A fool proof way to mix and match styles, and a tiny peak into my home

During the warmer months I don't spend a whole lot of time indoors, so once it gets chilly, my mind - an body, turn to my home and it's decor. It's the time of year when I swap out cushions, rugs, and throws, and give everything that's being packed away a good cleaning. Objects that stay out or don't get rotated - like furniture, get wiped down and I revaluate the room it's in or it's placement in a room. It's times like these that I'm always thankful that for bigger price tag items - I stick to the time-tested classics!

 For those who know me you know that my tastes change and vary. I don't necessarily like to stick to one particular style, but I like a transitional and eclectic look. One such classic in my home is my mid-century rocking chair. It gets compliments from almost everyone who walks in the door, and I got it in white so it can fit in anywhere I put it. Since I don't like all of my furniture and decor to be from one era alone, it's important to know your classics and basics from the various eras. There's a lot of great books and online resources that cover the classic furniture for each era - I like to refer to the One King's Lane resource page.

Above: My rocking chair, the side table I made, the bookcase from Ikea, rug by Surya.

If you want to add some classics to your furniture collection, but not be a slave to a certain era or style, make sure you mix and match a bit.  I think rooms done all in mid-century modern can be a bit heavy on dark woods, drab fabrics, and primary colors. Here are some items I would mix in with my rocking chair to mix the look up a bit:

via One Kings Lane

This sofa ever so slightly adds a little glam to the mid-century modern style with it's feminine color and minimal tufting.  The clean lines tie it in to the chair.

via One Kings Lane

I would push the mix little farther then by adding this Asian inspired table.  It nods to Chinoiserie but the primary lines are clean and keep the look cohesive.

via One Kings Lane

Accessories and small goods, like these vintage Swedish candlesticks, really allow you to play and have fun mixing and matching.

via One Kings Lane

A wooden tray adds a touch of the industrial and natural.

via One Kings Lane

This gorgeous rug in a silky turquoise throws traditional in to the mix. It adds enough pattern and depth for visual interest without screaming for attention.

via One Kings Lane

I'd make sure that at some point I'd circle back around and add another mid-century elements, like a lamp.


What are some guidelines or tips you have for mixing and matching styles?