In Washington, D.C., we hear a lot of talk about politicians bridging the "partisan divide" (or failing to do so). Well, the same can be said about decor…
Just because your taste tends to run ultra-modern doesn't mean you have to close yourself off to all traditional furnishings. In fact, a singularly modernist home can greatly benefit from a smattering of antiques. Starkly contrasting styles can be wonderfully complementary. And perhaps the best place to explore stylistic contrast is the dining room, where hundreds of years of dining traditions intersect with the practicality and functionality of modern living.
Pairing an antique or farmhouse table with modern or contemporary chairs (or vice versa) can bring a dining room to life and give it character and personality. You may opt for cozy chairs upholstered in stain-resistant fabric paired with a formal French-polished antique table. Or you may choose time-worn vintage chairs and a sleek modern table that can be wiped down with a countertop spray. By bridging the divide between old and new, traditional and modern, your dining room will avoid the matchy-matchy contemporary tone that plagues today's overly designed spaces.
The art is in the mix.
FIRST ROW
1. Houzz
2. Houzz
3. Vastu DC
4. Ally's Contemporary With a Touch of Paris Glam House Call
5. 10 Great Dining Rooms from Our House Tours
SECOND ROW
6. Belle Maison 23
7. Met Home via Belle Maison
8. Desire to Inspire
9. Desire to Inspire
10. A Tranquil Townhouse
THIRD ROW
11. A Tranquil Townhouse
12. House of Bliss
13. Lux Interior Designs
14. Grant K Gibson via Home by Sunset
Images: As credited above.
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Where can I find the round dining table in picture 10?
Like most concepts, it is all about the execution.
The only ones above that I think work well are 3, 8, 10, 11, and 13: (Though the Stokke child's chair in the last photo goes with anything, being a good example of form following function.)
Classic or iconic furniture can all be blended, and you're right, @textiles, it's all about the execution.
It doesn't have to MATCH, it just has to GO...
Any suggestions for this juxtaposed pairing with the Pottery Barn Benchwright? Just ordered in the lighter finish, refurbished pine. Thanks!
Picture #3....Love it!
I don't like 1, 5, 6 or #13, but the rest are pretty interesting.
The eames rocker in no. 6 looks really odd, and not in a good way. I have one, and the seat is lower than a standard dining chair. I don't like no. 1 either. I do like this look where the same chairs surround a particular table style.
#7...?