Have you ever fallen in love with a modern sofa and a vintage coffee table? Or maybe your partner loves minimalism, and you’re all about boho chic? Mixing design styles can feel confusing, but done right, it leads to a home that feels truly personal, unique, and beautiful.
The key is to balance harmony and contrast. And no, it doesn’t mean turning your space into a chaotic mash-up of everything you like. In this guide, you’ll learn how to mix different interior design styles without making your home look cluttered or confused.
Let’s dive in!
1. Start With a Base Style
Before you throw together pieces from every Pinterest board you’ve ever saved, choose one style to be your foundation. This will guide your major furniture decisions and overall feel of the space.
For example:
- If you choose modern as your base, think clean lines, neutral tones, and functional furniture.
- If your base is bohemian, expect warm textures, patterns, and a laid-back vibe.
- Your base style sets the tone, and everything else will layer on top.
2. Add an Accent Style (Or Two!)
Once your main style is in place, bring in another style to spice things up and add character.
Some fun combos to try:
- Modern + Rustic: Sleek surfaces paired with reclaimed wood.
- Boho + Industrial: Woven textures with metal accents.
- Minimalist + Traditional: Clean lines with classic shapes.
The trick is to use the second style sparingly. Think of it as adding flavor just enough to enhance, not overwhelm.
3. Stick to a Cohesive Color Palette
One of the easiest ways to make different styles look good together is to keep the colors consistent. Even if your furniture or décor varies in style, a unified color palette will tie it all together.
Here’s how:
- Pick 2–3 main colors you love.
- Use those colors across walls, furniture, rugs, and art.
- Add pops of contrast (like metallics, black, or bold tones) to keep things interesting.
When everything lives within the same color story, the space feels connected, even when the styles vary.
4. Repeat Textures and Materials
Mixing materials can help bridge styles. For example, if you have a vintage wooden chair, echo that wood tone elsewhere in a shelf, a frame, or a table.
Pro tip:
- Match materials across different styles. Brass from a vintage lamp and brass legs on a modern table? Perfect!
- Use the same type of fabric (like velvet or linen) in different pieces to build unity.
- Repeating similar textures, tones, or materials adds rhythm and consistency to your space.
5. Balance Your Visual Weight
A heavy antique dresser on one side of the room and a tiny wire chair on the other can throw things off. Try to balance the “visual weight” of items throughout the room.
Here’s how:
- Pair large pieces with other large pieces.
- If mixing old and new, balance their presence: a bold vintage rug under a sleek modern sofa keeps both grounded.
- Distribute color and texture evenly so one side of the room doesn’t feel too busy.
Think of it like creating a playlist: mix highs and lows, but keep the beat steady.
6. Use Art and Accessories to Blend Styles
If your main furniture pieces are from different styles, you can use smaller items, like art, pillows, vases, or rugs, to help tie them together.
Ideas:
- A modern art piece above a classic fireplace.
- Throw pillows that mix patterns from both farmhouse and boho aesthetics.
- A rug that pulls together all your key colors and materials.
Accessories are like glue for mixed styles they can bridge the gap and make everything feel intentional.
7. Edit and Curate
It’s tempting to include everything you love, but sometimes less really is more. Curating your space means selecting pieces that complement each other, not compete for attention.
Try this:
- Take a photo of your room and look at it objectively.
- Remove or swap items that don’t “fit” with the rest.
- Aim for a mix of styles that feels layered and thoughtful, not cluttered or chaotic.
You don’t need to show off every cool chair or funky lamp you find. Let your favorite pieces shine by giving them space.
8. Tell Your Story Through Style
- At the end of the day, your home should reflect you. Mixing styles isn’t about following rules, it’s about creating a space that feels authentic.
- Maybe you love mid-century furniture, your partner collects vintage finds, and your travel memories are full of Moroccan patterns. Mixing all of that can work beautifully if you blend with intention and care.
- Every item should feel like part of a bigger story. When your home tells your story, it naturally feels cohesive.
Mixing design styles doesn’t have to feel chaotic, it can be one of the most exciting and creative ways to decorate your home. By blending different styles, you have the freedom to express your personality and create a space that truly feels like you. The key to successfully mixing styles is to start with a base style that anchors the room, whether it's modern, vintage, industrial, or boho. This will help maintain some sense of cohesion throughout the space. Next, stick to a color palette that unifies your diverse pieces. A well-chosen palette will help your varied elements work together harmoniously, even if they’re from different design worlds. Balance is also crucial; try to mix larger statement pieces with smaller, subtler ones, ensuring one style doesn’t overpower the other. Be mindful of proportion and scale to keep the space feeling comfortable and not cluttered. Finally, edit with intention. Sometimes less is more, so take a step back and assess whether each item enhances the room. Your home is your canvas, and mixing styles allows you to create something unique and personal. Embrace the opportunity to mix, match, and make magic happen, transforming your space into a stylish, eclectic reflection of who you are.