Want a Designer-Approved Home? Work With Your Architecture, Not Against It

Do you ever wonder why your home never looks quite right? Despite your best efforts and investing in quality furniture, maybe there’s an overall lack of cohesion or simply an off vibe you can’t quite label. There’s a pretty good chance it’s because you’re fighting your architecture.

One of the big reasons so many people struggle with their home’s architecture is that most of us aren’t living in our dream houses. It’s not that we don’t want to—it’s that today’s housing market can be tough. We often end up in homes based on what we can afford, where the best investment is, or what puts us in a good school district. Maybe you wish you lived in a charming older home but landed in a modern new build instead. Or, maybe you love following modern decor trends but live in an older house, and your home’s bones don’t quite complement the fresh styles.

So, how do you find a harmonious balance with your design? Stop fighting your architecture and start creating a space that feels cohesive, intentional, and stylish. Here’s how.

How To Know You’re Fighting Your Architecture 

One of the big problems with fighting your architecture is that you might not even realize you’re doing it. So, what are the signs? According to Nicole Jensen, Interior Designer at Murphy Door, one big giveaway is if there’s visual tension. “The space can feel disjointed, like a person wearing two mismatched outfits,” she says. “It’s not just a design issue; it can impact how you feel in your home. I’ve seen clients feel more at ease when we realign their décor with their home’s natural character.”

Determine the Era When Your Home Was Built

If you’re starting from the beginning and want to create a beautiful, cohesive space to live in, determining when your home was built gives you a road map to start. Most of the time, a Google search of your address will lead you to the right place.

For example, if your home was built 100 years ago, traditional furniture is ideal. Was it built between the 1930s to 1960s? You will probably want mostly mid-century modern styles. Was it built in the past decade? More likely than not, modern styles like modern farmhouse, organic modern, or even modern minimalist will look best.

Lean Into the Bones of Your Home

Jensen always starts with the bones. “Ceiling height, baseboards, window shape, and built-ins can tell you a lot,” she says. “Once you get a sense of the style, pull in furnishings that reflect or complement that era’s materials and proportions.”

This is where you can get creative and give your home a designer touch. For example, if you have wall molding or wainscoting, use them to decorate around, strategically placing art or sconces to highlight both the home and your personal style.

Do you have a bay window? Dress it up with a cushion and some throw pillows to create a chic reading nook.

Want to Create a Warm, Charming Space in Any Era? Opt For a Contemporary Look

Dee Dee Taylor Eustace of Taylor Hannah Architect says it’s hard to go wrong with contemporary styles in most spaces, as long as you are truly selective. “Skip the mass-produced stuff,” she says. “Choose pieces you love. When furniture has character, it stands on its own.”

You can also pepper in hints of other styles. For example, put modern art in vintage gold frames. Or use toile pillows on a modern farmhouse bed.

Find a Perfect Balance

Whether you’re working with what you have, integrating new pieces, or you simply prefer a style of furniture and decor that doesn’t work with your current home, there are ways to make things work without fighting your architecture, explains Jensen. “It’s all about balance and repetition,” she says. “If you have a sleek modern home but love antiques, pick a few key vintage pieces and echo their tones or textures in modern forms—like mixing a vintage chair with a minimalist Murphy door in the same wood finish. It creates cohesion without sacrificing personality.”

Don’t Force It

It’s not that you can’t mix eras, but it takes a really keen eye or a pro to do this without fighting your architecture. “For example, in an industrial city loft, don’t force stiff traditional pieces,” she says. “If you do bring in classic silhouettes, balance them with bold, modern fabrics—think chunky, industrial textures that hold their own.”

Another way to integrate multiple eras is to mix shapes and materials. For example, if you like a traditional aesthetic but your home is modern, consider pieces like Ghost style chairs that have an antique shape but are made from super-modern acrylic.

Call in a Pro

Trying to mix, match, and balance design eras isn’t easy for the average person, so if you want to decorate like a pro, you may need to hire one. Keep in mind that this doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Many designers will work virtually for an affordable hourly rate.