Here's Joanna Gaines' Smart Advice On Blending Different Styles

Compromise isn't always easy, and in the case of interior design, it can be a challenge to strike a balance when you have two totally different interior design styles in mind. For HGTV star and design expert Joanna Gaines, blending multiple decorating styles is nothing new. In fact, she's a pro at mixing different styles in a way that makes sense. When she was tasked with designing connecting his-and-hers offices in an episode of Mini Reni (season 1, episode 8), Gaines had to find common ground between two conflicting design styles: a moody, masculine office for him, and a happy, French girl style for her. "The challenge of blending two very different styles in one shared space came down to a few intentional similarities in color and pattern play," Gaines wrote in an Instagram post about the project. By identifying where the residents' design preferences overlap in color and patterns, she was able to ensure the design flows freely between the conjoined spaces. 

Both styles, as different as they are, shared an old-style aesthetic. In the episode, Gaines started by selecting details for the moody office, deciding on rich navy paint and a subtle gray plaid wallpaper. For the French girl office, Gaines went with a neutral palette that also featured soft grays, then she fused the two styles with light wood flooring. According to Gaines, this mix of textures gives a smooth contrast to his dark office while complementing the light and airy aesthetic of hers. Gaines delivered by adding similar details in both rooms, like gold lighting and vintage wall art to complement the French girl aesthetic, which tied into the brass lighting and cabinet hardware in the moody office.

Now that you know Joanna Gaines' trick to mixing two different design styles is finding overlapping details, you might be wondering where to even begin. For starters, you can embrace the best of both worlds by creating a complementary color palette. For example, classic moody shades like deep blues or forest greens can add drama to a room, but they also pair beautifully with natural colors and wood tones, so these colors would make it easy to blend upcycled wood furniture into a modern home style. 

Think of wallpaper patterns, moulding, trim, and other finishes that can be found within both styles. In another renovation, Gaines was tasked with pairing the modern, streamlined tastes of one client with the traditional European farmhouse flair of his spouse. "For traditional style, I'm thinking detailed trim, wainscoting, and neutral paint colors will work well," said Gaines (via Realtor), "For his modern style, I think we can incorporate some smoother textures and maybe a really clean fireplace."

From there, you can add additional overlapping details, such as furniture and decor, that either emphasize or contrast with the interior styles. In the Mini Reni episode, Gaines contrasted the dark shades of paint fit for a man cave in his office with antique-inspired details that also complemented her bright office. A statement piece, whether it's a thick, dramatically patterned rug or a large, wrought iron chandelier, works well to synchronize both aesthetics and make the room more visually interesting.