Design Notes
The world of interior design has run the full gamut of trends, from minimal to over-the-top and back again. Your home is meant to be your happy place, and a good design can affect the atmosphere. There are multiple styles to choose from, including modern, traditional, farmhouse, and transitional. Each possesses characteristics that make them unique in their own way, but sometimes what is offered is not enough, which is where the term mixology comes in, and no, we are not referring to the mixing of cocktails. There is a beauty when mixing and matching design styles, cabinets, and furnishings to create a space that perfectly reflects you. For a long time, designers were taught that things needed to remain within a certain realm of style in order for them to look good, but over the past few years, those boundaries have been broken down to make way for homeowners to express themselves in their own way. Out of this, there have been some new terms used to describe the shift in styles, such as grand millennial. If you like a few elements from multiple styles, then mixology may be your new best friend.
What Is mixology?
While this is a term that usually describes the mixing of cocktails, it has taken on a whole new meaning for interior designers. Even though these terms refer to completely different things, they still have a common thread, putting things together that don’t ordinarily go together to produce something amazing. Often, the best ideas come from the unexpected, resulting in a new favorite. Grand millennial is a great example of this, a blending of old things, maybe found in grandma’s attic, with something from this era, like modern art, and creating a whole new look. Many homeowners don’t want to be bound by a particular style but enjoy the freedom to include a few things that are outside the box. When you are preparing to redo or completely renovate an area in your home, let your imagination take flight as you browse through a design showroom or home improvement store. Take pictures of the things that excite you or make you smile; this will make a great starting point for you to discuss with your designer.
How Do You Mix Different Design Styles?
Mixology is a great way to create a look all your own, but where do you start? Is there a particular method or certain steps that will guide you in this process? While we encourage you to look outside the box, there are a few guidelines that can assist you in combining things in a way that guarantees you will love it for years to come.
- The 80/20 rule: even mixing needs balance so aim to use 80% of one style sprinkled with 20% of another.
- Maximize artwork: This is a beautiful way to effortlessly combine a couple of styles. Different patterns, colors, and textures can work together to create a stunning look in your home.
- Size and scale: both matter when decorating any space. If you place a large furniture piece in a small room, it overwhelms the area, throwing it out of balance. Stay within the size and scale of the designated space.
- Color: one of the most fun elements, don’t be afraid to try out multiple shades to find the one that works for you. It makes for a great focal or statement piece as well, and is not limited to the wall. You can use color for furniture, rugs, lamps, and even decor pieces like pottery and mirrors. Color can also represent certain styles, such as bold palettes that reflect modern and contemporary, while soft tones speak more of minimal and traditional.
Utilizing mixology in the home is a way you can bring together the elements you love while still getting the unified look you desire. Mixology can produce a beautiful style all your own and transform your house into a charming home just right for you. Spend time browsing through places like Pinterest and home magazines to discover the styles that speak to you.
The Do’s and Don’ts Of Mixology.
When it comes to mixology, there are a lot of options available, but that does not mean they all belong together. Thinking outside the box is good but there are still a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to mixology in interior design.
- DO break the rules of standard design and select things that you love over tradition.
- DON’T do too many patterns; this creates confusion.
- DO be intentional about what you select.
- DON’T mix undertones. Neutrals like white, gray, and beige are beautiful and versatile colors, but they still need structure. Just because they are the same color does not mean they are the same shade. Keep that in mind when selecting your color palette.
- DO use contrast as it is a great tool to create some mixology in your space in a fun way. Think outside the box, such as pink and turquoise or lime green and lavender.
- DON’T mix more than two styles; there can be variations within the styles, but don’t go beyond the rule of two.
Mixology is meant to be freedom from the traditional, from the standard rules set by designers over the decades, allowing you to create your own unique space. By keeping a few basic tips in mind, you will be able to finally have that style you always wanted. Read additional help in this article.
Greenbrook Design The bathroom is a critical part of the home; while we don’t gather for meals and conversation, it is the place we get ready for the day, and one of the last places we go before bed. This means that it should be designed to function in such a way that is beneficial to everyone who uses it. While a bathroom’s primary purpose is to be functional, that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. There are many ways to create a look that represents your unique style and personality, such as through tile and color choices. If you’re considering renovating your bathroom space and giving it some much-needed upgrades and updates, but are lacking inspiration, let us help you. There are several fun and beautiful bathroom trends for 2022. Let’s explore a few of them today.
Walker WoodworkingThere are many elements that make up a room, including color, layout, and decor style, but one key ingredient can add depth and tone to a space: texture. Like many design tools, texture often becomes an afterthought when creating a plan for a new area in the home. Many might even think it has little impact on a design, but that is not true. Texture provides balance, visual weight, and warmth to your home, which is why it should be a part of the planning stage from the start. Texture is not limited to fabrics and furniture, but can also include wallpaper, glass, and plants. Let’s discuss adding texture to your home and creating a space that is inviting to the touch for everyone.
Walker Woodworking There are some that have remained constant, while others have had their brief moment to shine, but does color really matter? Is there a reason behind the colors we choose, and can they really have an influence on the home? The answer is yes, color is one of the most powerful design tools, which is why designers are taught color psychology in school. To better help you understand its importance, we thought it would be helpful to share some of this information with you.
Kitchen layouts are a critical part of the design process because they can help you maximize the use of your space. There are certain layouts that are better suited to a particular home, such as an apartment or a large open area, making it essential to understand the function and benefits of each. Selecting the right kitchen layout for your new home is crucial, as it is one of the most frequently used rooms in the house and must be tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle. Let’s discuss what each layout is, which one works best for different home designs, and the benefits it can provide.
Greenbrook Design Window treatments are often the last element considered when decorating a house, but they play a crucial part in the overall look of the home. They are often considered the finishing touch to any space and can influence the feel as well. The fabric choice, the style, and even the function can bring several benefits to your home. Window treatments offer protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, shading you and your furniture from fading, while also lowering your electricity bill. Selecting a fabric that complements your particular design style or creates a beautiful statement in your home can make all the difference in any room. Window treatments also serve a functional purpose, as they can block the sun’s glare and provide you and your family with privacy.
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