is advisable to limit your choices to a brushed gold paired with bronze or a combination of copper and bronze, for example.
M.S.: Absolutely mix them, it just depends on the energy you want. If you’re craving grounded and calm, stick to fewer variations. If you want layered interest or to lean into the new wave of maximalism, bring in more.
The trick is intention and repetition. Repeat a finish, tone, or pattern enough that it feels like part of the plan, not a one-off mistake. And let each element have its own identity: either match it exactly or make it different enough to stand on its own.
What you want to avoid is the “almost” match, that’s like hitting two piano keys side by side. It doesn’t sound like harmony; it just sounds off. Go for echo or contrast, not confusion.
L.H.: You can absolutely mix these elements, metals, patterns and wood tones, and doing so can actually elevate a space and make it feel more dynamic. A lot of people shy away from mixing, but when done thoughtfully, it adds depth and interest. When it comes to mixing metals, balance is key. For example, I might use matte black hardware on cabinets and doors, then pair that with brushed gold for plumbing fixtures and lighting. I always consider the overall harmony, especially the finish. I wouldn’t mix polished brass with brushed gold, for instance, because the contrast in sheen makes it feel like a mismatch rather than an intentional choice. The same idea applies to patterns. You can definitely mix them, but spacing is important. Keep them from competing by using them in different areas of the room, while sticking to a shared color palette or design element to maintain visual consistency. That said, I don’t recommend mixing everything in one space. If I’m mixing metals and adding a few patterns, I’ll keep the color palette cohesive and the overall design grounded. With wood tones, I’m a fan of variety, but I try to limit it to no more than two or three in a single room, so it still feels intentional and pulled together.
How important is color when blending different design styles?
S.G: Color is of utmost importance! Oftentimes, when I'm trying to link styles, I can use color in a way to highlight or diffuse specific elements, or simply connect opposing styles. I mentioned this above, but color can transform a style, like a traditional faucet in a matte black or even matte white finish. Try using neutral colors to your advantage.
H.M.: Color is the glue that holds a room together. You can mix eras, cultures, and design philosophies, but if your palette isn’t intentional, it will feel disjointed. I often start with a tight foundation of two or three core colors, which become the backdrop that unifies everything from a sleek modern sofa to a vintage art deco piece.
Once you have that base, you can layer in richer tones or jewel colors if you desire more drama, but those accents need to echo somewhere else in the room; a cushion, a piece of art, a detail on a lamp. That repetition creates harmony.
If you’re nervous about mixing styles, keep your color palette restrained. Neutrals allow bold furniture, pattern, and texture to shine without overwhelming. But if you’re confident, color can be your signature. Think emerald velvet with antique brass or terracotta walls framing modern art. Used thoughtfully, color is not just important; it’s the bridge that makes every style speak the same language.
Tip: Use a base palette and echo accent colors for cohesion.
A.L.: Color plays a crucial role in the combination of styles. You can introduce color through tiles, countertop slabs, and even your appliances! I find it important to consider the proximity of various colors and materials to one another to prevent them from merging or clashing. An excess of a single color on one side of the room can be quite overwhelming. It is essential to achieve a harmonious mix of colors and materials that conveys the impression of depth and a sense of being lived in.
M.S.: Color is the peace treaty. The more different the styles, the more important it is to give them a common thread, and color is one of the fastest ways to do that.
You can find the shade that exists in both worlds: the French powder blue that also shows up in a coastal palette, or the deep green that feels at home in both traditional and modern. Suddenly, what could’ve been a clash looks like kinship.
Or, you can pull the opposite move, strip color back to neutrals. Then the shapes, lines, and textures carry the conversation while the palette stays quiet in the background.
Bottom line: color is a powerful way to set the tone for how blended styles read. It can unify, it can soften, or it can intentionally highlight the contrast. It’s not just important, it’s your ace card. The key is choosing; don’t let color happen by accident. Make it the bridge or the spotlight, but make it on purpose.
L.H.: Color plays a crucial role in interior design, especially when blending different styles. It acts as the backdrop to your space, setting the overall tone and mood, while also serving as a powerful unifying element. When you're combining a variety of furnishings, materials, or design influences, color can tie everything together in a way that feels cohesive and intentional. A single multi-colored piece, like a rug, artwork, or textile, can subtly connect otherwise unrelated elements by echoing its tones throughout the space. Whether through accents, wall color, or accessories, using a consistent color palette helps create harmony, even when styles differ! In this way, color becomes more than just decoration; it becomes the thread that weaves the entire design together. Many often forget how leading color can be and it is often overlooked.
Is it okay to have different styles in different rooms, or should the whole home feel cohesive?
