Mixing Up a Great Decorating Style
My appreciation for design keeps growing. As I discover new things and learn to value them, my personal style evolves too. These days my aesthetic resists a single label — it’s not strictly cottage, traditional, modern, French, English, or purely American. It isn’t the predictable blogger look either. I like that it’s hard to pin down.
There’s freedom in not being able to pigeonhole your style — freedom from feeling confined by expectations.
I’m most drawn to rooms that mix the unexpected: layered patterns, varied textures, and different influences combined so the space feels clearly personal rather than predictable. That doesn’t always mean loud or wildly eclectic; sometimes a subtle, well-balanced blend is more powerful than extreme contrast.
I prefer assembling interesting, authentic pieces and letting them speak for themselves rather than forcing a room to fit a trend. The best style often feels comfortable and natural, a mix that reveals personality even when you can’t precisely name the style.
That undefinable style can be intimidating.
If you can’t describe it, how can you recreate it? It can feel like traveling without a map.
Trends can feel comfortable because we see them everywhere, and that familiarity makes them an easy choice. But popularity doesn’t always equal true personal expression. How often do we choose something because it’s widely liked — because it’s all over Pinterest or blogland — even if it doesn’t reflect what we really love?
Can we be confident enough to pick what we truly love, even if it hasn’t been repinned a thousand times? Will we choose pieces that thrill us despite what others might think?
This question is especially relevant for those of us who share our homes publicly. Displaying your taste is brave, and it can push you to become more intentional about what you bring into your space.
A recent visit to West Elm to preview a South African-inspired fall collection reminded me how much richer our homes can be when we embrace unique, handcrafted pieces.
It’s easy to get stuck in a style rut when we only look locally or follow the same online sources. Travel and exposure to other cultures expand our appreciation for different colors, materials, and craftsmanship, and those experiences can quietly shape a more distinctive home.
Why do some people seem to develop strong, individual style while others blend into the background? Finding your voice takes curiosity and the courage to choose what resonates with you rather than defaulting to popular choices. If you value creativity and personal expression, cultivating a unique style matters.
So without further ado, here are five practical tips to mix up unexpectedly great style.
1. Go Global.
Incorporate at least one piece from another country. Global finds introduce materials, shapes, and motifs you wouldn’t encounter locally and give your home an immediate sense of story and individuality. Mix items from different regions to create a layered, collected look.
Look beyond familiar blogs and local stores for inspiration. Exploring art and decor from other places will broaden your palette and encourage bolder combinations. Retail collaborations that feature international artisans make it easier to bring worldly accents home.
2. Mix Classic and Modern.
Blend classic or antique pieces with modern items for depth and interest. If your home is modern, introduce a warm antique accent; if it’s traditional, add a few contemporary touches. Avoid discarding quality pieces — instead, combine painted and natural wood finishes or pair old craftsmanship with new silhouettes for a layered, evolved look.
3. Keep It Fresh.
Instead of copying a widely seen pattern or color exactly, choose something similar but with a unique twist. Selecting pieces that aren’t obvious keeps your spaces feeling current long after a trend fades. Even classic items can be refreshed with a new color, finish, or scale.
Be willing to try a fabric, texture, or combination you wouldn’t normally pick. Freshness often comes from unexpected, thoughtful pairings — layered textiles, mixed finishes, or a subtle new palette.
4. Take a Risk.
Be willing to make a bold or unexpected choice that excites you, even if others might call it risky. Use an item in an unconventional way, pick a daring fabric, or embrace a color that feels intense. The key is to choose because you love it and then own it — wear your choices with confidence.
5. Go Bold.
Small and neutral is safe; big and bold commands attention. Introduce one or two large-scale statements — an oversized light fixture, a bold patterned chair, a bright sofa, or a large mirror — to create focal points and show decisiveness in your design. Just balance scale and proportion so the room still feels cohesive.