We’ve been breaking down our design styles here at JZ Interiors, but what do you do when you gravitate toward multiple styles? We layer them!
Tips on How to Layer Design Styles and My Favorite Combinations
- Revisit posts, screenshots, and magazine tear outs that you have saved. This is always our first step. The goal is to find the common thread between them! Maybe it’s the intricacies of an English cottage that capture your eye (the patterns, the colors, millwork, etc). Or maybe it’s the overall traditional feel and refined palette of a Nancy Meyers movie set that captures your eye. If you have been saving images you love, there will always be a pattern you can identify!
At JZ Interiors, we always like to find two main themes and from there we can find similarities in the details. - Learn how to communicate these themes and the ideas behind them. When my parents were first remodeling their home, they described what they wanted as “traditional, coastal and east coast inspired cottage.” When I looked further into what they wanted though, we discovered they actually meant that they liked “reclaimed materials, clean lines, and modern cottages”. Taking the time to learn a little bit more about what you like can help you investigate further about your loves and can help you even further discover more about your style!
- Take the Leap. Taking the leap for design decisions can seem daunting. But here’s my rule of thumb: stick with the classics on big purchases like a cream linen sofa, and start incorporating the details of your preferred design style.
Things to Customize In Your Home Without Breaking the Bank:
Piping on upholstery, trim to curtains, adding ruffles on pillows, cords on curtains
Alternatively, if you just want to dip your toes in, try sticking with neutrals in your home, but still add in a little detail: a neutral pattern or eyelet and bring plain linen curtains to life but aren’t as intimidating as a full pattern or bold color.
COmmon questions
What if I get tired of wallpaper or color?
This is the best part, it doesn’t have to be over the top. We like to look at inspiration based on these styles and opt for something like color or wallpaper in smaller spaces (like a powder bathroom) so that it has the same moment but on a smaller scale.
How do you decide to start layering certain styles?
After years working in production builds, I’ve seen more than my share of cookie-cutter homes. The most rewarding projects—and the ones that stand out—are always those where clients let us push the boundaries and bring bold ideas to life. I kept seeing so many beautiful yet similar homes in our area and felt every client deserves something uniquely theirs. Once I stepped back and looked at what made JZ Interiors unique, I think I earned our clients’ trust and we started having even more fun with each project. Our love for historic homes and intricate details shines through as we weave these elements into our designs, adding whimsy and character in unexpected ways. This doesn’t have to be one style fits all.
How do you know what styles to layer?
We’re committed to staying true to the style and architecture of each home, using it as our foundation. From there, we listen closely to our clients’ needs and desires to thoughtfully layer in unique elements that bring the space to life. This approach has become a cornerstone of our discovery calls and onboarding process—we want to understand everything we can from the start! For those tackling design on their own, don’t feel pressured to rush. Take the time to understand your style deeply, and enjoy the rewarding process of layering it into your home over time.
My Favorite Design Style Combinations
Spanish Revival x Transitional
California Coast x Transitional
California Coast x Spanish Revival
Spanish Revival x Nancy Meyers
Nancy Meyers x European
Nancy Meyers x English Cottage
California Coast x Nancy Meyers
European x Transitional