Mixing Styles For the Win -

Mixing Styles For the Win

Ready to have a garage sale? Not yet, let’s talk style first.

We discussed the trends, now how does it all go together? Well, mixing styles are key, and honestly something I have done for years. I am a secret garage sale shopper, and now troll Facebook marketplace for really cool stuff someone doesn’t want anymore. Sticking to the predictable is boring, and you don’t want that do you?

How about an edgy, dark dining room covered in a traditional grasscloth, mixed with an antique dining hutch, and modern lighting? For this room, we used color as a way to blend the existing traditional furniture and “popped” the lighting, creating a statement. Can you use one color in multiple ways to blend your room?

“Be authentic to who you are and find the pieces you love, allow a room to build over time. ” - Anastasia

Layering is an easy way to mix styles. Using the same tones in fabrics and furnishings with a bold color for one main piece will give your room personality. You can layer different elements such as a textured fabric on the sofa, tone on tone pattern in the window treatments, and find colors that you used and repeat them in the rugs. You can get that really high-end design look, by just limiting the color.

Do you have what it takes to be bold?

Embrace traditional pieces! Right now we are seeing so many modern elements and furnishings from the major retailers. And honestly, these pieces up the cool factor by 1000%. If you go to your local furniture store and fit out the entire room, there is a tendency to have your room feel too cold.

Consider layering at least two traditional pieces along with the more contemporary items. This way, your room will always remain relevant!

Although it’s really fun to flip the pages of a catalog you just got in the mail and dream, it can be a bit boring! You’re better than that—buying everything matchy-matchy creates a home that lacks character. How do we add character? Slowly, over time. Buying different pieces in different styles that complement each other will build character.

Experienced designers can do this for you, of course, in a few short design sessions. But we flip the pages of catalogs all day long, and visit showrooms, understanding the styles to put together. You can try a small shopping excursion on the weekend, get that piece into its new home, then layer in the next pieces. Slowly over time you will find things you love and build your own design style!

Now you know…mixing styles for the win!

Have fun, and if you take a picture, send it my way, or post it and tag us @ahdandco – I’ll be sure to comment!