Tip Tuesday: Avoiding the Showroom Look
I have found that my main design pet peeve is when someone purchases an entire set of furniture to decorate a room. Not only does it make your home to look like a showroom, but your guests walk in and don’t see any of your personal style.
Example of a room when an entire set is purchased and used together. Set can be found at Rooms to Go.
Don’t get me wrong, I understand why it is a common pitfall. It makes design easy, quick and often times affordable. That being said, you will create a far more appealing space if you use just one of the pieces (maximum 2) from the set and combine them with furniture from other sets, stores, yard sales, thrift shops, etc.
There are a two guidelines I like to go by when combining furniture:
Don't use the same type of material in the same shade or color for all pieces.
Do find subtle ways to tie the materials/colors found in the furniture together.
For example, the hardware used on the set above is made of wrought iron, so it would be nice to combine the nightstands with a wrought iron bed, similar to the one below from Overstock.com. (P.S. that bed is only $300!)
Wrought iron bed that would blend well with the nightstands from the original set. Found on Overstock.com.
Next, remember that accessories will help to add different textures, bring things together, and break things up. Notice the wicker basket, glass lamps, and painted nightstand shown above. This will make the room look well compiled, but not monotonous. Which brings me to my next and final point: don't be afraid to add a pop of color through painted furniture.
I love this coral chair! It adds contrast, while still tying the space together by adding similar shades in the accessories throughout the room.
Moral of the story is: don't go the "easy" route. Design is meant to be fun and take time. The best masterpieces were not built overnight. Your home is an expression of you, so make it say something great!
Xx Allie