The second option is for those of you who prefer a more
conservative "matched" look. Using the same heirloom/hand-me-down
pieces (depends on your perspective!), let's look at this option. If the
china cabinet from Aunt Millie really IS a family treasure, then give
it a good polish and let it be.
Tackle the dining room table and chairs with sandpaper
and a mahogany stain to achieve a more "matched" look. The maple
grain may show through, but the pieces will be similar. THIS WILL NOT
WORK if the china is...let's say...English Colonial, and the table is
Contemporary. You won't like the results! It will work if the pieces have
similar "bones", or style. If they do not, try covering the
table with a floor length tablecloth in a pattern that goes well with
the style of the china cabinet!
If this idea does not do the trick for you, and the
pieces are worlds apart, I would strongly suggest you move the china cabinet
into another room and invest in an inexpensive piece for the dining room,
that matches the table. Wall shelves, in maple stain, over a "thrift
store" credenza in a maple look would keep the look more "matched"
. The china cabinet can be showcased in a bedroom, foyer, or somewhere
else where it can stand alone. Again, work with fabrics and colors that
pull the "look" together.
As for the sofa, if the color is wrong, you can purchase
a sofa cover or use fabric paints .Keep in mind that you will probably
replace the "fill in" pieces later on, so you'll want to keep
the "special" things for a major re-do.
I really like the free, individual look that mismatched pieces can give.
This is a less expensive and more interesting look. I have walked into
the most expensive decor and been wowed, but only for awhile. Where is
the personality?
Yes, I do help people decorate, but I try to put their
personality into their rooms. Some of the most charming results come from
using existing furniture that is not part of a set. If you must have the
"matched" look, try to add plenty of your own special touches.
Avoid the "showroom" look at all costs!
I will never forget visiting friends many years ago
with my parents, who had done their new home with a decorator who knew
his stuff. I was still a kid, but very into the whole decor thing. The
carpet was white and the furniture was white on white and the look was
fabulous, but even then, it seemed sterile to me. Although the trend then
was to have a large living room primarily for "show".
Then I poked my nose into a powder room that opened off
the foyer and went into orbit! It was done in black and red silk stripe
wall covering, with black sink and commode and gold fixtures! What a contrast!
Further exploration of the home revealed these color surprises all throughout.
The people wanted an elegant look and certainly got it. The color touches
where least expected is what made it look so wonderful!
I remember wondering if I could ever duplicate that
look when I was through college and out on my own. But of course looks
change, as do tastes. And marriage and children quickly squelched ideas
of white! Not with MY kids!
The point here is to be sure to make your home your home,
not a decorator's idea of what he/she likes! If you work with a decorator,
be sure to let her/him know what YOU like! And of course Decor Doc is
available to you at a nominal cost! <grin>
It should be obvious that I prefer the first option here. It seems to
work the best and does not go out of style. My own decor is eclectic with
a "well traveled" feel. Comments I have heard are..."Jurassic
park"
(referencing my gardens), to..."what country am I in?" ( after
a quick tour of my home). But it all flows,
due to color, planning, and rooms full of favorite things.
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