What Strategies Help Blend Different Styles in Interior Design for a Cohesive Look?

What Strategies Help Blend Different Styles in Interior Design for a Cohesive Look?

When it comes to merging different eras and styles in interior design, the key is to create a space that feels both eclectic and unified. We've gathered insights from seven Interior Designers and CEOs to unveil their strategies for achieving a seamless blend. From 'Mixing Decades, Not Just Styles' to 'Listening to the Space's Direction,' these experts share their secrets to a harmonious home aesthetic.

• Mix Decades, Not Just Styles
• Conduct a Harmonious Style Orchestra
• Maintain a Common Element
• Incorporate Timeless Elements
• Balance High-End and Vintage
• Blend Styles with Color and Scale
• Listen to the Space's Direction

Mix Decades, Not Just Styles

When mixing furnishings, art, and objects, I follow the advice of decorator David Netto: The best mixes feature pieces pulled from around the world that were designed in the same decade. The zeitgeist, or creative throughline, shines despite the pieces having diverse provenance. And, be sure to sprinkle in plenty of contemporary works to keep your home from having a kitschy period feel. You should never be the oldest thing in your home!

Conduct a Harmonious Style Orchestra

Blending different styles in interior design is akin to conducting an orchestra where each piece has its unique melody, yet harmoniously contributes to the symphony. My approach centers on finding a unifying element that acts as a bridge between styles. This could be a consistent color scheme, a recurring material, or a thematic concept. I also emphasize the balance of proportions and scale to ensure that no single style overpowers the others.

By strategically placing key pieces and leveraging their strengths, I create a dialogue between the old and the new, the classic and the contemporary. It's about respecting each style's identity while fostering a seamless integration into the space. In doing so, I curate an environment that reflects both diversity and unity, offering a narrative that resonates with the inhabitants' tastes and stories.

Maintain a Common Element

To achieve a cohesive interior design, maintain a common element or color throughout the house, such as a neutral shade like beige. Ensure at least one wall in each room follows this color scheme. When blending styles, establish a rule, considering how elements interact. For instance, if combining Persian glazed tiles with a rustic theme, invest in glazed-tile cladding for a portion of the wall against rustic furniture. Balance is key; keep vibrant colors in check and maintain consistency in materials and color schemes.

Incorporate Timeless Elements

Blurring the lines between different interior design styles and periods has become increasingly popular, allowing for unique and personalized spaces. Recently, I encountered a project that required blending contrasting design styles for different age groups, and I discovered that creating a cohesive look was easier than expected.

Begin by incorporating timeless design elements as a foundation, providing a sense of continuity throughout the space. Then, introduce modern touches strategically to add freshness and relevance. Soft furnishings play a key role in bridging the gap between old and new styles. By carefully selecting textures, colors, and fabrics, you can create a harmonious balance that adds either a sense of modernity or timelessness, depending on the desired aesthetic.

Ultimately, the most important aspect of blending different interior design styles is listening to the space itself. Pay attention to its architectural features, natural lighting, and overall ambiance. Let the space dictate the direction you should take and trust your instincts on what would best serve and enhance the area.

Balance High-End and Vintage

One thing to consider when mixing periods and styles cohesively is to emphasize working with one element, like sticking to a color palette or materials and finishes, during the project. If you create different schemes for each room, it will feel disconnected. I have always liked to combine high- and low-value furniture throughout a project with old family belongings, finding vintage accessories, and modern pieces. If all furnishings and décor look luxurious, it might feel overdone and cold. However, using antiques with high-end modern elements can seamlessly deliver a charming and balanced space.

Blend Styles with Color and Scale

It's a total myth that you have to stick to one style to achieve a cohesive design. No one is renovating their home from top to bottom at once. Plus, it's boring and unimaginative to have only one style or period in your home.

The secret to keeping things cohesive is to blend styles and eras, but pay attention to other details, like color, fabric, shape, and scale. Mid-century modern has a lot of low furniture, so it won't go with some of the more massive, solid wood antique pieces your grandma may have left you.

But you can mix maximalist and minimalist pieces from different eras—'80s floral cushions with 2010s velvet sofas and 1920s Art Deco coffee tables—as long as you're keeping the through line of a light pink and green color scheme with brass accents, for example. Then your home will be cohesive, stylish, and full of personality. And most importantly, unique to you and your tastes.

Listen to the Space's Direction

Blurring the lines between different interior design styles and periods has become increasingly popular, allowing for unique and personalized spaces. Recently, I encountered a project that required blending contrasting design styles for different age groups, and I discovered that creating a cohesive look was easier than expected.

Begin by incorporating timeless design elements as a foundation, providing a sense of continuity throughout the space. Then, introduce modern touches strategically to add freshness and relevance. Soft furnishings play a key role in bridging the gap between old and new styles. By carefully selecting textures, colors, and fabrics, you can create a harmonious balance that adds either a sense of modernity or timelessness, depending on the desired aesthetic.

Ultimately, the most important aspect of blending different interior design styles is listening to the space itself. Pay attention to its architectural features, natural lighting, and overall ambiance. Let the space dictate the direction you should take and trust your instincts on what would best serve and enhance the area.