The Art of the Mix - Blending Old and New for a Timeless Alaskan Home

I’ve always believed that the most interesting rooms are like the most interesting people—they have a little bit of history and a little bit of modern energy. They don’t follow a strict set of rules. Instead, they feel like a beautiful, evolving conversation between different eras and styles. This is the art of the mix: the practice of blending old and new to create a space that is not just decorated, but deeply personal and timeless.

Many people fear that mixing styles will result in a chaotic, mismatched space. But I’m here to tell you that with a little intention, you can create a layered, soulful home that feels both cohesive and uniquely you. Here are a few principles I’ve learned over the years to help you master the mix.

The Strategist’s 80/20 Rule for Mixing Styles

In my 13 years as a business consultant, I often advised clients to focus 80% of their energy on their core strengths and use the remaining 20% for innovation and experimentation. This same principle works wonders in design.

To avoid a chaotic look, choose a dominant style for your room—this is your 80%. It could be modern, traditional, rustic, or whatever feels most like you. This will be the foundation of your space, reflected in your largest pieces like your sofa, rugs, and wall color.

Then, dedicate the remaining 20% to pieces from a different era or style. This is where the magic happens. An antique chest against a modern, neutral wall; a sleek, contemporary lamp on a rustic wooden table; vintage art prints above a clean-lined credenza. These accent pieces add tension, personality, and a story that makes the entire room more compelling.

Finding Something for Everyone: The Power of Variety

Of course, to create a successful mix, you need a diverse palette of options to choose from. A great collection isn’t about having one specific style; it’s about having a wide variety of beautiful, well-made pieces that can work in any number of homes. That’s our guiding philosophy at Let’s Stay Home.

We intentionally seek out a broad range of styles because we know that your perfect room might need a touch of modern, a hint of vintage, and a dash of something completely unexpected. Our customers seem to agree.

“There is a wide variety of things to choose from to fit anyone’s style!!” - Sheena, Let’s Stay Home Customer

“Let’s Stay Home have the best selections for home furnishing and decor to enjoy. I just loved everything about it. Something for everyone to enjoy.” - Dolores, Let’s Stay Home Customer

A Modern & Vintage Mix in a Wasilla Home

We recently worked with a client in Wasilla who had a beautiful, modern sofa she loved but felt her living room was a bit cold and impersonal. She also had her grandmother’s vintage credenza, a piece she cherished but didn’t know how to incorporate without it looking out of place. This was the perfect opportunity for the art of the mix.

Instead of hiding the credenza, we made it a focal point. I suggested she place it against the main wall styled with a mix of modern art and personal photos. We then brought in a plush, textured rug and a pair of armchairs that had a classic shape but were upholstered in a contemporary fabric. The result was a space that felt warm, personal, and perfectly balanced—a true reflection of her history and her modern life.

Getting Expert Advice on Your Mix

Sometimes, all you need is a second opinion to feel confident in your choices. If you’re feeling stuck trying to blend pieces in your own home, don't hesitate to bring photos of your space into our Anchorage store. We would be delighted to offer a complimentary, no-pressure consultation to help you find the perfect piece to tie everything together. It’s our favorite part of the job.

Schedule a free, no purchase necessary design consultation here.

Creating a home with a layered, timeless feel is a journey, not a destination. It’s about choosing pieces that you love and trusting that they will work together to tell your unique story. Ready to find the perfect piece to complete your mix? Explore our collection of new, used, and consigned furniture today.