Designers are embracing mixing decorating themes, incorporating vintage designs with contemporary details and decor. This balance allows rooms to experience a full gamut of proportion and balance, blending colors, textures, shapes and styles. This refreshing blend of unlikely decors gives homes a peaceful, comforting balance.

Mixing styles helps create a unique theme. Guests can experience the unexpected, while viewing the expected. A modern-style, clean-line sofa pairs well with a vintage armchair that features faux animal hide upholstery and ornate wood detailing.

A room that features only modern decor can easily feel cold and uninviting. Likewise, a room that highlights a plethora of antiques can feel overwhelming, lacking an organizational focal point.

The Oval and Round Mirrors Store offers stylish home decorating tips for blending vintage, antique styles with modern, contemporary designs.

• Mirror – Pair gilt-style vintage mirrors with contemporary, streamlined furniture.
• Desk – Turn a desk into an eye-catching set with an antique, ornate desk and a modern-style bench seat.
• Glass – Glass dining room furniture is modern, blending with a wide range of colorful hues. Consider adding warm touches to dining areas with the addition of an attractive chandelier and a silver wall mirror.
• Rustic – For a more rustic appearance, balance a vintage dining table with sleek aluminum chairs. While the combination may sound unusual, it makes for a visually stunning presentation. Consider pairing this combination with custom mirrors or oval wall mirrors.
• Reupholster – Breathe new life into antique furniture by re-staining or reupholstering. Select modern prints and fabrics or contemporary light stains for a dramatic and elegant look. Pair with antique mirrors for instant room depth.
• Artwork – Homes that predominantly feature antique furniture benefit from a touch of whimsical design, such as modern artwork. A touch of the unexpected creates an astonishing pop of color.
• Lamps – For antique end tables, consider purchasing modern lamps to enliven styles, which helps avoid a formal, stuffy design. Likewise, for modern-tables, consider purchasing ornate lamps.
• Fireplace – Contemporary fireplaces are sleek and simple, lacking traditional and ornate detailing. To add a touch of softness to modern homes, place an antique wall mirror or piece of artwork above the fireplace.
• Lighting Fixtures – A room full of antiques benefits from a modern focal point, such as a contemporary designer light fixture.

Blending furniture styles is a time-consuming process. It is important to always follow the sacred decorating rules – scale, proportion and balance. Select items that have personal significance, as this helps homes feel more inviting and welcoming and helps highlight sentimental accessories.

References:

http://interiordec.about.com/od/elementsofdecor/a/Home-Decorating-Ideas-Mixing-Modern-Items-With-Antiques.htm

http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/ideas/mixing-furniture-design-styles-0111#slide-1