PULLING THE LOOK TOGETHER

While a blended style of decor creates a more natural look, there are things to keep in mind to make it work. Here are a few tips from the pros:

The 70-30 rule: One style needs to dominate. If you have a 50-50 split, things will look odd, says Kristi Blok of Kiki Interiors. Choose one style to make up 70 per cent of the space and a second that can make up the other 30. If you want to throw in a third style, use a 70-20-10 split.

A common thread: Not every room needs to have the same dominate style, but tie the rooms together with a common element to avoid the garage sale look, says Blok. That element could be a colour, a material, a texture or a pattern.

Define your must-haves: If you’re combining households, it’s key to determine which pieces you absolutely will not give up. But don’t keep something simply because it’s old, says Blok. If it’s not good quality, sprucing it up won’t add value.

A new life: Think outside the box when it comes to furniture pieces, says decorator Candace Plotz. “Just because an item is meant for a bedroom doesn’t mean it can’t be used in an office or living room. Antique dressers look fantastic turned into a bathroom vanity.”