5 tips for mixing different design styles in one room

When it comes to decor, matchy matchy is a thing of the past. Right now, in the design world, we are seeing unexpected elements mixed together to create eclectic styles that feel fresh and interesting. To give you a little decor inspiration, Steven mixed two very different design styles together. He paired ornate, traditional pieces with sleek modern styles.

However, successfully pulling together these two design styles in one room isn't always easy to pull off. You can't just start combining everything and anything. The key is to make the space look considered and not chaotic. Here's how to successfully accomplish this look:

Choose a neutral backdrop

When there's a lot going on in the furnishings and accessories you've chosen for a room,it's important that the walls don't try to compete. Going with a neutral for your walls, like we did with this light gray hue, createsthe perfect canvas for your furniture and decor to shine.

Think about scale when picking furniture

Since we went with a low-profile modern sofa (above) for this space, filling out the room with traditional high wing chairs would've made for a disjointed aesthetic. So, we went with these chairs (below) that still fit the traditional decor look, butare lower to the ground, so that they relate better to the contemporary sofa.

Repeat design elements

Carrying certain design elements, colours or finishes throughout a space can be the ticket to combining two furniture styles that are very different. When there's a lot going on in a room, this kind of repetition is essential for achieving a sense of cohesion. We used a lot of brass in this space to pull everything together, and you can see that repeated in modern pieces, like this coffee table from Black Rooster Decor (above), and traditional pieces, like this antique bar cart (below).

Modernize the traditional

We've grounded our space with this rug from W STUDIO. The patternis a recreation of a very famous, old Persian design called HERIZ. In this iteration, they changed the original colours toblack and white andadded a striae pattern throughout, creating a modern take ona traditional design.

Juxtapose oppositional elements

Opposites DO attract in this room. Don'tcombine too many pieces from the same period or you won't be able to achieve thatcontrast.We styled this Replica of Louis XV-style mantle from Trumeau Stone with a very modern, oversized piece of art from Union Lighting, a neon sign and solid marble andbrass urns from 1880. All very different pieces that work harmoniously in this setting.

Resource guide:

Black Rooster Decor

• Coffee table
• Neon sign
• Man bust
• Accessories

Stoney Creek Furniture

• Leather sofa
• Velvet chairs
• Side table

French Antique Furniture

• Louis XV pull up chairs
• Bust
• Bar cart
• Marble urn

Union Lighting

• Wall art
• Floor lamp

Tonic Living

• Throw pillows

W Studio

• Rug

Trumeau Stones

• Mantle