How to Mix Interior Design Styles: 10 Tips for a Cohesive and Collected Home
Design
Gone are the days of sticking to just one interior design style. Today’s homes embrace a thoughtful mix—where modern meets vintage, classic blends with contemporary, and every piece tells a story.
Whether you're merging styles with a partner, incorporating a beloved heirloom, or simply drawn to more than one aesthetic, blending design styles can result in a space that feels curated, harmonious, and uniquely yours. The key? Thoughtful balance and intentional layering.
Here are 10 expert tips for seamlessly mixing interior design styles while maintaining a cohesive and collected home.
1. Blend Elements Throughout Your Home
Instead of assigning a single style to each room, mix elements from multiple styles throughout your home for a more purposeful, curated feel.
For example, a sleek modern light fixture can pair beautifully with an antique chair and a woven vintage rug in the living room. A sculptural bedside table can balance a cozy alpaca throw in the guest room. By repeating mixed elements across different spaces, your home will feel connected and intentional rather than disjointed.
2. Start with a Neutral Foundation
A neutral backdrop makes it easier to blend different styles without overwhelming the space. But neutrals aren’t just beige and white—earth tones, moody browns, soft blues, deep greens, and warm greiges also create a versatile foundation.
Once you’ve set a neutral base, layer in bolder hues through accent pieces like artwork, throw pillows, and statement furniture to bring personality to the space.
3. Set an Intentional Color Palette
An intentional color scheme brings contrasting styles together. Stick to 3–5 colors to create visual continuity across rooms.
A helpful guideline is the 60-30-10 rule:
- 60% primary color (walls, large furniture)
- 30% secondary color (textiles, rugs)
- 10% accent color (decor, accessories)
Even if your furniture and decor come from different design styles, repeating colors across pieces creates a harmonious look.
4. Focus on Scale and Proportion
Mixing styles successfully isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about balance. Pay attention to scale and proportion to ensure your pieces complement each other visually. I appreciate a bold play on scale from time to time, but knowing when and where to use it is what truly makes it impactful.
For example, a grand, overstuffed sofa might overpower a delicate antique coffee table, while a small modern pendant light could feel out of place above a large farmhouse dining table. Striking the right balance helps different styles coexist effortlessly.
5. Use Repetition for Visual Flow
Repetition naturally ties together different styles. Look for recurring shapes, materials, and finishes in your pieces.
- Repeated wood tones or metal finishes unify mixed furniture pieces.
- Consistent geometric patterns in textiles and decor can create cohesion.
- Circular forms (mirrors, tables, lighting) provide fluidity across spaces.
When thoughtfully incorporated, repetition makes eclectic design feel intentional rather than chaotic.
6. Refresh and Update to Bridge Styles
Sometimes, a small update can transform a piece and help it blend seamlessly into a mixed-style space.
- Refinish or paint furniture to create a cohesive look.
- Reupholster vintage chairs in modern fabrics for a fresh twist.
- Swap hardware on dressers or cabinets to unify different styles.
These updates allow you to preserve the character of older pieces and antiques while integrating them beautifully into a modern design.
7. Highlight Personal Pieces That Tell a Story
A well-designed home isn’t just about trends—it should reflect your story. Whether it’s an heirloom quilt, a painting from your travels, or a vintage flea market find, these elements ground your space in meaning.
Instead of worrying about whether these items “match,” design around them—pulling in colors, textures, or shapes that complement their aesthetic while letting them shine.
8. Create Dedicated Spaces for Standout Pieces
Not every treasured piece has to blend in. Designate spaces where unique or sentimental items can stand alone and add character.
For example, a mid-century chair might stand out in a traditional living room but look intentional in a reading nook. A framed antique pennant might not fit a formal space but works beautifully in a home office or library.
Give special pieces their moment, even if they don’t align perfectly with the rest of the decor.
9. Let Blank Space Work for You
Whitespace—or intentional negative space—is essential when mixing styles. It prevents a room from feeling overcrowded and allows key pieces to stand out.
A carefully placed open wall, a pared-back vignette, or a simple color palette creates a sense of calm and balance, making eclectic design feel elevated rather than cluttered.
10. Embrace the Eclectic with Confidence
At the end of the day, your home isn’t a showroom—it’s a reflection of you. The most beautiful spaces feel lived-in, collected, and layered over time.
Give yourself permission to mix eras, styles, and textures. Play with combinations that speak to you, and don’t be afraid to take design risks. Sometimes, the unexpected pairings—like a sleek modern sofa with a rustic wooden coffee table—become the most compelling focal points.
Your home should feel collected, not decorated—a space that evolves, tells a story, and invites comfort and connection.
Blending design styles is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about curating a home that reflects your personality, history, and the things you truly love. By balancing colors, textures, and proportions while allowing space for treasured pieces, you’ll create an environment that feels intentional, timeless, and uniquely yours.
— Lauren