Decorating Themes - Mismatched Themes Ruin a Decorating Dream
But you should know there are just some things in life that just don't belong together.
You would never eat fish with ice cream or wear a wool blazer over a gauze sundress.
The same is true for mismatching decorating themes. They are as appealing as chunky fish ice cream.
There are certain dos and don'ts that are applicable when choosing your decorating theme.
Certain themes are difficult, if not impossible, to incorporate into certain styles of homes. It would be extremely incongruous to attempt an ultra modern theme if you are decorating your log home.
The same would be true if your house is architecturally modern to contemplate decorating with a colonial theme. When selecting a decorating theme, attempt to accessorize the architectural design with a complimentary theme.
The theme doesn't have to be an exact match, but should be harmoniously related to the home's design.
If your home is ultra-modern in design, then you have several decorating theme options that would blend well. Aside from the obvious modern and art nouveau themes, Scandinavian and Zen styles also intermingle well.
These decorating themes balance with the linear architectural lines of the home. With materials such as glass, stainless steel, acrylics and leather, the feel is cool and geometric in nature.
When you own a farmhouse, log cabin or country style home a more rustic or colonial theme would be in sync. Even Quaker or French Country would be good decorating choices. Warm tones and rich woods make for a very comfortable, inviting environment.
If you have a southwestern or ranch house, a Santa Fe theme would strike accord. With pottery, leathers and peachy hues accenting beiges and browns, a Native American tone is set.
Architecture that falls in the Mediterranean or Villa style works well with a Tuscan or old world decorating theme. Rich, elegant tapestries with gold and burgundy accents, a Renaissance feel prevails.
A home that is labeled colonial or Victorian melds well with Edwardian, Early American, Victorian and traditionally classic themes.
If you are fortunate and have a home that is labeled as contemporary or craftsman architecturally, you have more leeway in selecting a theme for your decorating. Because these homes blend several styles, blending of decorating themes harmonizes well.
A traditional theme blended with oriental accent pieces would work. A contemporary home could easily meld with anything from a modern look to a more classic decorating theme.
The most important thing to remember when selecting your decorating theme is to have harmonious flow throughout your home. This does not mean that you can't change palettes or the feel from room to room. Patterns and colors can diverge into another palette.
You can have an apple theme in your country kitchen and not have apples appear anywhere else. However, you wouldn't want the dining room off that country kitchen to be a steel and glass techno-modern experience.
Your home's décor should reflect your sense of style and what makes you comfortable. Match your decorating theme to the architectural style of your home and add your personality to it for decorating success.
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