How to Combine Design Styles For a Lived-In Feel
- Little White Label
- Apr 7
- 4 min read
We've noticed that a lot of our Brisbane-based interior design and decoration clients during our consultations bring up wanting to display their sentimental pieces, but fear it will detract from the overall look they're going for. We say, "have no fear!" - there is a way to mix these in, even if they are in completely different design styles. It's all about balance, creativity, and blending elements that feel authentic to you, that will create a gorgeous lived-in, personalised look. We'll let you in on our little secrets on how to do this effectively:
1. Decide on the Overall Feeling you want to Achieve
Are you the kind of person that is "more is more", or do you prefer to keep things pared back? Do you want a vibrant and bold interior, or do you prefer muted calming spaces? This will dictate the overall palette and also the amount of layering you can weave into your interior.
2. Consider your Colour Palette
If you lean more to the maximalist side of things, then you can opt for going bold with colour saturation. Think colour-matched ceilings to walls in a feature colour, or even bold wallpapers, etc. You can mix and match styles, however it's important to remember the colour pairings, and also consider variations in scale when mixing patterns. There is an art to making this look intentional.
Alternatively, if you'd prefer a calming space, then choose a neutral colour palette (like whites, greys, or beige) for larger furniture pieces, walls, and floors. This acts as a foundation where different styles can shine without overwhelming the space. Neutral tones create a cohesive backdrop for mixing various styles.
3. Use Statement Pieces to Blend Styles
Incorporate statement furniture or accessories that reflect different design aesthetics. For instance, pair a sleek, modern sofa with vintage or industrial-style side tables. A traditional armchair can complement a minimalist desk.
4. Layer Textures and Materials
Mixing textures adds depth and interest. Combine natural materials like wood, metal, and stone with soft textures like velvet, linen, or wool.
5. Blend Old and New
Incorporating vintage or heirloom pieces with more contemporary items creates a balance between the past and present.
6. Create Visual Harmony with Colour
Even when mixing styles, using a consistent colour palette can unify the different elements. If you’re mixing global and industrial styles, for example, you could use a colour scheme of earth tones, greens, and warm neutrals that tie the two aesthetics together.
7. Embrace Eclectic Decor
Don’t be afraid to introduce a few playful, eclectic elements. Combining different art pieces, mixing patterns (like stripes with florals or geometric with organic), or mixing modern sculptures with rustic décor can create a space that feels lived-in and full of character.
8. Play with Scale and Proportions
Mixing different styles often means dealing with different proportions and scales. Keep in mind the balance between large and small furniture items. For instance, pairing a large, plush sofa with smaller, slimline chairs helps create contrast while maintaining flow.
9. Personalise the Space
The best part about a lived-in look is incorporating things that reflect your personality. Display personal items, like books, family heirlooms, travel mementos, or artwork that resonates with you. These items can serve as the bridge between different design styles.
As an example, our client in The Gap wanted to display this Papua New Guinean bilum, but wasn't sure how it could be incorporated. Given the sentimental nature of this item, we thought it would be lovely to celebrate it by transforming it into an art piece, and have it displayed front-and-centre against the textured lime plaster wall in the living room. In order to do this we suggested a custom frame, had selected an organic textured linen fabric to sit behind the bilum, and have it encased in an acrylic frame - the perfect blend of old and new, organic and man-made.
The organic nature of this now art piece needed to be contrasted against something fresh: cue the crisp white linen slipcover sofa, paired with the contemporary sculptural timber stool. The juxtaposition of the contemporary polished chrome vase and the crisp white Jess Sellinger sculptural bowl against the British Colonial-style coffee table creates an added layer.
You can see the blend of texture, materials, scale, etc. that has been mentioned in the first few steps of this blog on full display here. The Gap project is an example of a more layered aesthetic whilst still working with a neutral palette.
10. Avoid Overcrowding
Too much of anything can clutter a space. While mixing styles, make sure there's breathing room between pieces. Allow some negative space for each style to shine without competing.
By carefully combining elements from various styles, you can create a space that feels both curated and comfortable, with a sense of lived-in warmth. Would you like help incorporating your sentimental pieces into your interior design and decoration style? Contact us today.
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