As time goes on, people often find they have amassed a collection of furniture that no longer represents their personal style the way it once did which may be due to natural changes in preference, utility, or inheritance. Regardless of the cause, most of us have a few pieces we absolutely adore, some we are indifferent about, and then the ones that make us cringe.
It is natural to avoid choosing new pieces to replace those ones we have outgrown due to the concern of it being difficult to find items that match. For those who are accustomed to matching sets of furniture in every room it can be quite intimidating to consider looking for new pieces. Fortunately, the world of interior design has increasingly embraced the mixing of styles. There are a few key tricks to ensure that an eclectic assortment blends together beautifully to create a cohesive personal style.
There are several ways to create a cohesive theme, all of which involve having a clear focus. One way to do that is with color. By choosing a single neutral shade such as white, beige, or grey as the foundation of the theme it is possible to bring different pieces together visually even if they were not designed to go together. Following, statement pieces in a bold accent color or pattern can be brought in. The same accent color can then be used throughout the room to tie the separate components together.
Another way to create a theme that allows the incorporation of different styles of furniture is to choose a location or experience to replicate. For example, coastal themes can utilize the colors of the beach. As another example, spa themes may use darker colors and natural elements such as fire, water, and plants. When selecting a theme based on a feeling, the look of each piece of furniture is less important than the feeling it evokes for those who use it. The color and style will still need to be balanced but it allows for more creative freedom.
An important part of mixing styles successfully is to make sure no single piece is all alone. It's something like being the third wheel on a date: it has the potential to be awkward for everyone in attendance. Every component should be stylistically similar in some way to at least one other item. This can be the finish of the exposed wood, the color, or the style. As long as every element in the room is paired with another, the overall effect will be visually united in a way that appears stylistically deliberate rather than haphazard.
One of the challenges homeowners can face is in incorporating beloved family antiques in a way that feels fresh and authentic for their own personal style. The key is to choose only those pieces that have significant sentimental meaning or that are stylistically pleasing in their own right; the task of combining them then becomes more of a treat than a chore.
When pairing items in a room consider putting something old and something new together to maintain a balance that will feel timeless. If you have an antique chair it can be reupholstered and placed next to a newer side table. Antique artwork can be placed behind a contemporary sofa. Blending the old and the new will make it easier to incorporate a variety of new furniture styles throughout the home. Too often families will attempt to group all of the antiques in one location and it creates a lopsided effect.
The most important thing to remember when choosing furniture for any room in your home is: find pieces you love and enjoy them. Look for those items that make you want to engage with them. The sofa that makes you want to curl up and watch movies with the family. Bedroom furniture that makes you instantly feel more relaxed when you see it. A desk and chair that are comfortable and make you feel invigorated and focused.
Furniture is an important part of daily life and the way it makes us feel has a direct impact on our mood and overall level of enjoyment. Mix and match the pieces that make you feel great and you will be amazed at how well they go together.
Let us know which different styles you end up mixing and we want to see your photos!
