7 Reasons to Blend Design Styles in Your Home Renovation or Redecoration Project

The concept of using more than one design style in a renovation or redecoration project is a no-brainer for some and a hard sell for others. I think with the latter group, they picture a busy and inharmonious room when they hear “blending of styles.” But I’m here to tell you that is not the case, and there are quite a few good reasons to utilize more than one design style.

1. Blending design styles accommodates the tastes of both (or all) decision-makers in the home. 

Never have I ever worked with a couple or family in which there were not differing opinions about color, pattern, finishes, and design styles in general. And if I were a gambler, I would bet I never will. Opposites tend to attract. Variety is the spice of life, after all. And what’s wonderful about that is every project is a unique opportunity to create one-of-a-kind rooms. And that is music to a designer’s ears!

2. Blending design styles keeps a home feeling authentic and personal. 

We don’t want your new room or home looking like a product catalog. It should be so personal that when others look at it, they learn something about you. We want it to be so tailored to your needs, interests, and style(s) that it looks and feels like you. So that every time you walk through the door you breathe a sigh of relief as you’re met with a home that showcases your family heirlooms, art, treasures, memories, and interests. 

3. Blending design styles makes your home feel evolved, as if it has a history.

This is also what designers are referring to when they say they like a “collected” look. An evolved room tells a story and sparks conversation. It’s a place that feels as if it has changed over time to accommodate the humans that reside there and will continue to do so in the future.

4. Blending design styles keeps your home from looking dated.

This is something the average homeowner might not think about, but going all-in on one style is akin to a timestamp on a photograph. It can make the room feel like it’s old and outdated in just a few years. If everything was purchased and placed at exactly the same time, it’s going to feel out of touch and uncomfortable sooner than you think. Which brings me to the next point…

5. Blending design styles eliminates the need to update your home every few years.

You may notice that design trends tend to change every 5-10 years. (Sometimes “fads”  last even less time and the market is flooded with a certain style of products for only one to three years.) Most people do not want to spend the time, effort, or money to go through major renovation or redecoration projects every 5-10 years. I’m one of them, and I’m guessing you are as well. For all of the previously mentioned reasons, but also because of the strain on the environment that creates. If you have a carefully curated blend of 2 or 3 design styles, your home will need to be updated far less often than if you feature a single design style.

6. Blending design styles allows you to swap furniture and accessories in and out much more easily.

Not only will design trends change locally, regionally, and globally, but your own style will very likely change and evolve over time as you continue to learn, change, and age. Most people want to be able to beautifully display a family heirloom when their grandmother passes without getting rid of their modern furniture. They want to be able to purchase that special piece of art on their trip abroad and bring it home to appreciate it every day while they enjoy their morning coffee or tea. They want to be able to change things up from time to time in order to keep their home feeling fresh. Incorporating more than one design style makes all of this possible.

7. Blending design styles creates a more interesting room.

I don’t want to ruffle any feathers, but I have to be honest; I find single-design-style rooms don’t hold my attention very long. They don’t usually widen my eyes or make my heart skip a beat. They don’t tell me anything about the interesting people who live there. They don’t excite me because they don’t have any stories to tell. For that to happen, a room needs a bespoke blending of accessories and furniture.

If any of these rationales for blending design styles resonate with you, I would love to help you with your home redecoration or renovation project! Click here to get started on the first step of the design process with MBI. You can also click here to learn a little more about the motivation for my design work.

Until then,

MB