S.G: In my opinion, cohesiveness puts our minds at ease. With all the noise we deal with on a day-to-day basis, your home should be your sanctuary, and if there is continuity between all the spaces in your home, you are more likely to relax. That said, your home is just that - yours! If you want to experiment or have a burning desire to paint a room neon yellow, don't let anyone say you can't! We are fortunate that this industry we work in enables us to live creative lives and help foster the creativity in others - whatever you choose to do, there is a beautiful release in exploring what excites you.
H.M.: Absolutely, you can, and should. Let each room have its own personality. A home should feel like a journey, not a museum. One room might be boldly modern, another classically traditional, and a third exotic and global; it keeps the experience dynamic and full of surprises.
The key is subtle cohesion. Even when each room expresses a different style, I like to repeat small unifying elements: a color, a material, a metal finish, or even a texture. Those tiny threads give the house a sense of flow without making it feel matchy-matchy. A well-curated home feels like it has been collected over a lifetime, with each space telling its own story while whispering the same underlying language.
Tip: Repeat small unifying elements across rooms for a subtle sense of flow.
A.L.: It is generally acceptable to have various styles in different rooms; however, I would advise against introducing styles that differ from those already employed. Additionally, I would not recommend using contrasting styles in coordinating rooms that feature open floor plans.
M.S.: Different rooms can absolutely carry different notes, but the house still needs to play like one album. If every room is its own random single, you lose the flow. When they share a common thread, through color, materials, or mood, the transitions feel natural, like songs blending into each other.
Where people get stuck is chasing a “theme.” That’s when you end up with surface labels, Tuscan kitchen, Boho bedroom, Coastal bath. Or worse, the novelty themes: “safari,” “beach,” or “roosters.” That’s not soul, that’s just stuff. Themes like that are about what you buy, not what you feel.
Instead, anchor the whole house in a vibe, not a costume. Let each room have its own personality, but make sure they’re all telling parts of the same story.
L.H.: When it comes to style, it’s usually better not to divide a home from room to room, but instead to carry a consistent blend of styles throughout the entire space. That doesn’t mean every room has to look the same; you can definitely place more emphasis on one style in certain areas, but maintaining a common thread helps the home feel cohesive and thoughtfully designed. I like to start with a neutral foundation, like consistent wall colors or flooring, which can really help support this approach. It also allows for flexibility in layering styles without the entire look feeling too busy or overwhelming. Also, be mindful of scale and how pieces relate to one another within a space. The way items are placed, along with intentional use of color and texture, can create flow and visual balance from room to room.
What are some common mistakes people make when trying to mix styles?
S.G: This may sound like gibberish, but people sometimes try to create contrasts between styles when they should be looking to complement and vice versa, finding complements when they should try to create a contrast. I would also say color can be challenging for a lot of people - picking the right shades with so many options out there is not everyone's strength, but it can be learned with practice.
H.M.: The biggest mistake is following trends. People either play it too safe or go overboard and cram too many contrasting pieces into one room. Ignoring scale, proportion, and repetition creates chaos rather than charm. I would rather have one extraordinary, storytelling piece than five items that compete for attention. Mixing styles successfully is knowing what to keep and what to leave out.
Tip: Edit ruthlessly to create a collected, layered look.
A.L.: Errors are frequently made in the absence of professional assistance; however, when individuals attempt to blend styles, they often tend to incorporate an excessive number of diverse styles.
M.S.: One of the biggest mistakes is skipping the “why.” People grab whatever’s handy, especially on smaller pieces, without asking if it actually belongs in the bigger story. A side table, a lamp, a chair… none of it is filler. Every choice has roots, and if you don’t know what those roots are, the mix falls flat.
Another trap is chasing a theme instead of a feeling. “Farmhouse,” “beach,” “industrial”, those words become labels, and suddenly the room is about the stuff you bought, not the vibe you’re living in.
And then there’s the overload problem: too many styles competing for attention at once. When everything is shouting, nothing lands. You need a foundation style to hold the room steady, and let the others add layers, not chaos.
The bottom line? Mixing styles works best when every piece has a purpose and the room is telling a story, not just hoarding accents.
L.H.: One of the most common things I see in design is overcrowded spaces, where decor and furniture feel more placed out of habit than with intention. Every piece in a room should serve a purpose, whether it’s functional, visual, or emotional. It should contribute to the overall aesthetic in a way that feels meaningful and cohesive. When too many patterns or styles are layered too closely together, they can start to compete rather than complement each other, and then your eyes are all over the place and it does not create the flow or feeling of calm that most are going for. This can make a space feel visually overwhelming or unsettled, which ultimately takes away from the design's impact. Thoughtful placement and balance are key to creating a space that feels both curated and comfortable. When done the wrong way, it can feel uneasy and cluttered.
How do you incorporate personal or vintage items into a more contemporary design?
