Last weekend was my son’s wedding, which was lovely! It reminded me how often interior designers work almost as marriage counselors as we have to marry two design styles for a lot of couples. Making both people in a client couple happy is the goal, and I do have a few pro tips that help me accomplish that. Read on for more!

1. Modern Art + Traditional Furniture

The most important element in interior design is making sure that everyone in the family has been heard. You do that by showing them elements that you know they will love. When one person is more traditional in their tastes and the other wants a more modern look, I use modern art to complement classic furniture designs. It actually creates a great balance and gives everyone something to love in the room.

2. Simple Lines + Carved Elements

Mixing traditional and modern is the combination that is most often requested by client couples. Another trick of the trade is to mix shapes, like straight and more modern lines with carved elements that are much more traditional. In the room above, I used geometric shapes in the chairs, lucite tables, and console to balance the heavily carved and curved mirror. It all works so well together!

3. Vintage + New

I found the fabulous nesting table above at a vintage market in London, along with the antique light fixture. Using those with new upholstery pieces balances the room and gives everyone a lovely element or two.

4. Millwork + Paint

How moldings, cabinets, and millwork are handled in a home can give it a traditional or modern style. And then there is the power of paint. You can paint a very classic piece of furniture in a fire engine red and completely change how it is perceived. In the kitchen above, I added dimension to the front of the cabinetry to give this traditional kitchen an edgy touch.

5. Coastal + Modern

Coastal design is such a classic look, but many people want to have it more modernized and less “beachy.” When that’s the request, I love to use water and sky colors that are found at the beach, combined with more modern furniture and art designs. It’s a great combo!

6. Rustic + Modern

For many, this is the toughest request for two design styles. But again, it’s all about the elements you use. In a mountain house, you will have lots of woodwork, beams, and rustic details. So I like to bring in modern stools, streamlined lighting styles, and lighter stones. It helps add a more contemporary look to a rustic style.

What do you think of these marriages? If you need help combining styles in your home, give me a call!

Warmly,

Beth