Have you seen those quizzes to uncover your design style floating around the internet? Or maybe you've spent hours pouring over specific design blogs that highlight only one style (transitional, mid-century, farmhouse)? Have you done a deep dive on Reddit to see how others are selecting their styles? Or do you feel a lot of uncertainty around picking a singular design style? Do you even believe that you only have one interior design style?
While I love interior design blogs, seeing how people have put together their spaces and, in some cases, lean toward a certain style preference. But ultimately, I believe that we have likely been subject to some rough marketing tactics; we're much more complex than one style could ever pinpoint. We all have unique stories, experiences, travels, and relationships.
How could our interiors possibly tell our story if it's essentially from a box?
Around here, we think it's more likely that you have two styles—or three—or four—or just something uniquely you. If you think this might be you - the good news is that is truly what creates elevated and incredible interior design experiences.
So, if you're leaning into several design styles and/or looking for something uniquely yours, this post is for you! While there are lots of considerations for interior designs to come together, here are three simple tips for a big impact and, more importantly, for getting multiple design styles to play nicely.
Three Tips for Mixing Interior Design Styles For a Big Impact
Number 1: Start with the architecture of the space
Start by looking at architectural details, arches, lines, and molding, as this can help ground you in a complementary direction. If it's full-on Louis XIV (think Versailles) in the architectural details, perhaps you want more harmony, so add modern or contemporary furniture. Consider adding more molding to make sure the rooms can all speak to each other—or removing architectural details if it's not historic and kitsch isn't your thing.
If there are lines, maybe you want to continue your theme or soften them with more curves in the space in furniture and layout. Or perhaps the opposite is true.
Leveraging the architecture of space further - come together on focal points (the piece de la resistance). Having lots of objects that don't fit in a brand-name catalog layout together could result in competing focal points across architecture, furniture, and/or art. Come together on this in each room - fireplaces, TVs, display spaces, artwork, water features, etc.
The architecture of the space can ground you in the direction you'd like to go.
Number 2: Leverage color by picking at least two to work across the designs, creating consistency
Look beyond color on the walls to things like mixing wood tones and colors in the furniture and decor preferences. And do get matchy-matchy when/where you can. For example, if you have hardwood floors with black built-ins, run with both colors in other furniture and decorative objects throughout and/or into other rooms.
Number 3: Play with repetition
If I'm honest, this one speaks to the other two -- play with repetition of color, architectural details, and style choices. For example, if you like metal shelving, repeat it in a few spots. If you like red, use it boldly and then offer touches with the same color elsewhere. Like a specific lamp? Repeat it. Into texture like seagrass? Look for it in a few forms, like a rug, wallpaper, or shades. Play with repetition for the pieces that you like -- across however many styles. Repetition helps mix the styles yet builds consistency.
Anyone who comes into your space wants to see your story through layers (a.k.a. multiple styles) and the complexities that come with who you are. Put it on full display.
Want a free worksheet to help with these decisions and get everything in writing? Sign up below to get a design brief template that specifically explores these three elements for mixing design styles! The template will be sent directly to your inbox.
Handling The Uncertainty in Picking a Singular Design Style
How can you make sure your design styles won't (or don't continue to) paralyze you in the design process?
I recommend looking at picking out things that you just plain like. BUT make sure they're genuinely you.
Now that you're aware you're not obligated to pick just one style (again, it's better if you don't) - I recommend looking at things that you just like. There's no need to worry about what style it fits into, but do make sure whatever you pick is genuinely you. And that's OK if you have fewer things that you actually like, and certainly as you start to build.
I hope these three tips for mixing interior design styles help! If you have a question, reach out here.
Remember to sign up below to receive CCC in your inbox—this includes access to the resource library, announcements, and special content.
For the love of design,
Florence
Interior Designer and Founder of CCC
Read more about Florence or reach out here.
