Congruous, incongruous and hybrid design schemes

​I had a conversation with a client last week about what style her interiors should be. She mentioned how she felt torn between the design that she loved and the age of the building. I've had this discussion myself with various other clients and thought I would share my thoughts with you today. The way I see it is, you have three ways of doing things. 

​Congruous design:

This means keeping the interiors linked to the age of the home or property you are designing. That means if you have a Victorian home you keep it classic and highly decorated. Or if you had a 60s build then going for a mid century modern look would work seamlessly. If you have a new build you can create any style based on the architectural detailing you choose. This seems to be the easiest method of design to go for. As you build your design scheme you will realise that the positions of fireplaces or windows lends itself to a particular layout planning. Putting it simply, an older home usually has doors that are on opposite walls to the fireplaces (depending on the size of the rooms), making that wall the visual focal point when you enter. They also loved bay windows and window seats. In 60s homes, if you have a fireplace, it doesn't necessarily have a chimney breast, and most windows are flat and can have different shapes such as picture windows etc, this creates a simpler room layout and more modern.

The incredible classic interiors by Rosa Bernal (Via Nuevo Estilo)

Classic Mid Century Dining space by @postandbeamliving

The beautiful ArtDeco Wallpaper from Divine Savages

Playing within the design boundaries of the period of your home can help your interiors feel more linked and give them a sense of permanence. The trick to not make it look dated or tired is to use nods to the era but slightly more updated versions. There is a very satisfying joy of using vernacular pieces in a home. Like when you find the perfect Eames mid century arm chair for your lounge, or that gorgeous Edwardian bookcase for your alcove. It can fit like a glove and seem so timelessly beautiful.

​Incongruous design:

In this method of designing, you note the architectural age of the property, but go off-piste with your design. This can be quite exciting and scary for some people but can really render some incredible rooms. This can work both ways, old to new and new to old. Some incredible spaces can be created by contrasting the style of the interiors to the architecture. Think of a  gorgeous plastered ceiling and then a beautifully sleek modern sofa with an iridescent coffee table. Totally clashing but also beautifully striking. In reverse if you had a modern box of a room with beautiful floor to ceiling windows, why not bring some vintage charm in with an elaborate vintage Persian rug and an antique console table. Immediately enriching the space and displaying the antiques as art pieces within themselves. 

Contrasting modern furniture and lighting with classic Parisian detailing carried out to perfection

Placing antique furniture and art in this new home added character and depth (by Chad James and Barbara Westbook)

Some people find this design a bit jarring but when done well, and for the right person, it can render some incredible spaces that are a joy to live in and experience. 

Hybrid design:

​Here a combination of the above is used. So In an old home, using some modern and vintage pieces together to tie in the interiors with the home but also bring it forward into the modern age and ensure that the space doesn't look like a museum. Or in a modern home, balancing off the ultra modern design pieces with some older pieces - therefore introducing a mixed design. This can be a tricky affair to master but is also quite fun to play around with. It means you don't have to stick to one or the other, but just follow the beauty, and experiment with the look. It gives you more flexibility and also helps create a really eclectic and curated space filled with your favourite pieces. And if you are anything like me, and a bit of a magpie for beautiful things. You will be able to have a home that sparks joy at every corner. 

Excellent juxtaposition of modern furniture in a traditional room by Caroline Firth

Another great example of how using modern and vintage pieces create an eclectic and curated style ( by Sandra Baker)