Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Contrasting Elements in Decor

Hello everyone!

I've been off my usual blogging schedule this week because it's Spring break.  It's been so nice to actually forget what day of the week it is for a change.  I kept thinking that yesterday was Sunday!  Fortunately, the weather has been kind to us this week but I think it's getting ready to change.  Cold temps are heading our way.  April is such a fickle month!  

I thought I would share, with you, some elements in my decor that seem to be a pattern in each room.

I love contrasts in style.  What I mean by that is I don't want everything in my home to look like it came from one store.  So, I like to mix it up a bit with contrasting elements.  My favorite way to do that is with elegance mixed with rustic.  I also like modern mixed with country.  However, today I'm sharing the first one.

In my family room, I have this very dressy crystal chandelier.


But, underneath it is this chippy painted coffee table.





In my dining room, I have these mercury glass vessels.


But, on the dining room table, I have a rustic dough bowl filled with moss covered balls.


In my foyer, I have these white fur pillows.


But, on the wall beside it, I have a rustic wood and rope mirror.


And finally, in my sitting room, I have a mercury glass vase filled with white hydrangeas.


But on the other side of the room, is this rustic old gate being displayed.


Have you ever looked at a furniture catalog that is from a big box store?  I'm not talking about stores like Pottery Barn.  I'm talking about the sales flyers you get in your Sunday paper that advertise a room full of furniture for a low price.  If you look closely at them, they are not very exciting.  I believe it's because they lack character.  Choosing to blend different elements in a room so that it coordinates but isn't boring is something I strive to achieve.  I love a room with unexpected elements that show creativity.  

What have you done in your home that does that?  I'd love to get some more ideas!

Thanks for stopping by.

~ Kelly ~

21 comments:

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Hi Kelly,
Your décor choices are dreamy eclectic and it's all in the mix. Come visit my latest post, I showed my collected eclectic global vibe in my living room. Enjoy your day, love your rooms romantic feel.
Hugs,
Vera

Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns said...

It looks beautiful! I too have an eclectic decor or found and collected items from our travels around the world.

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

So pretty, Kelly! I love unexpected elements...gives a room character and texture, too!

Sherry @ Thrift My House said...

Hi Kelly! I love everything you do and have gotten many ideas for my home from your blog! The old and new mixed together is beautiful. Always inspired when I visit❤

cynthia lee designs said...

Hi Kelly, I love how you decorate. I love to go to antique malls and flea markets to find decor items for my home. Visiting all the wonderful blogs online also gives me lots of great decor ideas.
hugs,
Cindy

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

love that white chippy coffee table. Everything looks perfect together.

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Funny, Kelly, I was just thinking about this very thing the other day.

I enjoy a home in the Transitional style - little bit traditional, little chippy, little farmhouse, little contemporary - some bling and some burlap and mixing it all together cohesively to delight my senses and work together.

I love little bit of a lot of things, too - and not have everything being all matchy matchy in style. You've given perfect examples of how that works perfectly in your gorgeous home. Well done. You nailed it. ♥

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I think it has been many many years since I purchased matching furniture....at least 25 years ago anyway. I love what you have done!

An Oasis in the Desert said...

I'd say you've mastered the "contrasting elements" of decorating.....it's all so pretty!

Calypso In The Country said...

Your home is always so pretty and I love your mixture of things!
Shelley

Stacey said...

Don't you love that we can mix it all up the way we do these days? I like the way you've mix shiny and rustic pieces.

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

You've achieved a nice collected over time look with you mix of old and new and rustic and refined, Kelly. Lots of pretty mercury glass pieces!

Debra said...

I love how you combine the rustic with the elegance of the crystal and other items. Your house looks so lovely.

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

I agree about the big stores, and yet that's the way most households are furnished. Many people simply don't know how to mix things up so they take the easy way out. And let's be honest, many people don't care. Their house is simply a place to hang their hats. I guess that's good for us...less competition at the antique stores ;).

I love the mix of modern with rustic, old with new, shiny with worn. You've executed those styles beautifully in your lovelyl home!

This N That said...

Whatever works, Kelly...Variety is the spice of life..

Eilis said...

You are so right, it is the contrast between things that makes the room appealing. All your pieces look perfect!

Daniela @Frugal Aint Cheap said...

What I love about all these pictures, is the variety of textures present in your home. I really, really like that.

Unknown said...

I love your rustic, yet chic style Kelly!! It looks so pretty with your neutral color palette too. Jeez - I think I mix so many things it would be hard to narrow it down. It all comes out looking a bit on the cottage side at our house though. I like to give our family heirlooms new life with paint or a different use. Enjoy your relaxing days!! xo

Suzanne said...

You are so right, Kelly. It's important to mix it up and let things evolve over time. Those flyers are too matchy-matchy, and they lack imagination. I think good design tells us a story. It lets us imagine the lives of the people in the house.

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

I love an eclectic look, and you've mastered it. I've not done such a good job in my house, but I'm trying! Most of my furniture is traditional, but not "matchy matchy." I recently put a wire basket of dried hydrangeas on my traditional dining room table. And, I added a furry topper to a more rustic desk chair, and I'm loving that combo!

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

I think you've done a perfect job of blending different elements and adding character to your home. I know what you mean by those sales flyers. Everything is the same and kind of boring. The older I get, the more I enjoy mixing up different styles in my home.