The best home décor is the kind that reflects your personality, evokes a positive feeling, and makes the most of what you have available. Mixing and matching different styles, textures, finishes, and colors is a great way to add character and charm to your space while maximizing elements you probably already have. Too much mixing, however, can cause your space to lack cohesion or feel cluttered. Never fear, though—we’ve got some pointers to help you create a unified look that everyone will admire.

Layer Patterns and Prints

Introducing patterns into your space might be a little daunting at first. Luckily, we have a few basic rules to keep in mind when layering patterns and prints in your home.

1. Decorate with a purpose. It’s not as simple as throwing together a bunch of blankets or pillows with cute prints and calling it a day—there should be some sort of strategy behind it. Think about what the pattern says and ask yourself if its message coordinates with your décor goals. If you want a bright and sunny office space, for example, you’ll want to avoid items with darker prints.
2. Choose the focal point of the room. Generally, you want to use one item as a focal point (like framed art, a display case for your prized memorabilia, or an area rug) and then complement that with other items, mixing in different styles and scales with a similar feel.
3. Balance your visuals. Keep your patterns flowing throughout the room rather than keeping them focused on just one side.
4. Include solid or neutral colors. We’ve all seen it: homes with décor that clashes. Avoid making your home look jumbled by mixing in some solid or neutral colors every so often to break up the lines and shapes of your prints. This will help them blend seamlessly into your existing space and keep it from looking too busy. 

Combine Your Favorite Aesthetics

With all the amazing home décor trends out there, it is impossible to like just one. Try consolidating your favorite styles for a unique space that flows but still feels true to you. For instance, if you love modern or contemporary design but also love eclectic, boho vibes—combine the two for a contemporary bohemian aesthetic.

If you are unsure of which styles you gravitate towards, try making a mood board of your favorite looks to see what trends you are most drawn to. Once you narrow it down to a few styles you love, you can start experimenting with ways to combine them for a natural, visual appeal.

Mix Your Colors, Textures, and Finishes

Sticking to one or two elements can make your space feel generic, so don’t be afraid to break up the monotony every once in a while by combining different textures, colors, and finishes. Incorporating diverse textures like stone or metal and pairing them with wooden home décor and fabrics can subtly elevate your space. You can also use contrasting textures to create a cozy feel. For example, if you have hardwood floors in your living room, consider a fuzzy fabric rug.

While monochromatic color schemes can be pleasing to look at, they’re not for everyone. If you want to liven up your space, paint an accent wall in a bold or complementary color for a strong visual impact. If you have dark carpet or flooring, lighten things up with white furniture.

Have Fun

Remember that interior design and home decorating “rules” are not etched in stone. You can bend and break them to create a space that makes you happy and feels most like you. Mixing and matching is the perfect opportunity to express yourself and get creative with your home. Embrace it. Be willing to combine the unexpected in your spaces and you might be surprised at how it works out. If it doesn’t, you can always switch it up again. No one says you have to get it right on the first try. Go for variety, step outside the monotony, and have fun personalizing and falling in love again with your home. 

Find Balance

The key to layering elements from different trends or mixing and matching different textiles or finishes is striking the right balance. You can mix and match in your space to your heart’s content, but too much mixing can create visual confusion. Every component should be balanced by another that complements it. Each ying must have its yang, after all. Incorporate the same components throughout the room, choose items with equal visual weight, and stay connected to the vibe you want to evoke. For example, if your living room is supposed to be a space where you can kick your feet up and take a break, don’t buy stuffy or formal furniture that takes away from that relaxed feel. 

We hope that these tips and tricks for a mixed-and-matched look are exactly what you need to reinvent your home. As one of the spaces you spend the most time in, your house should be something that inspires and brightens your day. Play with patterns and prints, blend your favorite style aesthetics, combine colors and textures, and remember to make this an opportunity to have fun and explore your creative side.

Author Bio: Katie Tejada is a writer, editor, and former HR professional. She enjoys writing about events, travel, decorating trends, and innovations for the home, but also covers developments in HR, business communication, recruiting, and CRM solutions.

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