For first-time homebuyers and the rest of us that are tight on cash, hand-me-downs shouldn’t get the cold shoulder. Nowadays, it’s not uncommon for home dwellers to combine pieces they already own with furnishings they’ve inherited, borrowed or bought for next to nothing. They’re also looking to add their own personalities and experiences to their rooms. Sterile rooms that give no clue to the homeowner’s personality are out.
The resulting style is considered eclectic, but contrary to popular belief, it’s not a haphazard style. By using some decorating guidelines, you can bring excitement and pizzazz to a room that combines traditional and contemporary style.
Eclectic decorating refers to a concept that mixes all kinds of decorating elements. The age of the furnishings, their colors, textures and overall styles are combined, but there’s purpose behind the merger of the various pieces. Truly artful eclectic decors highlight the best parts of each style. Learning how to mix contrasting styles takes some time, but is worth the effort.
One of the key ways to seamlessly combine two different periods in a room’s decor is to use a common color throughout the room. Shades of brown, for example, can tie together a low modern sofa and a traditional parquet floor. Shape is another element that brings together a room’s furnishings. Old-world pieces such as an antique globe can work well with contemporary bottles to pull together a room that features furnishings from different time periods.
It’s also a good idea to use furnishings with clean, simple lines that can successfully pull together old and new décor styles. For example, Shaker and Mission furniture are prime examples, as well as oriental-inspired pieces. The key is to find pieces that don’t jar the senses but instead work well within the existing decor of the room.
You may have been bequeathed a treasured piece of furniture such as a dining room table that belonged to a beloved grandmother. You want to honor your relative by using the piece in your home, but it doesn’t match your style. You can still make it an important part of your décor by complementing it with modern, geometrically inspired dinnerware. The antique dining room chairs could be covered with imitation leather. Alternatively, you could display vintage photos of the family in the dining area using chrome frames.
Successfully combining antique finds and new pieces in a room may seem to be a daunting task, but you can accomplish it when you strive to find pieces that complement each other’s strengths. The resulting eclectic décor offers the added benefit of showcasing your personality in the room.
By: Erik Braunitzer and courtesy of Douglas Elliman Real Estate Company, agents for NYC Apartments.
Friday, January 20th, 2012, 6:27 am | 
Interior Decoration, Interior Design | 
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