Order and Chaos: How to Combine Mismatched Decor and Furniture

by Ari Koufos 07/18/2022

If you’ve moved a lot, regardless of homeowner status, there’s a good chance you have a few mismatched pieces that have followed you from place to place. The biggest hurdle most residents seem to run into is how to match the pieces with their current furniture or vice versa. Here are a few ways to merge your mismatched furniture and decor for a custom, boho-chic home style.

Colors

Color is often the first thing people notice when they feel something is aesthetically off. Usually there’s a strange balance of complementary colors or a harsh battle of contrasting colors. Either one will set a spectator off when entering a room. So what do you do when all you have are strange combinations of both clashing and overly flattering pieces? Accessorize with contrast.

If you have too many blues for your yellow room, try finding your favorite blue piece or two to help break up the block of yellow but still allow the yellow to shine through. Too many shades of purple? If you have one bland piece of decor or furniture, incorporate it into your purple room. The contrast is minimal enough not to overtake the room but also different enough to act as a centerpiece, distracting occupants from the excessive purple within the room.

Shapes

Sometimes, we have that weird piece of furniture that’s shaped like an oblong. We have no idea where to put it, but we love the piece. What do you do? Either use it as another focal point, or use it as funky inspiration.

In a room dominated by lines, a strangely shaped piece of decor or furniture could increase intrigue when occupying the room. If the furniture in the room is less dynamic, but the odd piece sticks out oddly, add to it. Get more dynamic pieces for the room. Do you have a blob-shaped chair? Get a diamond shaped ottoman to make it a fun addition to the room. Is your couch shaped like a shoe insole? Surround it with other soft shapes to help give the room more flow and less rigidity.

Finishes

Finishes range from matte to glossy, textured to smooth and everything in between. The best way to marry textures is to make sure there is a balance of conflicting finishes. If you have a room with a particularly glossy couch, try using a matte-top table or pull your less-sleek items into the room. This will create another contrast between the textures and reflective surfaces in the room, which could be tantamount if you have a lot of light filtering in.

About the Author
Author

Ari Koufos

I have been selling Real Estate in the Greater Boston Area since 1997. I am the Co-Founder & Current Broker/Owner of Realty Executives in Watertown. A lifelong resident of Watertown which I still reside with my Wife Debra and my Twins Emily & Christopher.  I am a  supporter of many local & national charities. One of my most rewarding fundraisers was as a rider in the PanMass Challenge in 2010,2011,2015 & 2016 raising over $50,000 over those 4 years for the Dana Farber Jimmy Fund. I am a 1988 Graduate of Bentley University in Waltham. I have extensive knowledge of all types of Real Estate participating in over 1000 transactions. I also have New Construction experience & specialize in condo conversions.  

Purchasing a home is one of the single most important investments in a person's life. With my expertise and guidance in the home buying and selling process, I can help find the most appropriate home for you. You can be assured that an experienced Real Estate Professional is working with your interests in mind. Please contact me on my cell at 617-799-8948 or email [email protected] for a free consult if you are thinking of Buying or Selling your home.