Combining different styles can be challenging, particularly when the people involved have strong opinions. However, some of the most interesting spaces integrate a variety of influences. This can help get rid of that cookie-cutter, same old same old, hand-me-down feel in your space. Avoid making your space look uncoordinated and as if you just received all your pieces from family members or garage sales with no rhyme or reason. Instead of having a look that clashes, here’s how you can achieve a cohesive aesthetically pleasing space.
First, remember to pick your battles and compromise. Let him keep some sports memorabilia, for example, a sports T-shirt can be framed to work in the space. Maybe that old reclining leather chair that belongs in his man cave can keep both of you happy if you just move it to a different room. Think about what matters to you most and let go of the rest. Begin, by deciding if you have anything that you absolutely love and can’t do without. When two people are involved who have completely different tastes, make sure that each of you gets to keep only one or two previously owned items per room. If you have more than two pieces, simply put those pieces in a different space.
Now, begin with an empty pallet by taking everything out of the room. Have a garage sale or donate the pieces that are worthy and get rid of everything else. Your next step is search the Internet to find other pieces that you both like. Save these inspirational pieces to a file you can both access. This will help you get a better sense of each other’s style. You may also notice that there are multiple pieces you both agree on.
Here’s the fun part. Go shopping together to bridge any gaps. Make sure to keep in mind your inspirational pieces as well as the pieces that you both liked. When going shopping, make sure to mix it up. A big mistake couples make when designing is that they feel everything needs to match or be in the same aesthetic. This is not true. I recommend doing the exact opposite. Think of the word coordinate rather than match. Use furniture pieces from both of the styles that you prefer; even if they are from two different design periods. The trick is to compromise and use the 20/40/40 rule. Find a style and/or piece of furniture that you both love. Use that style for 20% of the room. Incorporate that style into the room in small details, like a piece of art or a custom-painted dresser. Use each of the styles that you like for 40% of the space. You must compromise because you may need to use a little more of one of your styles in order to create a space that you both like.
In design, using the rule of 3 usually makes your space read as a beautiful room. Choose a color that you both like. Use that as the main color for the space, along with two coordinating colors that each of you will choose. In order to make this work and for both of you to love the room, layer in fabrics and textiles that are varied in pattern and color. You can hang artwork and pepper in accessories that are interesting and meaningful to you both. The ultimate goal in designing is to have a space that feels like it is personally yours.
If you have done all of your homework and still feel like you’re uncertain or struggling to blend your styles and balance your preferences, consult with a designer. A designer will give you the expertise to help create a space in a timely manner and help you achieve a fresh look.
