Blend Decorative Styles Into Eclectic Expression
Just about every Bostonian has been in a room, or even an entire house, whose decorative styles just don’t work with each other. On the other hand, you've probably been in a room with an eclectic mix of styles that work wonderfully well together, and you don't quite know why. Read on to find some design rules on how to pair incongruous styles in surprising and attractive ways.
Use the rule of 80/20
If you want to match different decorative styles in a space, the 80-20 rule goes a long way in helping you do so. Basically, you’ll use neutral colors such as grays, browns, blacks and whites in 80% of the room, and use bright accent colors for the other 20. You can choose a single accent color or pair two contrasting accent hues. Professionals such as those at In House Kitchen Design often claim that neutral colors should be the basis of a room in any case, with bolder colors layered on top of them. The strong colors bring out the subtle shades in the neutrals, and the neutrals underscore the strong colors.
Try to balance the elements
No matter their style, furnishings should ideally be proportional. A pair of delicate, wrought metal end tables would be overwhelmed when placed on either end of an oversized sectional sofa, for example. The size and plushness of the sofa might be better complemented by long and robust end tables made out of blocky wood or even concrete. Remember to balance the colors of the pieces as well. A visual decorating tool goes a long way in helping you to do this.
Shapes, patterns and textures should be harmonious
Though they don’t have to match exactly and probably won’t if they’re of different styles, the shapes, patterns and textures of the furnishings should gently remind you of each other. A painting of an ancestor may have the same colors and even a hint of the same patterns as the upholstery of a pair of contemporary easy chairs. A mid-century modern sideboard with a mahogany veneer echoes the mahogany of an 18th-century style dining room table and the frames of its dining chairs.
Decorate small areas of the space
If the room is big enough, you can mentally separate it into different areas and give each area its own stylistic flourish. An otherwise forgotten wall can feature attractive wallpaper with a French console table holding cherished objects and maybe a vase of flowers beneath a round English mirror with the space lit by a contemporary recessed ceiling light.
If you want to learn the finer points of blending different decorative styles in ways that are creative and aesthetically pleasing, visit The HomeMag on Facebook and Instagram.
