When it comes to designing anything, there may be no rules, but there are theories. Some general rules of thumb and design principles exist to ensure that anything we build looks cohesive and pleasing to the eye. The same is especially true when it comes to interior design.
If you are a homeowner with an eclectic personality who does not adhere to just one specific aesthetic and can’t decide what concept to go for, there is some good news for you: You don’t have to stick to just one style! You can pick and choose the best out of every aesthetic that interests you and find ways to incorporate it into your home without making it look like a mishmash of everything with random stylistic choices thrown together.
The idea of mixing different interior design styles may be daunting, but there is a method to this madness. Here are some tips for combing various concepts while still ensuring that your home looks as elegant as possible.
Keep the foundation neutral
Think of your walls, ceiling, and floors as the foundation upon which every other design decision in the home will be built upon. To give you more freedom to play around in other areas, think of these three things as your blank canvas. Opt for neutral colors for your walls—think warm white, soft grays, and even navy blue if you’re feeling bold. A neutral floor will also keep the eye moving upward instead of stealing the show.
While mixing different styles is a journey that can give you a lot of freedom to experiment and play around, keeping your foundations neutral will help tie everything together to form a cohesive, harmonious whole.
The devil is in the details
When mixing different genres and styles, remember that the subtlest and smallest details can make all the difference. You don’t have to be obvious in your choices; you can opt for an excellent blend of smaller finds that can come together in different scales and proportions.
For example, you can opt for exposed stainless steel pipes and tubes to give the interiors a more industrial feel and go for a more unexpected color or texture for the furniture, like a teal sectional couch. You can also opt for softer pastel colors to give the space a softer look. Voila! You have an area that’s both masculine and feminine.
It’s these unexpected blends that can form a cohesive unit that makes sense—it’s all a matter of letting your imagination run wild and regularly stepping back to see the big picture.
Maximize layers
Prioritizing details means you have more leeway to add smaller design elements to add more texture and depth to your interiors. Here are some smaller additions that you need to consider when styling and sprucing up your interiors:
• Area rugs can make or break a space. Make sure to use it to make a clear distinction between spaces, such as your seating areas, foyers, and dining areas. This strategy is especially useful for smaller spaces and open space concepts that need definition between areas.
• Use throws, pillows, and blankets to add more flair to your space. These are the best types of items to let your personality shine through; for example, if you love Paris and it’s your dream destination, you can find throws that have an Eiffel Tower design or something less on the nose.
• Layer your lighting by opting for lamps of different kinds. You can incorporate table and floor lamps and make sure they are warm-toned to add a touch of coziness to your rooms.
Tie everything together with a concise color palette
Suppose you’re already mixing and matching different styles. If so, make sure that everything is tied together by a cohesive and concise color palette.
The 60-30-10 color rule states that 60 percent of the space should be made up of one color. That means it should be used for bigger areas like your walls and other larger pieces. The 30 percent is the secondary shade, and it should be a color that supports the main one. It can be used for curtains, accent chairs, accent walls, and others. Lastly, 10 percent of your room should be made up of an accent color that can be used for smaller pieces like throws, artwork, candles, and others.
Following this rule will help provide rhythm and harmony to the space while allowing you to experiment with different styles.
Blending various interior design styles need not be scary. Follow these rules and let your creativity play while still creating a balanced space.
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