Throughout the years one of the most common stumbling blocks I’ve come across with clients is not knowing how to define their style. Many times I’ll hear, “I’ll know it when I see it” or, “I like different things form different decorating styles and it’s too hard for me to narrow it down.” I totally get that. You’re not a one-dimensional being and you don’t live in one-dimensional home.

From couples I hear, “my husband loves Modern. He’d have everything leather and chrome if it was his way.” Conversely, I haven’t met many husbands who are 100% on board with lace trim and pom poms on everything. However, there’s an exception to every rule…

It’s totally crucial that everyone invested in a makeover should be ready and willing to give the thumbs up when it’s time to implement the plan. If not, there’s a disconnect where one will abandon their vision and reluctantly “live with” it. Even if he says, “I’ll like anything she likes,” that is usually code for “Please, for God’s sake, four sets of flowery pillows on the sofa is too much!”

Good design, just like a good partnership, requires give and take. You can take elements from one design style and mix it with another to give that combination a distinct look that everyone can enjoy. The same goes for one person with an affinity towards different design styles. A little from one style sprinkled into another makes for a dynamic and interesting combination.

The process is a lot like following a recipe to bake the perfect chocolate cake. There’s a blending of ingredients to make it just right.

So, for the next 3 weeks, I’m going to explore mixing two distinct decorating styles so that everyone, or you alone, can be happy with the results.

There are endless possibilities to combine styles and that is the fun of decorating. But, in the interest of time and my own sanity, I have chosen these combinations based on first person conversations, engagement on socials, and keyword research. I plotted out and tallied up the results and week one is all about combining Mid century Modern with Modern Farmhouse.

Even if this isn’t your dream combination, many of these tactics will work for combining parts of whatever styles you love to make them your own.

Don’t Miss Out on the Next Two Posts in this Series

Make sure to swing back to find out what the next two most popular combinations of decorating styles are.

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Let’s get into 5 key tactics the pros use when mixing Mid Century Modern and farmhouse design.

Wikipedia defines Mid-century modern (MCM) as “an American design movement in interior, product, graphic design, architecture, and urban development that was popular from roughly 1945 to 1969,[1][2] during the United States's post–World War II period.

The Mid-century modern movement in the U.S. was an American reflection of the International and Bauhaus movements. Although the American component was slightly more organic in form and less formal than the International Style, it is more firmly related to it than any other. Brazilian and Scandinavian architects were very influential at this time, with a style characterized by clean simplicity and integration with nature.”

MCM Furniture is simple without a lot of ornamentation and has a distinct, almost futuristic character. Some of the major furniture designers of the time include: Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, Arne Jacobson, Harry Bertoia.

The site Barn and Willow says that Modern farmhouse “combines the sleek clean lines of contemporary design with the cozy farmhouse aesthetic to create a uniquely fresh take on the country living inspired style. Modern farmhouse style is known for its warmth and simplicity, characterized by natural textures and materials like wood or galvanized steel.”

Where Mid Century furniture has distinct lineage based on a larger cultural movement, Modern Farmhouse is more about blending of styles. It’s traditional without the formality and fuss. It’s eclectic with a feeling of being collected over time. It’s comfortable and unpretentious.

The areas where the two styles become similar is rooted in their use of organic materials like wood and metal. They also both favor simplicity with nod toward functional over ornamental.

5 Key Tactics to Mixing Mid Century Modern and Modern Farmhouse

Simple Vs. Ornamental

The use of clean lines in furniture is key for combining Mid Century and Modern Farmhouse design. The look is tailored with track arms instead of round or pleated in upholstered furniture (for the most part).

Patterns are kept to a minimum on upholstered pieces and are largely reserved for accents like pillows, art and area rugs.

Speaking of area rugs, a good key tactic to keep in mind is to keep them simple as well. Think tone on tone, abstract or solid.

Sometimes individual pieces, like this coffee table, mix both styles together perfectly. Notice the distressed wood top and the black metal hair pin legs. The top is very indicative of farmhouse the legs are simple, straight and clean, MCM all the way.

Comfort is King

Even though Mid Century furniture has a lot of wood frames that would seem to be uncomfortable, many designers of the time concentrated their attention on ergonomic curves and soft angles that made them extremely comfortable. The same can be said for many of the reproductions on the market today.

You can soften the look of Mid Century furniture by adding cozy touches like throw blankets and pillows to add in warm layers and added comfort. This is a fantastic way to bring in the farmhouse side.

Although Modern, Embrace Rustic Elements

If you favor Mid Century interiors, concentrate on a portion of your décor on rustic finishes. For example: you may love the distinct line of a MCM sofa but you can cover in in a distressed leather.

If you want a more casual farmhouse look with an overstuffed sofa with down filled cushions, mix in a wood mid-tone Danish style coffee table with a post leg to give a nod to Mid Century.

Mixing design styles is all about one style complementing the other. It’s not so much of a balance as it is a recipe, like the chocolate cake. All the ingredients combined result in the perfect final product.

For either style, the inclusion of rustic finishes adds warmth, texture, and dimension. And those elements are what create the Mid Century/modern farmhouse look.

Go Neutral with Pops of Color

Getting back to simple for a moment, walls are usually painted white or a very light neutral. When combing these two styles together, you won’t find patterned wallpaper or colorful accent walls.

The pops of color are typically reserved for art, accent fabrics and throw pillows. They’re little moments around the room instead of large focal points.

60 30 10

The rule of 60 30 10 can be applied when mixing two styles together. If you’re leaning more toward Mid Century Modern, then that would be 60% of the space. Go for the main pieces of furniture as MCM inspired and reserve the 30% for touches of farmhouse. Think area rugs, accent furniture, accessories, etc. The 10% is the monochromatic color scheme, in this case white. Pick up decorative accessories in the space to reinforce that 10% as in the pottery, lamps and accessories.

Bring Nature In

Since both styles derive their main inspiration from nature, plants are an excellent way to bring in that organic touch needed to complete the design.

You can also apply plants as the 10% portion of the 60 30 10 rule as well. Plants, with their fluid shape and natural growth, are a great way to contrast the simple, straight lines of both design styles. This allows the space to truly be dynamic and alive.

There you have it, 5 key tactics the pros use when mixing Mid Century Modern and farmhouse design.

1. Simple Vs. Ornamental

2. Comfort is King

3. Although Modern, Embrace Rustic Elements

4. Go Neutral with Pops of Color

5. Bring Nature In

I’d love to hear what you think about this post. Have you experienced difficulty mixing two different design styles? How did you successfully achieve your vision? Or, are you stuck and can’t make your ideas look the way you’d like?

Leave me a comment below. I promise, I read and respond to all and I’ll be happy to lend a virtual hand.

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a few minutes here with me.

Don’t forget to subscribe to see the next two installments of this 3 part series. You can do that by scrolling below or looking to the right, depending on the device you’re using.

Until next week, keep your dreams big for your small house!

Michael is Principal designer and blogger at Michael Helwig Interiors in beautiful Buffalo, New York. Since 2011, he’s a space planning expert, offering online interior e-design services for folks living in small homes, or for those with awkward and tricky layouts. He’s a frequent expert contributor to many National media publications and news outlets on topics related to decorating, interior design, diy projects, and more. Michael happily shares his experience to help folks avoid expensive mistakes and decorating disappointments. You can follow him on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook @interiorsmh.