One of the most effective ways to make a space come to life is by mixing different materials and patterns. This allows you to be more creative with your design choices while preventing the space from looking too plain and monotonous. The collective power of two contrasting design elements can also strengthen a certain aesthetic, making the space look more exciting and inviting in the process. 

Here are a few areas of your home where you can mix materials to add depth and personality:

Mixing Materials In Your Kitchen

If you spend a lot of time in your kitchen, you might have a vision for a space that’s both elegant and welcoming. Here in Miami, lots of homeowners check that first box with marble countertops. But too much marble can overwhelm the space, and marble isn’t exactly the warmest material. That’s what wood is for. 

So, instead of using the same marble for your countertops as your kitchen’s island, go for wood instead. The darker shade creates the perfect contrast to the lightly colored stone while establishing a lively dialogue between the two elements. 

Wood also pairs well with the sleek, shiny finish of stainless steel. This combination is a key aspect of the contemporary farmhouse look. The contrast of smooth metals with rough, natural wood makes your cabinets or countertops the focal point of the room. If you love entertaining in your kitchen, this is exactly where you want your guests’ attention. 

Bathroom

Yes, you want the bathroom to be clean, but you don’t want it to be boring and sterile. Like the kitchen, this is a space that many homeowners want to make more warm and inviting since they spend so much time in it. 

For example, if you have a freestanding tub, timber furniture or accessories can make you feel like you’re in a rustic, cozy wooden treehouse. 

Another way to breathe more life into your bathroom is using contrasting tile patterns. For instance, you might like the classic look of black and white subway tile. Since these are neutral colors, you can mix this tile with a bold colored, intricately patterned tile, even a bright green, pink, or yellow design. This pattern draws attention and allows the less exciting subway tile to play a supporting role. 

Bedroom

Bedrooms are supposed to be serene and comfortable. These days, more and more homeowners are taking this aesthetic to a whole other level by turning their bedrooms into personal, cocoon-like sanctuaries. This is a place where you relax, not where you do work like your office. 

To make your bedroom extra relaxing, you might consider mixing matte black furniture with organic, lighter colored materials such as jute, wool rugs, woven baskets. This mixture clean lines and geometric shapes with organic materials like raw wood is the foundation of the increasingly popular Japandi style, which creates a sleek, tranquil look based on a mixture of Japanese and Scandinavian design elements. 

Feeling inspired by these intriguing combinations? If you’re ready to give your space a stronger aesthetic, Debowsky Design Group is happy to help. You just tell us the vibe or atmosphere you have in mind, and we’ll show you which materials can take you there. Contact us today and let’s bring your vision into reality.