Monday, May 14, 2012

Mixing Styles



There's a real skill to this.  Mixing things that don't want to mix. Like oil and water. 

Tradtitional/contemporary....complete opposites.



A piece of art is created when things of completely different genres combine in
unique,

inspiring,

unexpected ways.




It has to be just right....actually it has to be perfect.





Things could potentially go all wrong. (not in this post)

Hodge podge,

train wreck,

what were they thinking?

OR





you could create



a masterpiece. 




Image Sources:  Kay Douglass - Veranda, Barbara Barry - Veranda, Kay Douglass - House Beautiful, Miles Redd - Veranda, Barbara Barry - Veranda, Stephen Sills - Architectural Digest




16 comments:

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

I love those big hanging lanterns. Every time I see them I want one.

Glamour Drops said...

Such an art to getting this right, though, rather than looking contrived. Your examples are all of the former category, of course!

Taylor Greenwalt said...

Love these images Carla! So much interest, they stand out. That's what makes a good designer great.

carolyn bradford said...

Loved this! My mother in law used to always say when she came over, " I just love how all of this works together!" For awhile, I wasn't sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing! I'm pretty sure she thinks it's good since she had me re-do a few rooms in her house!
Thanks again for this post!
Carolyn

Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid Sass said...

You are on the money, Carla! Love the choices here.
I can't imagine not mixing things up a bit.
I hope that your week is off to a fabulous start!!
Teresa
xoxo

SHERRY HART said...

I love Kay Douglas....she is a master at mixing styles!!!

Interior Design Musings said...

Totally agree, Carla! But I do love to mix it up! M.

Brad Williamson said...

From beginning to end, that post was pure poetry.

An Urban Cottage said...

A mix of styles can create a real electricity when it's done well.

Sharon @ mrshinesclass said...

Every space in this post is beautiful. My favorite is the 3rd one....I love that lantern!

Sharon @ mrs. hines class

Suzy said...

I've been really struggling to give my very traditional decor an updated feel by adding in some more modern elements. I don't want to buy new furniture. You're so right - it's really tough - lot's of trial and error!

Barbara@HausDesign said...

That is always my goal when designing spaces, but it's really tough to pull off. On the other hand, I think rooms that don't have some contrast are completely boring, so I think it's worth a good try! Great post Carla - I always learn something or have something new to ponder when I read your posts!

Ann said...

Those are all so lovely spaces,
a really good mix of design style and genre.

designchic said...

What perfect examples of juxtaposition in these images, Carla, and I am beyond smitten with the last one...absolutely gorgoues!!

Jessie said...

Wow, that first image is absolutely beautiful and perfect in every way. Love the color scheme too!

Jessie
www.mixandchic.com

Jo said...

I love mixing styles and periods. I especially love that zebra chair!

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