Creative Combinations!

If you’ve ever had the task of combining furnishings from two different households, you know the difficulties this dilemma can present. Whether it’s a blended family, a new marriage, or even new housemates, people often bring with them a whole house of furnishings. Mixing all these often diverse elements from two different styles of decor can be challenging. So here are a few tips to help you get started!

First, take a careful inventory of all pieces. Include not only the large items, such as furniture, but also items such as area rugs, lamps, pictures and even accessories that you may want to incorporate into your new decorating plan.

Once your list is complete, go through it carefully and check off the items you definitely want to keep. Your final list may include antiques, high quality furnishings, and items of sentimental value. It could even include that comfortable old chair that you’ve enjoyed many hours sitting in with a good book in hand.

So, what do you do if the items you wish to keep don’t blend or match with your new homes’ existing décor? Take heart! The eclectic look has been officially “in” for years now. Gone are the days when every single piece of furniture has to match. The Dallas Ewing clan of the 70’s and 80’s may have had a perfectly matched “suite” in every room, but not the high tech families of today’s generation.

However, there truly is a difference between not matching and not coordinating. In fact synonyms for eclectic include: discriminating, particular and selective. So, if a piece does not belong – get rid of it! The classifieds, EBay, or even a furniture consignment shop sale might even help bring you some extra cash for more decorating.

And, if that comfortable, worn out chair can’t be parted with, how why not consider reupholstering or refinishing it! Finishing touches can do wonders to unite a mixture of furnishings. Look for common elements in your pieces – perhaps a color or texture that catches the eye. Sometimes even something as simply as a decorative pillow in a patterned fabric that picks up colors from a couple of blended pieces will help to unify the room.