How Do I Marry Different Decorating Styles in My Home?
Can't decide on one particular style? You don't have to. Instead, show off your personality by mixing things up
Amanda Pollard
26 September 2018
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors and architecture.
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors... More
Want to stick to just one style in your home? Thought not. Most of us are drawn to a whole array of looks and design eras and want to include them all. But how to do it without creating a chaotic mismatch of unrelated objects? Take a look at these rooms that combine styles beautifully.
Say it with flowers and stripes
Wake up with a view of this soothing floral wallpaper and you’ll feel Zen all day. But if you’re not an all-out fan of traditional country style, you might want to tone down the look a little. Here, a bright modern throw with vivid stripes and two zingy-hued candles on the mantelpiece are enough to mix things up and give the country theme a contemporary twist.
The key to combining traditional and modern like this is to be bold with each style. In this bedroom, the classic photo frames and stylish candlesticks provide a striking contrast to the quirky, contemporary elements.
How to Get Past Your Fear of Way-Out Wallpaper Prints
Wake up with a view of this soothing floral wallpaper and you’ll feel Zen all day. But if you’re not an all-out fan of traditional country style, you might want to tone down the look a little. Here, a bright modern throw with vivid stripes and two zingy-hued candles on the mantelpiece are enough to mix things up and give the country theme a contemporary twist.
The key to combining traditional and modern like this is to be bold with each style. In this bedroom, the classic photo frames and stylish candlesticks provide a striking contrast to the quirky, contemporary elements.
How to Get Past Your Fear of Way-Out Wallpaper Prints
Mix materials and coordinate colour
In this kitchen, the designers have gone all out on their chosen styles. The gold mirror couldn’t be more vintage, or more different to the almost futuristic perspex chairs.
But while you’re creating contrasts, remember to tie it all together. Here, the monochrome colour scheme helps to anchor the two looks.
In this kitchen, the designers have gone all out on their chosen styles. The gold mirror couldn’t be more vintage, or more different to the almost futuristic perspex chairs.
But while you’re creating contrasts, remember to tie it all together. Here, the monochrome colour scheme helps to anchor the two looks.
Match metallics
The designers of this living room have balanced the space by using similar materials throughout. The mirror, coffee table, wall lights and pendant are an eclectic mix of Victorian, Art Deco and contemporary styles – but their metallic finishes help to bring them all together.
The colours are also a cohesive choice, with the large artwork above the sofa providing the starting point for a chic palette of blue, gold and grey.
Partners in Shine: Mixing Metals With a Midas Touch
The designers of this living room have balanced the space by using similar materials throughout. The mirror, coffee table, wall lights and pendant are an eclectic mix of Victorian, Art Deco and contemporary styles – but their metallic finishes help to bring them all together.
The colours are also a cohesive choice, with the large artwork above the sofa providing the starting point for a chic palette of blue, gold and grey.
Partners in Shine: Mixing Metals With a Midas Touch
Nail some neutrals
There’s a Shaker-style cabinet, an industrial table, a couple of midcentury chairs and even an old church pew in this cool dining space. The glue that binds them together is once again colour and finish.
A range of dark and light woods combine to add layers of texture next to the rough brick wall, while a couple of paint shades on the chairs and cabinets bring in some colour. The styles are eclectic, but the overall effect is rustic and modern.
There’s a Shaker-style cabinet, an industrial table, a couple of midcentury chairs and even an old church pew in this cool dining space. The glue that binds them together is once again colour and finish.
A range of dark and light woods combine to add layers of texture next to the rough brick wall, while a couple of paint shades on the chairs and cabinets bring in some colour. The styles are eclectic, but the overall effect is rustic and modern.
Choose some show-off shades
Two stunning pieces of antique furniture look anything but old-fashioned in this bold living space. The reason for this is the vivid colour palette – shocking pink, grass green, striking purple and cool aqua provide a backdrop that brings the classic sofa and console table firmly into the 21st century.
Browse more eclectic living rooms
Two stunning pieces of antique furniture look anything but old-fashioned in this bold living space. The reason for this is the vivid colour palette – shocking pink, grass green, striking purple and cool aqua provide a backdrop that brings the classic sofa and console table firmly into the 21st century.
Browse more eclectic living rooms
Team minimalist with maximalist
Torn between clean modern lines and shabby chic charm? Well, you’re absolutely free to combine the two. Take a cue from this cosy space and be inspired on how to make it work.
A wall of sleek, high-gloss units provides a light, white contrast to the brightly coloured furniture and fabrics around the dining table. There’s just enough colour in the space to ensure it has plenty of character, but the neutral cabinets stop it from feeling too busy.
Torn between clean modern lines and shabby chic charm? Well, you’re absolutely free to combine the two. Take a cue from this cosy space and be inspired on how to make it work.
A wall of sleek, high-gloss units provides a light, white contrast to the brightly coloured furniture and fabrics around the dining table. There’s just enough colour in the space to ensure it has plenty of character, but the neutral cabinets stop it from feeling too busy.
Tell us
Do you like to mix styles in your own home, or are you more of a purist? Share your thoughts in the Comments, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the conversation.
More
Find an interior designer or decorator near you
Do you like to mix styles in your own home, or are you more of a purist? Share your thoughts in the Comments, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the conversation.
More
Find an interior designer or decorator near you
What are you working on?
Related Stories
Interior Design
The Golden Rules of Proportion: Decor Laws You Need to Know
An interior designer reveals the essential rules for achieving a perfectly balanced interior
Full Story
Interior Design
Design Masterclass: A Budget-Friendly Refresh of a Small Home
See how a designer's smart use of colour and considered storage solutions transformed a drab home for AUD$50,000
Full Story
Renovating Advice
Renovation Insight: How to Choose an Interior Designer
A skilled interior designer can help bring your decor dreams to life – three experts reveal how to choose the right one
Full Story
Interior Design
10 Decorating Rules Interior Designers Swear By
By Laura Downie
Want to give your home professional polish? An expert reveals the top 10 decorating rules you need to know
Full Story
Interior Design
8 Ways to Create Flow and Cohesion With Your Interior Design
These eight tips can help you select products, finishes and styles that work together from room to room
Full Story
For Pros
Trade Shows: Why They're Important Events You Don't Want to Miss
From networking to insights into new and emerging trends, here's why trade shows should be a firm 'yes' in your calendar
Full Story
Picture Perfect
22 Curtains That Dare to Be Different
Our coffee-break escape offers you five minutes' worth of images to inspire and delight. Jump right in...
Full Story
Project Of The Week
Before & After: A Cheap & Cheerful Makeover of a 1980s Caravan
Armed with an AU$1500 budget, a Melbourne couple rolled up their sleeves and transformed a caravan in just three months
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Melbourne Houzz: A Terrace Near Ruin Gets a Second Chance
See how a derelict Victorian terrace in Melbourne was transformed into a luxurious and serene family home
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Melbourne Houzz: A Family's Dream Home, 20 Years in the Making
Timeless, sophisticated and a little bit industrial – this heritage-home renovation is nothing short of spectacular
Full Story
Love the mix of styles! Couldn't live any other way! Dislike matchy-matchy!