How to Mix & Match Styles

Last updated on July 17th, 2025 at 12:49 pm

A Living Room Guide. When it comes to designing homes, one of the most frequent questions we receive is, “How do I mix and match styles?” If you’ve been pondering this, you’re in the right place. Today, we’ll dive into how to blend different design styles, specifically in your living room, to create a space that is both unique and cohesive.

Why Mixing Styles Works in the Living Room

Source

The living room is a central space in your home—a place where comfort meets style. Successfully mixing and matching styles here can give your home a personalized and distinctive look that feels expansive and welcoming. Here’s how you can achieve this:  In the photo above designed  by Heidi Caillier Design | Photography by Haris Kenjar Photography

• Integrate Modern Art into a Traditional Space: One effective way to mix styles is by incorporating modern art into a traditional living room. Imagine a classic setting with ornate moldings and vintage furniture, enhanced by a bold, contemporary art piece. This contrast updates the room, making it feel fresh and vibrant.
  • Pro Tip: Select artwork that features colors already present in your decor to maintain a cohesive look.
  • Beautiful modern art that can fit into your traditional space, Here & Here
• Play with Textures for Added Depth: Texture is key to making a mixed-style living room feel balanced. Pair a sleek, modern sofa with a textured traditional rug or a rustic wooden coffee table to add depth and interest.
  • Pro Tip: Add textured elements like a woven basket or a ceramic vase to introduce layers without cluttering the space.
• Balance Clean Lines with Classic Pieces: A clean-lined, modern coffee table can be balanced with more traditional items like a vintage armchair or an intricately patterned rug. This ensures that no single style overpowers the room.
  • Pro Tip: Keep your color palette consistent. A neutral palette with strategic pops of color will help unify different styles.
• Incorporate Personal Touches: Your living room should tell your story. Personal items like family heirlooms, travel souvenirs, or custom-made pieces add personality and make the space feel more lived-in.
  • Pro Tip: Group personal items in odd numbers (three or five) for a more natural, curated look.

Shop the Look: Mix & Match Living Room Essentials

Create a stylish, cozy space with this curated collection of furniture and decor that effortlessly blends vintage charm with modern touches. Whether you’re refreshing your family room or styling a new space, these mix-and-match pieces help you create a layered, collected look. Mind you, this look is created by another designer, so I would be curating like items that are similar and not exact.

Furniture Finds

• Olive Green Upholstered Sofa

• Floral Upholstered Armchair & Ottoman Set

• Upholstered Armchair with Ottoman from Wayfair

• Striped Upholstered Accent Chair

• Black Metal Two-Tier Coffee Table from Amazon |  Black Metal Two-Tier Coffee Table from All Modern

• Natural Woven Jute Rug

Lighting:

• Large bronze or aged metal disc-shaped ceiling pendant

• Table lamp with pleated plaid lampshade (blue ceramic base)

Decor Accessories:

• Black textured vase with faux greenery/branches ( Similar centerpiece on coffee table)

• Carved Horn Decorative Nesting Boxes (displayed on the coffee table)

• Stack of neutral-toned coffee table books (group in 2s and 3s for styling)

• Small wooden trays/bowls (coffee table accents)

• Marble or stone fireplace mantel

• Large rustic vase with branches (on mantel)

Textiles:

• Linen Roman shade window covering

• Neutral pleated curtain panels on a black curtain rod

• A variety of throw pillows (floral, plaid, solid neutrals)

• Neutral throw blanket (draped over ottoman)

Wall Decor:

• Small framed vintage landscape paintings (wall beside window)

• Black metal geometric wall sculpture above fireplace

When to Mix It Up

Wondering when is the best time to mix and match styles in your living room? The answer is anytime! Whether you’re decorating a brand-new space or refreshing an existing one, blending styles can rejuvenate your living room.

Mixing styles is not about dividing the room into sections—traditional on one side and modern on the other. It’s about combining elements from different styles to create a cohesive, balanced space. The key is to ensure all pieces complement each other, even if they come from different design eras.

• Start with a Neutral Base: A neutral base allows you to mix and match styles without overwhelming the space. Neutral walls, sofas, or rugs can serve as a blank canvas for layering in different design elements.
  • Pro Tip: Neutrals don’t have to be boring. Add interest with textures, patterns, and accessories that pop.
• Layer in Patterns and Colors: Once your base is set, begin layering in patterns and colors. Mix a modern geometric throw with a classic floral cushion, or pair a sleek metal lamp with a vintage wooden side table.
  • Pro Tip: Use the 60-30-10 rule for color: 60% dominant color, 30% secondary color, and 10% accent color.

Shaking Up Traditional and Modern Styles

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore how to harmonize traditional and modern styles in your living room.  Like the photo above designed by Lulu and Georgia, you can get the look by changing a rug or an art piece.  Below are a few ideas to get you started.

Create a Mood Board: Before you start decorating, create a mood board. Collect images, fabric swatches, and color samples that inspire you. This will help you visualize how different elements will work together.

• Pro Tip: Include a mix of modern and traditional items on your board to ensure a balanced look.

Experiment with 3D Design: If you’re comfortable with technology, try using a 3D design tool to virtually arrange your living room. This allows you to see how different styles will work together before making any purchases.

Designed by Amber Lewis– | Sofa | Chairs| Artwork| Lamp | Coffee Table | Throw | Throw pillow, Throw pillow2 Throw pillow3| Throw rug| Candle| Coffee Table Books| tall Storage chest| Table Lamp

Are  You Ready to Mix and Match Styles?

Thank you for visiting! Take a moment to look around your living room—could it benefit from a little mixing and matching to make it feel more like you? If you’re unsure where to start, we’re here to help.

Key Interiors by Shinay is a full-service creative interior design firm specializing in personalized, beautiful homes. We work with busy professionals and couples on all stages of their design projects, including new construction, renovations, and design. Ready to transform your space? Book a 20-minute discovery call with us here.

Shinay Key is the creative force behind Key Interiors by Shinay, an interior design firm based in Buffalo, NY. With a signature style of Transitional Elegance, Shinay blends timeless and contemporary elements to create spaces that are both sophisticated and inviting. Known for her personable approach and attention to detail, she is dedicated to helping clients elevate their homes with confidence. Shinay’s passion for design and commitment to delivering exceptional results have made her a trusted name in the industry.