Oftentimes, clients will ask me about my rules when it comes
to my interior spaces.
To be honest, I'm not sure that I go by many rules.
Probably because I'm not sure what they are meant to be.
I do however, have a few favourite guidelines.
One of which goes something along the lines of, it's all in the mix, not the match.
Simply put, I find that the most interesting and successful looks are
achieved when you mix things up.
Froufrou with minimalism. White and bright. Contemporary with antiques.
Shiny new with chippy old. Soft and hard. Industrial with handmade. Upcycled with upmarket.
There is a little of all of these in my home, and although there are no matches made in heaven, the mix is just fine.
I so agree with stylist supreme Megan Morton when she says that some of the
best mixing is achieved through budgetary constraints.
The bach is a perfect example.
Huge contemporary painting above a rustic old table made from an old door.
And a combination of handmade textiles, travel finds, old steel and crisp cotton
make a bedroom that is cool, calm and restful.
Low on budget. High on the mix stakes.
Perhaps because the mix is so unpredictable and eclectic, the results are individual
and unique, and above all fresh.
So, that's my no-rules approach, guideline no.1 - it's in the mix, not the match.
BUT, match the mix to your taste and style, and you too will have an interior space that is yours and yours alone.
Amanda xx
Posts
so true Amanda ... you should copyright that :) it's a great piece of advice and a fun play on words too - well done you le xox
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Amanda, well said. I find that the most depressing homes are those that look as though everything in one room was unloaded off the same lorry, whereas a mix is interesting, shows evolving effort, and is often much more beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful rooms....is that your living room?
ReplyDeleteI agree with you and Mise totally. The worst clients for me are the ones that want it all done in one go. Some are horrified when I say let's wait for some bits and let it develop. They was a room in a bag, ready to go.
I Love your interiors.
ReplyDeleteI certainly have a mix at my place, but sometimes feel I can't get it quite right. My perfectionist/ordered side fighting with my chaotic/creative side!
My pet hate is show home interiors that have no life. I love things with history or just a story to tell of a lovely day out or a holiday.
Penny
Beautiful rooms--I will linger over those pictures. They have such depth and character. I think your guidelines are exactly right.
ReplyDeleteone word - gorg!
ReplyDeleteSheesh! It's all so beautiful! Is that bedroom at the bach? I just adore it. And don't get me started on how cost your couch looks :)
ReplyDeleteHi everyone, thanks for your comments! I should have clarified my images a little better for you. Yes, the first two are from my home here in Wellington, and the second two are from our little bach. Bach is kiwi-speak for a weekender or beach shack!
ReplyDeleteI'm so pleased that catalogue living is no more appealing to you all than me. Interiors that have a soul! That's me. xx
Beautiful I would feel totally at home, in sync with either of your homes.
ReplyDeleteand I wish I was sprawled on that couch telling you this face to face.
xo Jane
For sure the most interesting rooms have a mix -which gives them a life. I think monetary constraints do really help with a good mix - trying to work with what your got or find for a song.
ReplyDeletexo
Ashlyn
I think the mix and style you have created are just perfect! xx
ReplyDeleteOh Amanda! If only I could fly you over here on my magic carpet ☺. Your taste is divine. J x
ReplyDelete