Lately I’ve been thinking about my design style. I grew up in a pretty traditional household, leaning towards “old fashioned” ….
antique furniture, china place settings and sterling silver for special occasions, oriental rugs, brass lamps etc. For a long time, I thought that was my style too, and I would buy those things for our home, because that’s what I knew. However, I have always been attracted to contemporary and modern design, including artwork, furniture, and fashion. Something about the simple lines and space make me feel relaxed. I didn’t know how these two diverse styles could work together until we started to create a home of our own. I knew I needed the sentimental pieces, like my great grandmother’s piano, and a more simplified but “squishy” sofa to keep a balance. One of my friends says “Your home should tell a story” and the other says “If you love it, it will go. You’ll find a place for it.”
They are both right.
It took me a while to figure out how these two styles can work together. I switch things around a lot to keep things fresh, too. I have learned to come to terms with finding the right balance between traditional and modern, allowing some “blank” space on a wall or having a clean surface top to give the eyes a rest…and enough interest to tell a story.
I think this is one of the reasons why I keep most of my ceramic work monochromatic, so it can blend into your style, tell it’s own story, and become part of yours.
Mix and match
Make it your own.