Decades ago, furnishing a room was as simple as picking out whichever matching set you liked. With everything identical, there was no room for disharmony. Unfortunately, there was also no room for creativity or vis ual interest either. Today, mixing and matching different styles, patterns, and textures is all the rage, but this takes a bit of know-how. If you have ever admired a cohesive yet boldly designed living room that seems unachievable to you because you are not a “designer”, then this article is for you. As it turns out, there are a few tricks of the trade that, when mastered, can give you the confidence to design your room like a true professional.
1. Create a color palette.
To create a cohesive color palette, choose 3-5 colors that complement one another and use them proportionately throughout the space. The idea is not to match exactly, but to use varying tones and patterns in the same color family to create unity.
Bonus Tip: When it comes to aesthetical cohesion, symmetry is your friend! The eyes are instinctively drawn to symmetry, associating it with order and beauty.
2. Unify with shared undertones.
While it is fine and even encouraged to use a variety of different materials and textures in one space, the tones should match. For example, if you are using earth-toned colors on the furniture, hues from that same family should be seen on the walls, accent pieces, and etcetera.
While it is fine and even encouraged to use a variety of different materials and textures in one space, the tones should match. For example, if you are using earth-toned colors on the furniture, hues from that same family should be seen on the walls, accent pieces, and etcetera.
3. Stabilize bold choices with repetition.
When playing with bold color choices in an otherwise neutral scheme, make sure to use the color repetitively throughout the room. This creates cohesion and makes the choice seem inten tional and confident. Furthermore, bring out the color in accent pieces such as wall art.
When playing with bold color choices in an otherwise neutral scheme, make sure to use the color repetitively throughout the room. This creates cohesion and makes the choice seem inten tional and confident. Furthermore, bring out the color in accent pieces such as wall art.
Bonus Tip: When furnishing a dining area, we highly advise diversifying the seating to break up the monotony and add visual interest.
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4. Repeat materials, not furniture.
Instead of buying a matching furniture set, pair heavier looking pieces with lighter, leggy styles to balance the look of the space. Tie it all together by repeating materials that you like such as wrought iron, brass, and wood types throughout the room.
5. Balance patterns and textures.
Combine varied textures such as wood, ceramics, and soft fabrics to add depth. Place each varying element stra tegically thoughout the room so that they balance each other out rather than compete.
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~THE TAKEAWAY~
Gone are the days of perfectly matching everything in a living r oom. While this outdated way of decorating may have been easier, it left no room for individuality or interest in a room. Now, the sky is the limit when making your living area uniquely yours! You just have to know a thing or two about the rules of mixing and matching. By following the guidelines presented in this article, you can create a perfectly diverse and coheseive room. We hope you have enjoyed this article and that you now feel more confident in your own ability to design like a pro!
