5 Design Style Dilemmas – Solved

It’s easy to get swept up in the Pinterest-perfect world of home design. But when it comes time to choose a rug—or figure out why that floral armchair doesn’t work for you—it’s natural to feel a bit lost. If you’re fairly sure about how you want your home to feel, but unsure how to make it a come to life, you’re in the right place.

5 Design Style Tips

1. How Do I Define My Decorating Style?

Think of defining your style like choosing your wardrobe—but for your home. Do you favor classic lines and neutral tones? Then you may lean Traditional. Or maybe you’re drawn to clean silhouettes and minimal fuss. If so, Modern may match your vibe. Defining your style isn’t about boxing yourself in—it’s about finding a reliable starting point.

Try this:
Scroll through images of rooms you love and save the ones that make you say, “Yes, please.” After you have at least 10 “Yes, pleases,” review them. What are the common elements? Warm woods? Black accents? Bold colors? Make a list and use that as your style foundation.

Pro Tip: Don’t worry about labeling it perfectly. You’re not being graded on your ability to distinguish between “Scandinavian Minimalism” and “Soft Industrial Luxe.” Just aim to understand what feels right.

2. Can I Mix Different Styles Without It Looking Chaotic?

Absolutely! In fact, blending styles is what makes a home feel layered and lived-in rather than staged and sterile. The trick is balance and intention.

Stick to one or two dominant styles, and let others play a supporting role. A mid-century sofa can totally live with a boho rattan chair—as long as they share common ground, like a color palette or material.

Think of it like a potluck: Everyone brings something different, but as long as they all know it’s taco night and no one brings chicken soup, then it works.

3. What Are the Rules for Mixing Patterns or Textures?

Mixing patterns and textures is the secret sauce to a cozy, visually interesting space—but it can go sideways fast if you’re not careful. Here’s a simple three-step cheat sheet:

A. Vary the scale – Combine a large-scale pattern (like a bold floral) with a medium (think stripes) and a small (maybe a subtle dot or weave)
B. Stick to a cohesive color story – Even wild patterns play nicely when they share tones
C. Limit yourself to three patterns per room – More than that and the eye starts to twitch

Pro Tip: When it comes to textures, contrast is your friend. Think rough (jute rug) next to smooth (velvet pillow), or shiny (metal lamp) with matte (ceramic vase).

4. How Do I Make My Space Look Cohesive?

Cohesion isn’t about making everything match. It’s about creating flow—a sense that one room leads naturally into the next. You can achieve this by repeating certain elements:

A. Color palette: Use a few consistent shades throughout the space.
B. Finishes: If you use black metal on a mirror in one room, you might repeat it in light fixtures elsewhere.
C. Style echoes: A vintage touch in the entryway? Let that vintage vibe peek into the living room, too.

Design magic happens when it feels intentional—even if it wasn’t all purchased from the same catalog.

5. What’s the Difference Between Decorating and Designing?

While these two often get lumped together, they’re not identical twins. Definitions vary but in general terms…

A. Designing is big-picture planning—structural elements, layout, lighting plans, and sometimes even permits. It’s the blueprint.
B. Decorating is the fun stuff—picking paint colors, choosing throw pillows, and arranging furniture. It’s the frosting.

Think of design as building the cake and decorating as piping on the buttercream. Both matter. But the buttercream is what people Instagram.

Ready to Mix, Match, and Make It Yours?

You don’t need a design degree (or an unlimited budget) to create a space that reflects who you are. Start with one corner. Try a new combo. Rearrange that bookshelf. Then step back and smile—because this is your story told in color, fabric, and form.

Download this style checklist to help get you started!

Now, what will you do next to love where you live?

Be sure to visit The Redesign Habit to share your redesign stories or reach out with your questions. We’d love to hear what you’re working on.

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