How to Decorate With Modern & Traditional Furniture

Most home decor catalogs show glossy photos of the rooms of homes decorated in one particular style, be it traditional or contemporary. Contrary to popular belief, you can combine traditional and modern style furniture without making a room look like a cluttered, clunky mess. Incorporating these two decor styles successfully is all about strategy. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Select three main colors or shades for the room. The colors should all complement or contrast each other harmoniously. For example, black, lavender and red all go well together, providing striking contrast, whereas all-warm colors like light brown, orange and sienna all complement each other. All the furniture for the room must be in one of these colors, regardless of whether or not it's traditional or modern.

2

Purchase main pieces of furniture in a particular style, either modern or traditional. Whatever style you pick for your main furniture means that your accent and accessory pieces are going to be of the opposite style. For example, you can have a traditional bed and armchair with a modern nightstand and lamps. Making this decision will help guide your choices as you decorate the room.

3

Select accent furniture in the style you decided on in Step 2. As long as these pieces of furniture aren't too bold or overwhelming and match your designated color scheme, you should still have a balanced-looking, harmonious room. For example, a sleek, minimalistic accent chair would still go well with a large, classic desk or bed. Alternatively, a classic carved wood coffee table would go well with a modern couch as long as the table wasn't overbearing.

4

Select decorative accessories in the style that you decided on in Step 2. These elements will help give the room a finished look and provide a transition between the main pieces of furniture and the accent pieces. Select light fixtures, throw rugs, candlesticks and vases in your designated colors and style. For example, a large chandelier in a designated style is a suitable way to help pull the room together.