It’s common for interior designers to mix and match design styles for clients. In many cases, it results in a superior interior design.
In order to come up with the very specific design ideas, we create most designs with the assistance of state-of-the-art AI interior design software.
However, not all interior design styles mix and match with one another. In fact, there are many pairings of styles that are a horrendous clash.
That’s what this article is all about – showcasing 20 sets of interior design styles that are an outright clash.
Now, that said, it’s possible to combine some of the sets below if done in a very careful, nuanced way. But if not done well, it can end up a mess. Often it’s best to avoid mixing clashing styles.
20 Sets of Interior Design Styles that Clash (with Photo Examples)
I use living room examples to illustrate the differences.
1. Modern and traditional
These styles can clash because they have very different aesthetic approaches. Modern design is characterized by clean lines, minimalism, and a lack of ornamentation, while the traditional design is characterized by ornate details, symmetry, and a more formal feel.
Modern living room example:
Tradtional living room example:
2. Industrial and rustic
These styles can clash because they have conflicting design elements. Industrial design often incorporates raw, unfinished materials and a utilitarian aesthetic, while rustic design emphasizes natural, organic elements and a warm, cozy feel.
Industrial living room example:
Rustic living room example:
3. Mid-century modern and bohemian
These styles can clash because they have conflicting design philosophies. Mid-century modern design is known for its simplicity, clean lines, and functionality, while bohemian design is more eclectic and expressive, with a focus on layering and mixing patterns and textures.
Mid-century living room example:
Bohemian living room example:
4. Art deco and shabby chic
These styles can clash because they have very different design elements. Art deco is known for its bold, geometric shapes and luxurious materials, while shabby chic is characterized by distressed, vintage-inspired pieces and a softer, more romantic aesthetic.
Art deco example:
Shabby chic example:
5. Glamorous and minimalist
These styles can clash because they have opposite design approaches. Glamorous design is characterized by opulent, luxurious elements, while minimalist design is known for its simplicity and a lack of ornamentation.
Glam living room example:
Minimalist living room example:
6. Eclectic and modern
These styles can clash because they have conflicting design elements. Eclectic design is all about mixing and matching different styles and periods, while modern design is known for its clean lines, minimalism, and a focus on functionality.
Eclectic example:
Modern:
7. Coastal and industrial
These styles can clash because they have very different design elements. Coastal design is characterized by light, airy spaces, natural materials, and a beachy feel, while industrial design often incorporates raw, unfinished materials and a utilitarian aesthetic.
Coastal living room example:
Industrial living room example:
8. Traditional and contemporary
These styles can clash because they have different design approaches. Traditional design is characterized by ornate details, symmetry, and a more formal feel, while contemporary design is more minimal, with a focus on clean lines and a sleek, modern aesthetic.
Traditional living room example:
Contemporary living room example:
9. Rustic and glamourous
These styles can clash because they have opposing design elements. Rustic design emphasizes natural, organic elements and a warm, cozy feel, while glamourous design is characterized by opulent, luxurious elements.
Rustic living room example:
Glam living room example:
10. Bohemian and minimalism
These styles can clash because they have very different design philosophies. Bohemian design is more eclectic and expressive, with a focus on layering and mixing patterns and textures, while minimalist design is known for its simplicity and a lack of ornamentation.
Bohemian living room example:
Minimalist living room example:
11. Retro and modern
These styles can clash because they have very different design elements. Retro design is characterized by bold, colorful patterns and a nostalgiciac feel, while modern design is known for its clean lines, minimalism, and a focus on functionality.
Retro living room example:
Modern living room example:
12. Rustic and contemporary
These styles can clash because they have opposing design elements. Rustic design emphasizes natural, organic elements and a warm, cozy feel, while contemporary design is more minimal, with a focus on clean lines and a sleek, modern aesthetic.
Rustic living room example:
Contemporary living room example:
13. Traditional and industrial
These styles can clash because they have conflicting design philosophies. Traditional design is characterized by ornate details, symmetry, and a more formal feel, while industrial design often incorporates raw, unfinished materials and a utilitarian aesthetic.
Traditional example:
Industrial example:
14. Glamorous and rustic
These styles can clash because they have very different design elements. Glamorous design is characterized by opulent, luxurious elements, while rustic design emphasizes natural, organic elements and a warm, cozy feel.
Glam example:
Rustic example:
15. Eclectic and minimalist
These styles can clash because they have conflicting design approaches. Eclectic design is all about mixing and matching different styles and periods, while minimalist design is known for its simplicity and a lack of ornamentation.
Eclectic example:
Minimalist example:
16. Art deco and contemporary
These styles can clash because they have very different design elements. Art deco is known for its bold, geometric shapes and luxurious materials, while contemporary design is more minimal, with a focus on clean lines and a sleek, modern aesthetic.
Art deco example:
Contemporary example:
17. Bohemian and traditional
These styles can clash because they have conflicting design philosophies. Bohemian design is more eclectic and expressive, with a focus on layering and mixing patterns and textures, while traditional design is characterized by ornate details, symmetry, and a more formal feel.
Bohemian example:
Traditional example:
18. Mid-century modern and traditional
These styles can clash because they have very different design elements. Mid-century modern design is known for its simplicity, clean lines, and functionality, while traditional design is characterized by ornate details, symmetry, and a more formal feel.
Mid-century modern example:
Traditional example:
19. Coastal and glamourous
These styles can clash because they have opposing design elements. Coastal design is characterized by light, airy spaces, natural materials, and a beachy feel, while glamourous design is characterized by opulent, luxurious elements.
Coastal example:
Glam example:
20. Industrial and bohemian
These styles can clash because they have conflicting design elements. Industrial design often incorporates raw, unfinished materials and a utilitarian aesthetic, while bohemian design is more eclectic and expressive, with a focus on layering and mixing patterns and textures.
Industrial example:
Boho example:
