Your home should be more than just a collection of furniture—it should
tell your story. Designing a space that reflects you is about layering
textures, mixing old and new, and creating an environment filled with
meaningful pieces. Unlike minimalism, which often prioritizes
restraint, this approach celebrates individuality by blending personal
history with fresh style.
Mary Tobias Miller, master interior designer and owner of
Abode Home,
has spent years perfecting this philosophy. She believes that the most
inviting homes are those that feel collected over time, not just
decorated. Here’s how to achieve a look that feels uniquely yours,
with expert insight from Mary.
Choose a Few Anchor Pieces
Start with foundational pieces that ground your space. Whether it’s a
statement sofa, a vintage
dining table, or an heirloom
rug, these
elements provide a starting point for your design. Anchor pieces
should be timeless and versatile enough to mix with different styles,
allowing you to build around them with personality-filled accents.
Don’t Be Afraid to Mix Old and New
“A home with soul layers the past with the present,” says Mary Tobias
Miller. Pair a sleek modern
coffee table with antique chairs, or set a
contemporary
lamp on a vintage sideboard. The contrast between old and
new adds character, making your space feel curated rather than staged.
Mix Textures for Depth and Warmth
Texture is an often-overlooked design element that can completely
transform a room. Combine soft, plush fabrics with raw, natural
materials like wood, stone, or metal. A velvet sofa against a
reclaimed wood wall or a woven basket on a glossy lacquered table
creates a dynamic, inviting feel.
Play with Patterns and Colors
Forget the idea that everything has to match. Instead, focus on
creating cohesion through a common thread. “If you fall in love with a
bright aqua chair, place a pillow or artwork elsewhere in the room
that includes hints of that same shade,” Mary advises. It doesn’t have
to be repeated everywhere—just enough to make sense and create a
subtle connection. The magic happens when your choices make the
observer pause and think about how it all fits together.
Layer in Personal Touches
A home that truly reflects you should be filled with meaningful
objects. Incorporate your art, flea market finds, family heirlooms,
and pieces collected from your travels. A traditional rug can sit
beautifully in a modern space, or a classic chair can be reupholstered
in a bold contemporary fabric. These unexpected combinations tell your
story in a way that mass-produced decor never could.
Embracing the Art of the Mix
This design philosophy, championed by Mary Tobias Miller and Abode
Home, is about breaking the rules in a way that makes sense for you.
It’s about celebrating the beauty of imperfection, embracing contrast,
and creating a home that feels lived-in, loved, and completely your
own. Because the most inspiring spaces aren’t just designed—they’re
collected over time, just like the best stories.
