Extreme Style Mix
Betsy Burnham
A big trend in interior design is to leave behind the notion that one must define exactly what their style is...traditional, cottage or contemporary for example, and then closely follow the guidelines of this definition throughout the home with few variances. Instead, another approach to decorating is to begin with favorite pieces already owned and then complete the space by bringing in only items that are equally appreciated. This may require building a room over time, and an extreme style mix may be the result, but this is a look that is both unique and personal.
How about you, is this an approach you enjoy applying in your home, or is finding a specific style and running with it more to your liking?
To see more rooms embracing an extreme style mix, read my latest Ideabook written for Houzz.
Happy Weekend!! Janell
Happy Weekend!! Janell
41 comments:
I love this idea but it is certainly more challenging especially if, like me, you like many different styles and periods. But in the end, as you say, it creates a very unique and personal style. Authenticity is what it's all about!!
I like the idea also of bringing in pieces, over time, to create an extreme style mix. I typically like so many different styles so it's hard to just pick [one] and stick with that [one] specific style throughout.
I love this approach...to me it imparts more personality to a space...off to read your article on houzz!! have a lovely weekend, Janell!! xx meenal
Janell, great article, you used some perfect examples in your photo collection for the Houzz Ideabook. As always, you are a wonderful resource for home decor and design ideas! Looking forward to the Ezine!
Janell...this is a very interesting idea as it frees the person from artificial boundaries and let's them be more creative with their space...their space is like a canvas and their furnishings are the paints....when the expressionist painters freed themselves from boundaries it opened up a whole new way of "seeing" ordinary objects...very liberating...as I think one's home should be for oneself and family...
maureen
Really beautiful inspiration photos. I really love the idea of not trying to to define ones style or room to a particular genre or label. I feel like I've been doing this my whole life when it comes to me as a person why shouldn't the same be true when thinking in terms of decor or art or even fashion? I really love the mix of styles together and a room the really reflects the person who lives in it!
I think you know my answer to this one- LOVE this style! That office in the second shots is one of my favourites:)
Yes, don't put me in a box please! Thanks, Janell-- great ideabook. :)
I love to see the look and my eye just soaks it all in. I see my taste gravitating to that look more and more.
I used to be focused on one style, but now love to mix things up. Use what I love and add in some more modern touches. The photos are a great inspiration. I am a huge fan of tufting. I sold a country fabric chair and wish I never had. It had great tufting. I should have had it recovered. Lesson learned.
I think it is great to see people using their homes for their needs, and not how we once defined each space in a home. It's wise, creates a happier home and it's practical. I'm actually working on new furniture for our playroom (what's in there now is old stuff our NYC apt)...anyway, one of the considerations I'm thinking about is two chaise lounges instead of a sofa. I know in time my son/daughter won't want to lounge on the sofa together. Great post Janell!
I've recently tried to "branch out" and try some new different pieces and colors. I had a REALLY hard time incorporating it with the current decor in my home! It didn't flow and I really just felt like the entire style went from lovely to disjointed! I think I've had trouble picking the right pieces, its tough when you're trying to add something different!! I'm learning, slowly but surely : )
I love this idea and you show great images of it done well. The challenge is getting it all to gel....it is harder than it looks!
Yes!! This is me for sure. I've always been an eclectic, evolve over time with what I have girl! I have furniture from different countries and time periods and like to add in a current twist. It isn't easy to make it all work together but I love the challenge!! And I love that the result is always unique. My new house is still in progress so we will see how it goes. It is great to see the definition of acceptable style expanding into a design mix!
That is all I have ever done...sometimes it works...sometimes it is a hot mess. But it is always me.
that first picture SINGS to me!! I love this "trend". Funny how we call just being ourselves a trend. Shouldn't that be the norm? ;)
People ask me all the time what my decorating style is. But I always say that my style is beautiful. :) Decorating well is creating a personality within a room, and making that personality look good in that particular space.
