Design Notes

What Is Mixology Interior Design?

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.

a group of ceramic bowls and vases on a table live edge table

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.

a bathroom with a sink and mirror

Mixology: Your New Favorite Design Tool

Trying to design a new space can have its challenges, especially when starting from scratch, but having the liberty to think outside the box opens a whole new world to you. Mixology is intended to give you the platform necessary to spark your creativity and give voice to your own inner self through design. From color, patterns, textures, and scale, your home can become exactly what you always wanted. We spend so much of our time at home that it is important for us to have a place that truly feels like home. If you struggle to find a style that accurately represents you, it’s time to use the beauty of mixology. Don’t be afraid to try something new, even a mix of design styles; you never know, but you might just discover that it is your favorite space. Visit our showroom in Uptown Shelby, North Carolina, and explore our displays of lighting, hardware, floor tile, backsplash, countertops, artwork, area rugs, and furniture. With access to over 25 different vendors, we promise to help you find exactly what you’ve been looking for that tells your story perfectly.

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.

Is Biophilia Design For You? We love the looks nature inspires, which is why we have multiple products available for you to browse inside our showroom. From unique artwork to furniture pieces, we invite you to visit us and spend time browsing our 5,000 square foot showroom located in charming Uptown Shelby and find the inspiration you’ve been looking for to create the perfect environment in your home.

The world of design draws on multiple elements to create the perfect space for homeowners, a place that represents them and their particular style. Color plays a vital role in the design process, and its effects go beyond just adding a splash to the room. Color can affect our mood, communicate a message, lessen eye strain, and even play a part in remembering certain events. It also has the ability to influence the size of a room with certain colors, causing the area to feel larger, while other shades create a more intimate feel. Color selection can be a fun and rewarding process, plus it provides you with a great way to tell your story. More homeowners are discovering the beauty of contrasting colors, and this choice is gaining popularity in the design world. From two-toned kitchens to opposites in cabinets and tile, contrasting colors can spice up your design and make a stunning statement. Let’s explore more about what contrasting colors are and how they can help you tell your story.

While cabinet hardware is essential for functionality, it’s also a key element in the overall look and feel of your space. When selecting hardware, there’s more to consider than just appearance. How do you want your cabinets to open? Do you prefer knobs, pulls, or a combination of both? Should you go with cup pulls for a traditional touch or sleek bar pulls for a modern edge?

These decisions may seem small, but they can have a significant impact on both the usability and aesthetic of your cabinetry. Hardware serves as the finishing touch—bringing together the design while also making everyday tasks more comfortable and intuitive.

You are ready to begin your renovation, but you are unsure whether you want to go with custom or semi-custom cabinets. While custom cabinets will provide you with the exact fit you need for your space, they are at the higher end of the price range. Semi-custom cabinets tend to be a more budget-friendly alternative while still giving you the style and function needed for your space. Many homeowners are discovering the benefits of choosing semi-custom cabinets and are learning that they can still get the look they want while staying within their budget. Let’s talk more about what semi-custom cabinets are, the benefits they bring to your project, and some of the options we offer here at Greenbrook Design.