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Most of us have one main kind of design that we are the most drawn to. This could be farmhouse, coastal, modern, rustic, or boho just to name a few. The thing is that most of our homes are not strictly farmhouse or strictly modern. They are typically a combination of 2 or 3 styles that define us and make our house feel like a home. The thing that I am here to help you with is how to successfully mix those styles and give you the confidence to execute it well!

Tips for Mixing Design Styles

1. Focus on Function

Try to use furniture that serves a purpose. Don’t just fill a space with stuff just because you like it as this can lead to a space feeling too cluttered. Be selective + make sure there’s a function behind your furniture!

2. Follow the 80/20 rule (or 70/30!)

The 80/20 rule means that 80% of the things in your space could be one style and then 20% are another. This is a helpful rule to follow if you’re at all intimidated about mixing your styles together and will give you a step in the right direction. 

3. Stick to a color scheme

Whether that’s all neutrals, cool colors, warm colors, or multi-colored, choosing a color scheme throughout your house will make it feel cohesive and like one space. Sticking to a color scheme (I recommend anywhere from 3-5 colors) will also help mix different design styles. 

4. Scale + Balance

Make sure your furniture is all the same scale. If you’re mixing design styles you don’t want a modern sofa to not be the same scale as a coastal armchair. Balance is important because the styles you are using to decorate should be scattered throughout the room. One half of the room shouldn’t be all vintage and then the other half modern. It’s important to mix appropriately and bring balance to your space! 

5. Find a Focal Point

If you have an special or unique piece of furniture, make that the focal point. Keep the rest of the room simple to let that piece really shine. 

6. Meet the Mood

If you’re going for a cozy, warm, relaxing mood, have your furniture help you create that. If your mood is more fun, vibrant, and exciting, then your pieces should reflect that. Figure out what mood you want and you’ll be headed in the right direction when you start selecting the pieces for your room. Take what you’re feeling into account! 

7. Pillow Placement

Use pillows to connect the styles of your home. Pillows bring a lot of personality to a space and are helpful in marrying the styles you’re going for. They are also easy to move around and inexpensive to replace. 

8. Classic Furniture

I personally like to choose more classic pieces for my larger pieces of furniture and then experiment and play with smaller pieces of decor! 

9. Layer

Layer decor, textures, and artwork to create depth + interest. It’s here that you can also mix styles in a subtle yet powerful way. 

10. Don’t take yourself too seriously

While there are general rules and guidelines when it comes to decorating, your home should feel like you. Don’t lose yourself in trying to create a “perfect” home.

To figure out your design style, take my free style quiz!

To shop furniture + decor by design style, click here.