To mix styles or Not to mix styles, this is the dilemma

13 years ago

I have a serious soft spot of colonial/primitive, cottage, and a hint of art deco and am working on de-cluttering and reorganizing my home all while enhancing our decorative choices and bringing a new look and feel to our very small late-19th century home. What are everyone's thoughts on mixing styles? Is it possible to bring these three styles together in small elements and in a clean way without overwhelming or confusing us and every guest?? Or, should i pick one and stick to it?

Featured Answer

carolannr

13 years ago

Definitely agree to mixing styles. Might help if the items have coordinating factors like color. I do sgree art deco can be a little ostentatious but the small touch of an art deco mirror can add light to whatever dark wall its put on. I peersonally think strict adherence to one style usually means it looks more like a museum setting than a home, whatever that style may be.

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Comments (9)

PRO
The L.A. Lady
13 years ago
I say mix away! It will take more of a discerning eye but since you said you'd be de-cluttering, having a few key pieces will allow people to take in the mixed style more easily. I would definitely keep it to a "hint" of art deco since that style can become visually overwhelming at times, but it sounds like you have a good plan. Post pics when you're done!
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PRO
Kelli Kaufer Designs
13 years ago
Absolutely mix styles! The norm now is mixing 2, 3 sometimes 4 styles, when done right it makes a for a unique one of a kind space that really reflects you. Good luck and have fun!!!!
cwatsonfelt
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks! I DO find it a little overwhelming - i'm still a student here, especially when it comes to mix-and-minimal. However, discovering Houzz has been a HUGE help! And i absolutely agree Carolannr that one style looks so not lived in! I think part of my concern is the how - on a minimal scale (it will take time and patience - neither come easy to me ha!) and the size of my house. We'll see how i do and will post images when i have a few more items in hand.
PRO
Liza Jane Interiors
13 years ago
I love mixing styles. The key is in the editing.
cwatsonfelt
Original Author
13 years ago
I bet it is LizaJane - any advice? I'm thinking a lot about the coordinating factors - like colors that Carolannr mentioned. Also, I'm thinking of going with light walls to help these accents really pop. Thoughts on that?
Carolina
13 years ago
Yes! Mix and match and create your own personal style while doing so.
Found you an article on houzz that you may find inspirational:
https://www.houzz.com/magazine/relax-and-enjoy-an-extreme-style-mix-stsetivw-vs~134982

Good luck!
DIAspoton
13 years ago
anyone can go into a furniture store and buy a vignette and have it plunked down in their space. it may be attractive but it's going to lack imagination and your personality.

mix and have fun. then edit. just like dressing for a hot date. put on your best, look in the mirror and take off the extra necklace that's fighting with the earrings. if you've got a knockout bag to feature, you wear a simpler dress so the bag is noticed.

imagine walking into your home and finding yourself feeling happy and relaxed as you take in each room. you don't want too many visuals fighting for attention.
qam999
13 years ago
Colonial/primitive and cottage are close enough in mood that I would not even necessarily consider it a mixture of styles. Those are more various points along the evolution of vernacular style and you will find little discordance, depending on the pieces of course.

Art deco is different matter. It is a highly refined, urbanized, deliberate look created by designers who were excited by the dawn of the 20th century and the new ways of life and new industrial materials. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Deco Certain pieces of deco next to certain pieces of primitive or cottage style may clash badly, with the more rustic pieces looking coarse rather than charming and the deco pieces looking fussy and effete. Doesn't mean you can't do it - just means you need to have a keener then ever eye to find themes or commonalities in texture, color, form, or mood. Sounds like fun!