What are effective strategies for incorporating different design styles and elements?

Do you love interior design but feel overwhelmed by the variety of styles and elements available? Do you want to create a harmonious and unique space that reflects your personality and preferences? If so, you might benefit from some effective strategies for incorporating different design styles and elements in your interior design projects. In this article, we will share some tips and examples that will help you mix and match different design elements with confidence and creativity.

1 Identify your main style

Before you start mixing different design styles and elements, you need to have a clear idea of what your main style is. This is the style that will define the overall mood, theme, and atmosphere of your space. You can use online quizzes, magazines, blogs, or Pinterest boards to find out what style suits you best. Some common interior design styles are modern, traditional, rustic, bohemian, Scandinavian, industrial, and eclectic.

Add your perspective

Mirka Kurkela

Freelance Writer & Content Strategist | Interior Designer | Creating Stories That Inspire Action
Report contribution
This is my favourite part at the beginning of every interior project! It's where you get to be creative and work towards a vision of the space. First, get cosy with a cup of coffee and open Pinterest. Create a new board and start pinning images of interiors you like. Don't edit your choices too much at this stage, but pin everything that catches your attention. Once you are done, look at the board. Can you spot some similarities in terms of the style of the interiors? Do you see similar colours, furniture, or materials reappearing on multiple images? Now, edit the board only to have those images on display there and use it to guide you forward with the design.

Like

2 Choose complementary styles

Once you have identified your main style, you can choose one or two complementary styles that will add some contrast, interest, and diversity to your space. Complementary styles are those that share some common elements or characteristics with your main style, but also have some differences that create a balance. For example, if your main style is modern, you can complement it with some rustic or industrial elements to add some warmth and texture. Or, if your main style is bohemian, you can complement it with some Scandinavian or modern elements to add some simplicity and elegance.

Add your perspective

3 Use the 80/20 rule

A good rule of thumb for incorporating different design styles and elements is to use the 80/20 rule. This means that you should use your main style for 80% of your space, and your complementary style(s) for 20% of your space. This way, you can create a cohesive and consistent look, while also adding some variety and personality. For example, if your main style is traditional, you can use it for the furniture, walls, and flooring, and use your complementary style(s) for the accessories, lighting, and art.

Add your perspective

4 Pay attention to color, scale, and texture

Another important aspect of incorporating different design styles and elements is to pay attention to color, scale, and texture. These are the elements that can make or break your design, so you need to use them wisely and harmoniously. For color, you can use a neutral or monochromatic palette as a base, and add some pops of color from your complementary style(s) as accents. For scale, you can use different sizes and shapes of furniture and accessories to create a dynamic and balanced space. For texture, you can use different materials and fabrics to create a rich and cozy space.

Add your perspective

Kerrie Kelly, FASID, NKBA

Global Brand Strategist | Content Creator | Interior Designer | Lifestyle Expert | Product Developer | NKBA 2025 Vice Chair
Report contribution
Combining diverse design styles into a cohesive space is an artful endeavor. Start by identifying a unifying element—a shared color, texture, or theme—to bridge the diverse styles. Use a consistent color palette to tie various elements together while allowing each style to shine. Consider scale and proportion—balance larger statement pieces with smaller complementary ones. Blend textures thoughtfully, juxtaposing smooth with rough or matte with glossy, creating visual interest while maintaining harmony. Ultimately, cohesion arises when each design element contributes to a balanced composition, creating a space that feels intentional and inviting.

Like

5 Experiment and have fun

Finally, the most effective strategy for incorporating different design styles and elements is to experiment and have fun. Interior design is a creative and personal process, so you should not be afraid to try new things, mix and match different elements, and express yourself. You can use inspiration from magazines, blogs, social media, or other sources, but you should also follow your intuition and taste. Remember that there is no right or wrong way to mix different design styles and elements, as long as you love the result and feel comfortable in your space.

Add your perspective

Mirka Kurkela

Freelance Writer & Content Strategist | Interior Designer | Creating Stories That Inspire Action
Report contribution
Don't try to follow trends, but stay true to your identity and sense of style. After all, you are building a home for yourself, not someone else! What are your favourite colours? Have you inherited a piece of furniture you want to hold on to no matter what? Do you like a certain decorative period? Listen to your intuition and courageously decorate to your own unique taste.

Like

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

What are effective strategies for incorporating different design styles and elements?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Identify your main style

2 Choose complementary styles

3 Use the 80/20 rule

4 Pay attention to color, scale, and texture

5 Experiment and have fun

6 Here’s what else to consider

Interior Design

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Interior Design

More relevant reading