Annie, VERY good point!! I hadn't thought of this...it's funny and sad at the same time. Janell
I love the collected look, but find that a combination of approaches is most practical. Build around things you love/have had forever, adding in accessories that reflect the moment, and you will never lose sight of yourself among the current trends.
Heather
loveyourspace.blogspot.com
Mixing it up is what I am definitely feeling lately! However, I've been finding its a little harder to make it "gel". Thanks for posting these, the 2nd pic is calling my name!
Thank goodness. I love way to many styles to just stick to one :)
Hope you have a great weekend!
XO
I usually just buy or make what I love and pull it all together. I figure if I love it, it will all magically work together. I prefer an eclectic mix, and usually one style is evident and predominate in the mix to make it somewhat cohesive. That said, I still do appreciate the look of "one style" for the sheer fact that it is usually visually appealing... just hate when it all looks too matchy matchy and catalogish.
Have a great weekend!
x
Danika
I love this approach to decorating as it frees things up, makes the home less "serious". It is something I am trying to embrace in our home where you can mix styles and price points and create something that is unique!
Off to read your article!
Eclectic and authentic is what works for me. Over time. One piece at a time. Always an evolution of what works for me, my budget, and my style at the time. I think our personal styles evolve as we do. :)
I say bring on the mixing of styles and flavors but keep it balanced and not overwhelming. Keeps rooms much more interesting if they look collected over time rather than 'found it all at the local outlet'
Great post Janell!
The post is so refreshing and I love mixing styles. I agree with one of the other readers who says it is difficulty to achieve a look that just melts together effortlessly. We like to make it look effortless, but I'm up for the challenge! Love it! Thanks.
I LOVE this idea! Collecting things that you love over time and then finding ways to tie them all together makes a space seem so much more personal and beautiful!
I love this idea because it's more personal and more specific to what actually makes us happy :) Nicolex
There is nothing more boring to me than a room which adheres to only one style of era of decorating.
Recently my "style" has changed. I think as I get older I want things that I love to surround me rather than the furniture "set" that worked in the room. Your blog gives me the inspirations to mix it up. I love this post- so true to me.
I'm for the extreme style mix- I love blending different styles and trying to cohesively bring them together. I find it a fun challenge! I love to start with pieces I adore and find favorites over time. It's tough to be patient with it sometimes, because you want the room to be finished- but when it is done- I think the outcome is one you can be proud of!
This seems to be the approach that works best because most people don't have the resources to complete their spaces all at once.
I've always encouraged my clients to buy what they love, and I adore the mixing of styles in a space. I do think it is important to be thoughtful and to remember that paying attention to the principles of design are critical to getting the finished looks that works. I think that an eclectic look is really more difficult to achieve than something more prescriptive. Let's mix it up, but do it deliberately!
Love when a room is layered, styles blended and looks like it has evolved overtime. But, some of my favorite designers have signature looks - so go figure! Guess I just love good design.
xo,
cristin
I think this is definitely the new trend in decorating! These are the signs of the times, just like what The Dwell's founder, Christian is stating in her book, Undecorate. I love it that there are no exact rules in design!
I love this trend if that's what we want to call it. Use what you love. Who wants to throw everything out and start again. We all have pieces that we love, whether or not they fit the current "trend" shouldn't matter. If you love it, you should use it.
I love the idea of surprise elements thrown into a particular style. In fact, it's what I really love about Modern Country: the unexpected twists and turns you can take with interiors.
I've been so enjoying watching your table develop its final look. It's completely gorgeous now. I'm jealous!!
Sarahx
I'm all about the extreme style mix! I love how you defined it here, not to mention the images that you chose to illustrate it!
I like to mix it up, my husband on the other hand thinks we need to stick with "modern", new house, new decor, we will see what happens:)
I say go with what you like and forget the rules. A home collected over time is much more interesting and meaningful.
I don't know how I missed this, but I love these pictures. I love mixing things because I love so many different styles! Plus, since the hubs and I never agree we both win because we both get we want :)
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