How To Mix Mid-Century and Pinoy Styles Like An Interior Designer

It's safe to say that Mid-Century and Pinoy are two decorating styles that should never go together—until now. When mixed with some industrial touches and colorful decor pieces, it can make your home look modern and classic at the same time. To help you out, interior designer Wilmer Lopez dishes out tips on how to incorporate key pieces into a rustic (or even a bahay kubo-inspired home). 

1. Go for contrast.

You can use a single mid-century furniture piece as a sculptural highlight and contrast it with a chair or an interesting design piece in an open space. For example, lounge chairs form a wonderful constast to the more rustic bahay kubo/resort background. 

2. Let pieces complement each other. 

"I mixed the mid-century rocking chair with other pieces in the living room—contemporary sofa and industrial chest coffee tables, " says Wilmer. For some homes, the very organized background of pressed bamboo, reclaimed wood and large windows become a neutral backdrop for any type of decor and it provides an extra layer of authenticity, too. 

3. Stick to a monochromatic palette. 

A monochromatic color scheme allows you to mix and match material or furniture pieces without making the space look too cluttered. This way, you can mix in mid-century, traditional pieces and travel souvenirs easily while still maintaining a cohesive look. 

This snippet originally appeared in the February 2017 issue of Real Living Magazine.