Mix and Match Furniture

I've mentioned before, that rooms do not have a be, for lack of a better word, "matchy matchy."  Not in color, not in furnishing, not in fabrics.  Layers are what make a good room. Layers bring depth to a space and allow each piece in the room to compliment each other.   You want your room to look as if it's been pieced together beautifully over time.  One of the ways to achieve this "thought out eclectic" is to layer in different styles via furniture and fabrics.  It will add excitement and interest to your space.  I have a few examples below to show you what I mean.

Not sure if you want your home to be modern or traditional?  Why not both?  Nikki from fromtherightbank.com achieved just that in her space.  I love the contemporary lamp, rug and coffee table offset by the exposed wood beams and antique oil paintings.  Luckily, my grandfather has a love for oil paintings as well.  I'm hoping one day he'll pass those treasures on to me :)

via From the Right Bank

This kitchen is elegant and traditional all in one.  What really sets off the space is the chandelier.  I'm sure many would not even THINK about placing a large crystal chandelier in their kitchen, but look at how well it works in the space.  It gives an unexpected surprise to an otherwise typical kitchen.   The simple lines and neutral colors of the cabinets and backsplash enhance rather than compete with the chandelier and the informal block letters spelling out "EAT" bring a casual feeling to the space, balancing out the ornate look of the fixture.  Simply divine.

This room has a lot going on.  There are tons of patterns, textures, colors and materials.  Once again, it's about them working together instead of against each other.  Each element in this space appears to have some sort of depth to it - the trellis pattern on the couch, the black and white zebra stripe rug, the black and white coral pillow, the see-through lamp, glass coffee table, iron side table and cutout screens- all of them pull your eyes through.  Even the mirror offers the idea of looking beyond.  So although the style of the pieces themselves might not come from the same place, their patterns certainly do.  

Here is another great example of contemporary and traditional.  Most of this space is pretty contemporary and modern.  But there are a few elements that aren't.  The traditional rug, distressed credenza and vintage art pieces are all counteracted by the contemporary lamps and other furniture pieces.  This is a great example of how various textures can bring a room from bland to beautiful.

via ABCD Design

The next time you're out shopping for furnishings and find yourself torn between two styles, don't make yourself chose. Use them both and enhance your home with pieces that work together to bring interest to your space.