How to Mix Ethnic Decor

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If you like ethnic, traditional or native types of art, you may question whether it's kosher to mix various styles within one room. Certain decor mixes well with others and here's a guide that might help.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Try out several combinations. Contemporary styles can mix nicely with Mexican, Native American and even Middle Eastern (think Persian, Afghan or Kazakh rugs) art. In terms of wood, a rustic Mexican style may successfully play off rustic American decor. You will have to compare the wood tones and lines of the particular furnishings.

Step2

Alternatively, notice that touches of Asian, particularly Japanese, Indian and Indonesian styles, can also work well with modern or contemporary design.

Step3

Experiment to see how African art pieces can blend with art of the Americas or a modern or contemporary design.

Step4

Recognize how specific your furnishings are to country or continent. For example, blatant Chinese and Italian styles may clash in terms of paintings, but may work in terms of furniture (a Chinese screen near an Italian leather sofa).

Tips & Warnings

In terms of wooden furnishings, as well as art, you need to be careful not to have them clash by using wildly different tones and types, especially side by side.
Complex art pieces, such as an intricately decorated vase, are most effective when used sparingly and placed prominently.
You may gather simpler, similar items into groups.
More casual spaces such as kitchens or nooks may get away with an increased variety of ethnic decor within a wall or area. Still, it is soothing to display masks and plates and tapestries that come from the same general region.