S.G: If it's something that really stands out, I don't fight it; I let it be the hero and make the other elements less loud or find ways to complement it. I recently did a design for a room with a vintage piano organ. This was the focal point of the space, and I was able to find a cool contemporary end table with a wood detail on the legs that felt connected to the shape of the wood on the organ. The client absolutely loved it!
H.M.: Personal and vintage pieces are what give a room soul-they tell your story. Even in a sleek, contemporary space, I always find a way to layer and incorporate objects with history: a vintage mirror, an heirloom chair, or an art piece the client may have collected during their travels. The trick is placement and balance. I like to give these items breathing room so they stand out, rather than get lost among modern furnishings. I also repeat colors or finishes from the vintage pieces elsewhere in the room, creating harmony between old and new.
Tip: Highlight personal or vintage pieces and echo their color or material elsewhere.
A.L.: I enjoy examining the existing items that clients possess and exploring ways to integrate some of their preferred pieces or memorabilia. While vintage may not appeal to everyone, there is a noticeable trend of authentic vintage items being blended with various design styles. It is important to consider the dating of the piece and the era it originates from when incorporating it. For instance, a mid-century modern design may accommodate a vintage item from the 1950s.
M.S.: A space loses its spark when everything looks the same. Personal or vintage pieces are the antidote; they bring variation, history, and soul.
The trick is not to let them sit alone. One lone antique in a sea of new furniture just looks stranded. Give it allies, at least three. That could mean an antique dresser balanced by vintage candlesticks and a worn leather footstool across the room. Suddenly, it’s not a random oddball; it’s part of a club.
Think of it as building a chorus instead of a solo. When your vintage pieces echo each other, they add depth and layers to a contemporary space without feeling out of place.
L.H.: Blending two design styles can really elevate a space and add a sense of elegance; it's all about striking the right balance. One of the most important things to keep in mind is having a focal point, or as someone once told me, your "North Star." =) This is the piece that sets the tone and draws your eye as soon as you walk into the room. It could be something like a vintage credenza paired with modern wall sconces, or a vibrant Turkish rug underneath a sleek, contemporary sofa. The contrast makes each element stand out while still working together as a whole. You can also create that balance through texture; think rustic wood next to polished metal, or vintage textiles layered with a modern glass coffee table! It’s those thoughtful combinations that make a space feel collected, intentional, and unique.
What’s your go-to tip for someone just starting to experiment with mixing styles?
S.G: Layer items slowly - try one or two pieces at a time and sit with it before adding more. Taking photos and holding them up side by side helps. It's okay to edit and start over. And at the end of the day, the main question should be, do YOU, the end user, love it? If the answer is yes, that's what matters most.
H.M.: Start small. You don’t need to redesign an entire room overnight. Start with one thing you love, whether it’s a rug, cabinet, or chair, and build your room around it.
Tip: Pick one piece you adore and let it guide the rest of the room.
A.L.: If you are beginning to mix styles, it is important to select a primary style. Novices should aim to limit themselves to two styles initially. Additionally, adhering to the principle that styles should enhance one another.
M.S.: Begin with curiosity. This isn’t brain surgery; it’s your home, your sanctuary. Let it be playful. Your space is never really “done,” so treat it like a living experiment: try, learn, shift, and enjoy more with every round. And to keep the mix from spiraling into chaos, find the common root. Think of it like a Venn diagram; the shared center where styles overlap. That’s your anchor. From there, you can layer, riff, and explore without losing the thread.
Remember: design isn’t about getting it “right.” It’s about creating a space that reflects your becoming, and if it lights you up, you’re already winning.
L.H.: Start by figuring out which design styles genuinely make you happy! What looks or spaces do you keep coming back to, the ones that always feel right to you? Pay attention to the common threads in those spaces; whether it’s the design era, the materials, or the overall vibe, and use that as your foundation. Lighting and accessories are key in pulling everything together. Choose decor pieces that echo the colors, shapes, or textures in your furniture to create a sense of unity throughout the space. Don’t be afraid to mix old with new; it’s a great way to add character and depth, but always keep BALANCE in mind. The pieces should still relate to each other in some way, whether that’s through color, scale, or the overall feel. You can also add dimension by layering rugs or introducing accent colors to make the space feel more dynamic. Most importantly, enjoy the process and let your personality shine through! Have fun with it.
Final Thoughts
Mixing design styles isn’t about following rigid rules; it’s about creating a space that feels both balanced and deeply personal. As our experts agree, intention, repetition and a strong through-line are the secrets to success. Whether you’re blending rustic and modern, layering traditional with contemporary or mixing in beloved vintage pieces, the key is to curate with purpose. Start small, stay true to what you love and let your home evolve into a reflection of your unique story.
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