Decorating
How to Matchmake Two Completely Different Decor Styles in One Abode
Whether you are living with a housemate or your other half, see how two very different decorating styles can become one
Most of us lean towards a particular style when it comes to decor and decorating – whether it’s eclectic, retro, modern or simply traditional. But what do you do when your decorating style doesn’t appear – at first glance, at least – to mesh with the style of the person you’re living with? Luckily, with some smart decor tweaks, it’s no big deal.
So, whether you are living with a housemate (or a few!) or you’re moving in with your other half, keep reading for some simple ideas on how to make your opposing styles appear more cohesive.
So, whether you are living with a housemate (or a few!) or you’re moving in with your other half, keep reading for some simple ideas on how to make your opposing styles appear more cohesive.
Layer one style on another
It’s fair to say that some styles have a more minimalist look than others. Country, traditional and Scandinavian styles all use relatively muted colour palettes along with toned-down furniture and decor. For that reason, these styles make a perfect “base” for vibrant styles including retro, eclectic and tropical, all of which have a more colourful look.
So, how do you use one style as a base for another? Generally speaking, you start by fitting out the basic elements of the room using just one style. In this particular example, you can see that the walls, fixtures, fittings and furniture abide by the basic elements of country style. Now, although the room could be kept as is, with just those basic elements, you can combine two different styles by “layering” another style on top. Here, they have layered eclectic pieces – in particular, mismatched bed linen – to give the room personal twist.
It’s fair to say that some styles have a more minimalist look than others. Country, traditional and Scandinavian styles all use relatively muted colour palettes along with toned-down furniture and decor. For that reason, these styles make a perfect “base” for vibrant styles including retro, eclectic and tropical, all of which have a more colourful look.
So, how do you use one style as a base for another? Generally speaking, you start by fitting out the basic elements of the room using just one style. In this particular example, you can see that the walls, fixtures, fittings and furniture abide by the basic elements of country style. Now, although the room could be kept as is, with just those basic elements, you can combine two different styles by “layering” another style on top. Here, they have layered eclectic pieces – in particular, mismatched bed linen – to give the room personal twist.
Use multiple styles to tie your look together
Sometimes you will find that the “two” styles you are bringing together already combine elements of multiple different styles. For example, one person might be combining Asian elements with Scandinavian elements, while the second person’s look is all about the beach.
Luckily, you can combine these looks, too. Yes, sometimes you actually need a third style to pull a look together. As you can see here, this room has a fairly minimalist aesthetic on first glance. But a closer look reveals that small components have been taken from three different styles to create one very stylish room. In particular, the white dining chairs borrow from Scandinavian style, the ceramic stool and wall art borrow from Asian style, while the glass jars and the overall feel is all about beach style.
Why does it work? To put it simply, no one style is the “standout” style. They all have their place, and they don’t overwhelm each other.
Sometimes you will find that the “two” styles you are bringing together already combine elements of multiple different styles. For example, one person might be combining Asian elements with Scandinavian elements, while the second person’s look is all about the beach.
Luckily, you can combine these looks, too. Yes, sometimes you actually need a third style to pull a look together. As you can see here, this room has a fairly minimalist aesthetic on first glance. But a closer look reveals that small components have been taken from three different styles to create one very stylish room. In particular, the white dining chairs borrow from Scandinavian style, the ceramic stool and wall art borrow from Asian style, while the glass jars and the overall feel is all about beach style.
Why does it work? To put it simply, no one style is the “standout” style. They all have their place, and they don’t overwhelm each other.
Allow one style to “take hold”
If you are lucky, you may find that despite your differing aesthetics, one particular style rises over the other. This will typically come down to the different types of furniture and decor each of you are bringing into the home.
For example, for the most part this room is full of Mid-century Modern pieces. So, if you were to look at this room as a whole, you would categorically say it defines Mid-century Modern style.
With that said, you can see small features that borrow from the retro look. The curved silhouette of the couch, for example, as well as the hanging lamp – both these pieces could work just as easily in a retro-style room as they do here.
Of course, letting one particular style “take hold” does mean that one of you is going to have to learn to compromise, prompting an entirely new challenge.
If you are lucky, you may find that despite your differing aesthetics, one particular style rises over the other. This will typically come down to the different types of furniture and decor each of you are bringing into the home.
For example, for the most part this room is full of Mid-century Modern pieces. So, if you were to look at this room as a whole, you would categorically say it defines Mid-century Modern style.
With that said, you can see small features that borrow from the retro look. The curved silhouette of the couch, for example, as well as the hanging lamp – both these pieces could work just as easily in a retro-style room as they do here.
Of course, letting one particular style “take hold” does mean that one of you is going to have to learn to compromise, prompting an entirely new challenge.
Go back to basics with each style
Last, but certainly not least, here is a way to fuse two different styles together without any fuss – and it’s all about stripping each look back until you reach the basics.
For example, here we have a room that uses the bare elements of contemporary style (empty walls, straight lines, natural finishes) with the bare elements of beach style (white walls, blue washes). This is basically the opposite technique of letting one style “take hold” over the other; instead, you are refusing to let either style overwhelm the other.
TELL US
How have you and the person you live with combined two styles to form one cohesive look? Let us know your tips and any challenges in the comments section.
MORE
Master the Art of Mix-and-Match Dining Chairs
Mix Master: How to Clash Prints and Patterns Like a Pro
So Your Style Is: Eclectic
Last, but certainly not least, here is a way to fuse two different styles together without any fuss – and it’s all about stripping each look back until you reach the basics.
For example, here we have a room that uses the bare elements of contemporary style (empty walls, straight lines, natural finishes) with the bare elements of beach style (white walls, blue washes). This is basically the opposite technique of letting one style “take hold” over the other; instead, you are refusing to let either style overwhelm the other.
TELL US
How have you and the person you live with combined two styles to form one cohesive look? Let us know your tips and any challenges in the comments section.
MORE
Master the Art of Mix-and-Match Dining Chairs
Mix Master: How to Clash Prints and Patterns Like a Pro
So Your Style Is: Eclectic
Every now and then, you’ll come across two styles that, when combined, turn into an entirely new style. Take this room as an example. On the one hand, you can see retro elements in the curved silhouette of the chairs, the bold patterns on the rug and cushions, and the oversized lamps. But on the other hand, you can see country elements in the wooden sideboard, the floorboards, the metal wall clock and the leather chair.
Interestingly, when these two starkly different styles come together, it turns into a third style: eclectic. Using a mix-and-match technique, this room borrows from each style and effortlessly creates a fun and imaginative space, which makes it a perfect source of inspiration for two people who feel they have contrasting tastes.