Opposites Attract! Three Ways You Can Create an Inspired Room.

Anyone who has visited the showroom knows that Roger has an amazing knack for artfully displaying thousands of seemingly random showroom merchandise pieces; all hailing from diverse estates. For example, take a look at this image (below). It's one you've probably seen in a variety of our past promotional pieces, but it best exemplifies how seemingly incompatible items can come together in a fresh, fun, and fashionable way!

So how does Roger do It and how can you create an inspired space within your home?

Tip #1: Contrasts Are OK!

If everyone on the planet looked the same, acted the same, sounded the same, we would indeed all be bored to tears! It's the same with decorating. Mix hard surfaces with soft textures. Modern clean lines with scrolled ornamentation. Throw in some demure pieces with chunky statement pieces. It's ok!

Take a look at this bold pair of floral upholstered etageres placed in front of a delicate rosewood fretwork paneled tri-fold screen (above). Note the various patterns and textures that are a play here, from the design on the porcelain lamp to the bold pillows.

Tip #2: Young and Old Have Things in Common!

Much like a child befriends a nonagenarian, modern pieces and antiques can thrive nicely together. If you watch any of the home decorating channels, you've probably seen how well rustic and primitive antiques blend with newer, more contemporary pieces to create a farmhouse chic style. While “farmhouse chic” is on trend, we are going to showcase a different spin on old and new.

Take a look at this image we pulled from a Pinterest post (below). The designer perfectly blends old and new in lovely, warm tones. Take a look at the well-placed transitional style sofa featured under an oversized contemporary mural. All this accessorized by a vintage porcelain lamp, antique caned chair and side table, and lovely semi-antique carpets. Perfect!

Tip #3: A Little Repetition is Helpful!

We all remember those things that are repeated ... let's face it, that's how we learned the alphabet and learned how to speak. Repetition. A little repetition in design is helpful too. If you have a collection of completely things that don't have any common thread pulling them together, you have clutter. If you put together a collection of seemingly dissimilar things, but have something repetitive within them, it can come together as a considered style rather than a hot mess! That something may be a color. It may be a texture. It might even be an overriding theme. Whatever it is, the repetitive nature brings a sense of calm to the arrangement.

In this tabletop accessories vignette (above), the two unifying elements black- and gold-tones. The dissimilar objects are artfully curated using repetitive color motifs that make this collection interesting, fresh, fun, and cohesive.

Take these tips as a few suggestions to help you create an inspired space in your home. No matter your style preferences, have fun playing around with different textures, styles, and pieces. Let us know how it goes. We’d love to hear from you.