It's All in the Mix

Bringing Back the 'Oldies'

If you adore vintage pieces but want to add a contemporary twist, try setting your furniture against a colourful backdrop. A fresh, vibrant wall colour can modernize your space and create a great contrast between new and old. Bright colours can also compliment classic white or wicker furniture. Try giving something old a new home by placing a vintage armoire or cabinet into your bathroom to give it the feel of 'modern antiquity.' If that's the feeling you're after, determine what style your home fits into and switch it up by adding complementary and contrasting items. Using both antiques and modern pieces will keep your home from looking dated or impersonal. Antiques add a sense of history and familiarity to a sleek and otherwise empty space.

Colour Scheming

It's important to choose colours that relate to your décor style. If your aim is to mimic the look of a rustic beach house, using a dark colour palette won't help set the tone. If you know how you want your design to look, but are unsure of what colours to use, look through your favorite websites or magazines and pull inspiration from décor you like.

Explore your colour options by looking at paint swatches and a colour wheel. Contrast colours are great to play around with. Try setting cobalt blue against Florida orange or watermelon pink against sea foam green. Blended with natural wood finishes, it could create a perfectly polished colour palette. A good rule of thumb is to create a colour scheme of two to three colours and then add finishes and patterns that compliment them to avoid "over-decorating"

Cross Cultural Design

If your home is heavily influenced by your culture, use that as a launching pad for your décor inspiration. You can mix cultural elements into contemporary design seamlessly with the right tools. If your inspiration comes from the Orient, choose both light and textured fabrics with bold colours and accent with gold, black or wood finishes. A design with clean lines and minimal clutter will ensure the space feels contemporary without losing its traditional touch.

The Bonds that Tie

When different design styles come together it's important to keep a common thread between them in order to avoid a decorating disaster. Try focusing in on a shape, colour or fabric to create a sense of unity between eclectic styles. How to choose the unifying element? Take advantage of the under-dog. If there's a colour that is used sparsely throughout the room, pull it out and show it off in drapes, curtains, cushions or rugs.

Texture Twist

Don't be afraid to play with fabric when it comes to decorating your home. Combining patterned and solid colour fabric is a great way to add a sense of texture to chairs, curtains, bedding and cushions. Layering your hardwood flooring with small to medium size area rugs can add contrast and comfort to a room. Spice up a solid colour sofa by adding patterned cushions that incorporate the colour of the sofa. It's important to pick and choose when you decide to mix and match. Matching everything and keeping the same pattern or colour throughout can make your home look dull and monotonous.

Size Does Matter

Put everything into perspective when placing furniture, rugs and accessories. You can mix and match the sizes of hanging picture frames as long as they are balanced on the wall. They could cascade in size from largest to smallest or be grouped together as long as they're proportionate to each other.

Trail Mix

When en route to your favourite furniture and décor shops, keep in mind that you want to shop around the store and gather great pieces from many departments that can all work together. You don't want to leave with 12 items all in the same fabric pattern. It will help to conceive your colour scheme before entering a store, that way both you and the salesperson have a clear understanding of your design needs. Shop around to find antiques, linens and room accessories that suit your style at prices that you can afford.