Even when a space is small, redecorating can be a big challenge; especially if it’s your first time tackling a kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom makeover. The puzzle gets even more complex when you start to mix multiple styles, like blending beach house with Boho, or incorporating rustic touches into a modern, contemporary apartment. 

No matter which styles you’d like to combine, following some simple rules can help you pull off a flawless look. We’ve compiled a few useful design “do’s” and “don’ts” to help inspire you and get you started. As long as you keep these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way toward mixing interior design styles successfully!

How to Combine Decorating Styles

Can You Mix Interior Design and Furniture Styles?

Homeowners often ask us about mixing furniture styles and other elements of design. For example, we frequently hear questions like, “Can you mix interior design styles, even if they look very different?” or, “Can you mix different furniture styles in your living room?” 

The short answer to both questions is, of course! But be careful: jumbling up design styles can lead to chaos fast, unless you have a strategy. To keep your vision on track, follow the tips below. If you get lost, don’t panic: you can pick up the thread with our tips on how to match and coordinate furniture in any room.

Tip #1: Choose Two Themes

When you’re working on an interior design project, it’s always smart to come armed with a plan. Before you start shopping for wallpaper and furniture, the first step is to clearly identify the two styles or themes you’d like to combine. Some examples of popular design styles include: 

• Beach house and coastal styles
• Memphis design styles
• Nordic (Scandinavian) design styles
• Rustic and cabin-inspired styles
• Traditional styles
• Transitional styles
• Victorian styles

Not sure which style is for you? Don’t worry: we’ve got all the advice you need on how to choose an interior design style.

Tip #2: (Don’t) Go Against the Grain

It’s hard not to love hardwood, but too many styles can start to clash, creating visual confusion. If you’d like to have multiple types of wood furniture in a single space — especially in a room that has wooden floors — try to establish a theme or pattern that helps tie individual elements together. For example, you can try repainting old wooden furniture, or applying a stain so that your color palette looks more cohesive. 

You should also think carefully about how the new colors could blend (or clash) with the existing scheme in the rest of your home. Our tips on how to choose a color scheme for your home might make it easier to find a palette you love. (Don’t forget about incorporating pastel colors, either!)

Tip #3: Make a Statement

When you start to mix and match multiple styles, it’s almost inevitable that certain items, possibly even a few that you love will stick out as “off-theme.” Make that something to celebrate! The black sheep of your furniture collection can also be its star, becoming the focal point for the entire room. 

No matter what kinds of decor you have, choose one or two items to highlight as statement pieces. You can place them in prominent positions, draw attention to them with light, or simply let them speak for themselves!

Explore Our Design Blog for Interior Style and Decor Ideas

There are countless ways to mix and match the elements of interior design, creating endless variety that’s as unique as you are. Of course, when you have thousands of options to choose from, just getting started can be intimidating! 

That’s where the friendly, knowledgeable experts at Flooring America come in. We have years of experience helping homeowners choose quality flooring products in options like wood, tile, luxury vinyl, carpet, and more. We can help you find a floor that fits your style and your lifestyle, offering beauty, durability, and efficiency. Explore the tips on our design blog, tour virtual rooms with My Design Finder, or simply contact us online to get started!

Visualize Your Flooring Dreams

Want a preview of how new floors will look in your home? Try our room visualizer, My Floor Style. Upload a photo of your room, select your style preferences, and get a virtual look at each different flooring style. With My Floor Style, there are no surprises. Only beautiful new floors.