Tips for mixing different styles
Blending decorating styles of two different individuals can be tricky, but on the contrary it can be done! Whether you’re moving into a new home with your significant other, or renovating an existing space all it takes is a little planning and a lot of communication before pulling the trigger on any decisions. If the two of you need a mediator you should bring in a third party to help guide the focus! BUT before moving forward to putting your décor together you need to think about a few different aspects of the process. Some of those thought topics are planning before buying, your priorities, picking your battles, and flow.
When planning before you buy you should think about and outline what your different styles/tastes are. Some may be very different and some may have enough similar qualities to make it a breeze! You should outline different aspects such as colors, style, desired locations of different items, items to be kept, what needs to be donated, or what new purchases need to be made. Coming to a common ground on furnishing needs is imperative to starting the process.
Once you have a good grasp on what meaningful or useful furnishings to keep, and what to purchase you can then focus on your priorities. Is the dining table passed down over three generations the main focal point in the dining room, or is that thimble collection just something you can’t live without? Those things that are important to each you will need to be incorporated into the design in some way. What aspects of these items will be the deciding factor on what’s brought into the equation?
Emotions can run high when sentimental items are mixed with differences of opinion, so decide what’s really important and what you can live without. Don’t try to hold on to every single trinket and memento. If you do you’ll drive yourself, and each other crazy, so pick your battles!
Creating a good flow between the joined styles is imperative in accomplishing a nice harmony in the space, and locating common denominators in the design is how you will be able to achieve the desired flow. Some common aspects of the items, your individual styles or tastes, or style of sentimental items could be a specific color to pull in elsewhere in the space, a pattern, or visual lines. Pulling it all together after all the planning, communicating, and compromising are done, is when it all becomes worth it. Coordination and flow are the elements that will give your design a sense of intention instead of the impression of being thrown together. Have fun mixing it up!