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RL Cabin Master Bedroom |
In design, mixing styles
can be fun and cost effective. No longer just Eclectic, it applies to the
design in blending various styles from origin to 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. 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
stopping 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 red because it represents good luck. The
most traditional items are wall murals and shoji tri-fold screens depicting
characters of historical and legendary folklore. These are often 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, not to be confused with wicker, usually
accompany this elegant piece.
Other telling furniture
pieces are 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.