In design, mixing styles can be fun and cost effective. No longer specified as Eclectic, it applies to the world of design in blending various styles from a combination of origin and era. A mixed style should present pieces with shared aims to generate unity within the design. Eclecticism is definitely not a jumble or mish mashed collection of arbitrary pieces but an intended and considered design. When a shared component or idea ties the home together, the home can take on a character of personal preference and unique style.
When furnishings communicate to each other in scale, shape, pattern, texture, color, or finish; a mixed style of interior design can enhance the room and bring it together. Contrast is an important element for a mixed style. As a general rule, a color scheme can be universal by using neutral colors as a backdrop or for large furnishings. Furniture no longer has to match perfectly but a mixture of related furnishings can embellish a design nicely.
In various design schemes such as rustic living, Asian traditional or Country French, mixing furnishings will complement the appeal to the homeowner. The homeowner looks for appealing design styles. One of the most beneficial resources is consignment or vintage shops. The consignment shop holds treasures of quality or name brand merchandise at a discounted price. These furnishings are unique in design as it gives new life to many styles and themes many people look for in decorating his or her home. Obtaining quality at a lower price is a valued perk for the do-it-yourselfer or the professional designer.
Rustic living is a relaxed, lived-in style and there is no reason to fear sitting in a rustic living- room or stop by for a chat in a rustic style environment. A rustic design style is informal with a complement of well made, sensible furniture, colorful material, and functional rather than trendy accents. With rustic styles, adding multiple textiles and countrified furnishings can be obtained by visiting these treasure troves of recycled design and style.
If the homeowner is looking for something more traditional, he or she could find Asian inspired furnishings that display bold colors along with ornate furniture and accessories. Asian furnishings are ornately carved designs with craftsman painted details or lacquered finishes. When looking through consignments ask the salesperson for assistance. The shop may have everything the homeowner is looking for; they just need to look around as everything is transitional in the store. Another nice benefit is the shop owner displays mixed styles within the shop to aid in complementing the various pieces on display.
Some various pieces can enhance this dramatic style by featuring animal prints and astrological signs, such as tigers and fire-breathing dragons. Creative ginger jars, large vessels, and beverage pots painted with exaggerated design in varied colors or in the traditional blue and white glazes are also fashionable in Asian interiors. The most prominent color in Asian style is the color red. This is because red defines good luck in Asian cultures. The most traditional items recurrently seen are wall murals, shoji tri-fold screens depicting characters of historical and legendary folklore. These are regularly painted in striking or vibrant colors. The majority of these items are sporadically on display throughout the shop.
Country French is an epitome by a palette of bright colors. This south of France design is reminiscent of colors that include deep aubergine (dark purple) and vibrant lavenders. Other provocative colors used for porcelain are bright cadmium yellow, and cerulean blue. Furnishings usually with a small floral or animal pattern are typical fabric motifs for Country French design. Not unlike rustic styles, basic Country French furniture is pine or maple in structure with a sturdy functionality. An ample plank-style dining table is traditional Country French furniture. Caned chairs usually accompany this elegant piece, which is not to be confused with wicker. Other telling furniture is armoires or four-poster beds with massive carvings and embellishments. Lavender wreaths with wheat shafts and wrought-iron gates surrounded by roosters, lamps, and sprigs are perfect accents and accessories for this style.
With today’s market, budgets are reduced by half. Knowing that the homeowner has the option to find high-end or brand materials at a discounted price is a plus when he or she looks for that perfect piece or style furnishings. By frequenting a consignment or vintage shop the homeowner or designer will always find that special treasure that will complete a design. When finding just the right piece one can usually expect to find just that, one item so it is important to understand the art of mixing styles. Mixing styles can aid in making sure the means of the budget are met while bringing fun and excitement to the adventurous homeowner.
Patrick S. Tremblay
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