Interior design styles have a rich history.
Some styles managed to survive through the years, while others have been rehashed and given a fresh breath of life.
But one thing is for sure.
With so many interior styles out there today, sometimes it is hard to make up your mind and decide which one is your own.
So what if you are attracted to several different styles?
Or you happen to live with someone whose tastes are very different from yours?
In situations like this, is it possible to go ahead and mix different styles?
Not without a helping hand. Combining styles needs a trained eye to keep the space feeling cohesive rather than erratic.
That`s why we have put together a guide to help you deal with apparently impossible clashes.
Don`t Combine More than 3 Styles
We know how easy it is to fall into the trap of bringing all the styles you ever wanted to try into your mix.
But you need to limit your choices. Your best bet is to stick to some 2 or 3 different styles and use either the 80/20 rule or the 60/30/10 rule.
It`s always better to let a style dominate and let the others spice it up a little.
How to Use the 60-30-10 Rule when Mixing Styles
The 60-30-10 rule is also known as the styles triangle, where two more or less closely related style will act as the base, and a contrasting style will provide the spice. For example, Scandinavian and Japandi, spiced with Art-Deco elements.
60% – Dominant Style
The Dominant style will have the most significant influence over your choice of colours, finishes and furniture.
Keep the design of the hard finishes rooted in a timeless style, as this is not something you`ll be able to change very often.
Try to stick to one style for all your finishes, as this will work as your base for all the other elements.
Keep the architectural elements consistent throughout and start with a neutral flooring to help tie everything together for a harmonious feel.
30% – Your Second Style
The second style that comes into play is reflected in your furniture accent pieces, lighting fixtures or accent finishes such as hardware.
10% – Accent Style
This should act like the spice of your mix, and it stays in the details that will make all the difference.
You will be surprised how much you can influence the style of your space by simply swapping up your accessories.
Try not to invest too much into these pieces, as they will probably be the ones that you will like to change from time to time to infuse a different vibe.
If you love to collect items, such as stamps or old weapons and firearms, you can use your collectibles as accent pieces. It saves you money, and you can switch up the display with another item from your collection from time to time. Most importantly, you get to showcase the items that you worked hard to collect over the years.
Keep Your Colour Palette Consistent
When you are trying to bring a sense of unity to various styles, a good tip is to use colour harmony.
Know your colour palette and make sure all your items will feel part of the same story.
For instance, even though not all your furniture pieces will be in a Scandinavian style, the look of your bedroom will remain consistent due to the colours used: whites, greys and accents of black in the Scandi example.
No matters what styles you are combining, rest assured that colours are always a safe fallback point when it comes to tying details together.
Keep colour closely related with an occasional burst of the same accent colour for a plus of interest.
If you want to bring in a contemporary bed with an upholstered accent chair, make sure you choose upholstery colours that work together.
Maintain a Common Theme
Even though all your elements can come from different styles and eras, all your pieces need to breathe the same mood.
Choose a specific look and make sure you bring a coherent theme to your bedroom.
For instance, if the theme you are going for is a coastal look, pick a bed upholstered in a light and bright fabric, wall art reminding you of the sea and maybe some scattered shell accessories on your nightstands.
Every space should include elements that have common threads to pull them together.
Use Texture as a Common Ground
It is essential to find common ground between your bedroom elements.
The most successful hybrid designs are the ones that have innate similarities.
The texture is an excellent way to unify items from various styles and eras.
Disparate furniture pieces can be made to look more cohesive with similar finishes, paint techniques and upholstery.
It`s incredible how two contrasting pieces of furniture will go well together when made from the same material. A similar texture will also help you add dimension and interest to your interior.
Repeat Patterns and Shapes
A shape or motif used throughout the space can bring a room together.
Select furniture pieces that have similar shapes, and make sure you know how to play with scale. For instance, you can choose a curvy headboard for your centrepiece and repeat the curves in other furniture pieces or lighting fixtures.
Repetition works wonders in design, so it`s essential to use similar patterns and repeated items if you want your space to feel polished.
Final Thoughts
There are very few decorating styles in their purest state.
So if you want to mix styles effortlessly and achieve the hybrid design of your dreams, you need to make sure that all the pieces will work together, rather than fighting against each other.
By following these techniques, you will learn how to combine different styles like a pro and successfully create a bedroom that is unique to you with no risks.