Practical design, what does that mean? Simply stated, are you moving and have furniture pieces you love be are afraid to move? Furniture styles can be mixed from your old home to your new home for an eclectic look.
Mixing antique pieces with contemporary sofas or chairs will make a statement and still enable you to use the pieces you love. For instance, shaker style furniture will work well with contemporary furniture because of the clean lines of both styles. I’m asked all the time to use pieces a client loves and can’t bear to part with in their lives. They may be able to be mixed with other pieces in the house but the key is not to be3 afraid to go “outside of the box” and use these pieces in other areas of your home where you may not have thought they would fit. I once had a client who had a hutch that had been in the family for years but it would not fit in their new dining room. We converted it to be more like a book shelf and used the piece in their great room as a dramatic accent piece. The size of the piece shouldn’t be a deterrent until all possible options have been explored. Styles of furniture have changed over the years but timeless styles always seem to make a comeback. For example, a cherry traditional piece can be used with light neutral fabrics and make a dramatic statement in your room.
I feel pieces that you have had over the years and grown to love are just like artwork for your home. Just like a favorite painting, they make your home uniquely your own and welcoming. Whether you use pieces you have or find pieces you love and cherish, it makes your house feel like your home.
Steve Ortleib, Design Consultant
Creative Concepts