apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Some thoughts: (1) Combining similar shapes--for example, simple squared shapes--can also work well. (2) Japanese, or Chinese with simple lines, can blend pleasingly with Danish modern, which derives in part from Asian models. (3) If you like an informal country effect, old rustic accessories are good accents for newer functional furniture that is countrified in flavor. Or use a single antique chair as an accent in a room with a new wooden table and slatback or Windsor chairs. (4) Mid-century furniture is quite eclectic. While there are no set rules, it can help to look for a similar feature in most of the pieces you want to use together--height, color, lines, inspiration (organic, industrial)--and then use something that contrasts as a striking accent piece. Just a few of what I'm sure are infinite possibilities.

Think about whether want things to match first. If you do, go for it. Often following the degree of simplicity in the lines and visual weight is the way to go. Modern sleek with primitive for plain lines. Matching curves from any era. Perhaps match materials.

You can also choose to contrast as long as it looks "intentional". You have given it some thought instead of the mere price etc... Four of one form of chair with two of another that is bulkier (visual weight) as dining chairs for example. The lines/weight of the table can match with either. As a single sight (all in one place) it might look accidental go to with a table that is in-between. Go for the contrast and keep that consistentcy across the visual field of whatever is in the room...or where one room looks into another.

It is a sort of visual pattern of consistent contrast for the level/degree of line and weight.

That consistency is what denotes the sense of intentionality.

Another thing that most people ignore but can be critical in pulling pieces together: how it hits the floor. Having similar leg styles [ie, all tubular steel, all turned wood, all square pegs, all sitting on the ground, etc] can have a dramatic impact without most people even knowing why.

I like to mix and match chairs. We have 2 red DCWs and 2 chrome Bertoias for our diner. The Saarinen table on our Eat in kitchen have 3 eames side chairs. I didn't want to use the Saarinen chairs. Too much of a match there...

you can see them on this post:

http://blueantstudio.blogspot.com/2007/05/house-tour.html#links

-joel maria pirela

You can also visually link furniture to other items in the room (artwork, textiles) by color or shape -- for instance, an Eames lounge chair and a Jean Arp print would look great together.

In the Taschen "New York Interiors" book, there's a fabulous combo of a marshmallow sofa and a colorful quilt with a circle pattern.

Or you could just email Joel Maria Pirela to ask for design help. Gosh, that home is GORGEOUS.