Interior: All in the mix

Style at Home contributing design editor Samantha Pynn understands the value of pushing boundaries. On her one-hour HGTV special, The Mix, Samantha pairs graphic patterns with animal prints, antique chairs with sofas from big-box stores, and a must-have splurge piece with a room full of stylish, cheaper finds. On paper, the pairings seem as wrong together as the The Odd Couple’s Oscar and Felix, but layered in a room, the look is packed with personality.

“When I was asked to decorate the barren living/dining/kitchen area of a 1,480-square-foot model condo, I wanted to do something completely different to make the space pop for prospective buyers,” says Samantha. “I usually go for a girly aesthetic, but this time I went for a look that would appeal to everyone. Using a combination of decorating styles seemed like the best choice. And for the first time, I didn’t use lavender or pink, opting instead for saturated gender-neutral colours.”


An open-concept condo
Light pours into the open-concept condo. Lush drapes offer privacy while adding structure and colour.