What happens when one style meets another? Is it catastrophe waiting to happen or is there hope for harmony?

That’s why we created Style Clash. Some design styles are more flexible; others force us to stretch outside our comfort zone. Each week we will offer tips for mixing competing styles successfully.

What do we mean by “successful”, you ask? If nothing seems strange, jarring or just plain ugly, then I’m all for it regardless of time period, colorway or material. I call it a successful Style Clash.

For our seventh and final installment in the Series we will mix Vintage with Ethnic and see where we land.

Over the years we’ve watched Vintage (image above and below) run the gamut of trendy, from fashion to architecture to cars to movies and music. Shopping at second-hand stores quickly went from a sometime and secret event to hot, hip and cool.

In the interior design department, Vintage has a secure spot in design history simply by virtue of its eclectic and versatile nature. Vintage inspires a warm and fuzzy feeling, whether through nostalgia of times past or comfort in the worn and unpretentious.

Furniture and accessories are often hand-made or pre-owned but always solid and of good quality. This style reminds me of my grandfather who always liked to say, “such a shame…things just aren’t made the way they used to be.”

Interiors designed with Vintage in mind are packed with this and that; knick-knacks of all types from flower vases, pottery, tea cups and saucers, to framed mirrors and family photos.

Materials are mixed, styles switched and there are always plenty of comfy cushions, blankets and throws. The Vintage style (image above) isn’t strict so almost anything goes, as long as it’s old and eclectic.

Around the world we go for a look at another interior style called Global or Ethnic (image above and below). Lots of layers, intricate patterns and colorful combinations create the Ethnic space. Bold pieces of furniture and lots of carved wood and metal accessories add to this richly decorated design style.

Inspired by any and all foreign landscapes and cultures, Ethnic design (image above and below) means to all something completely unique and unusual. But the common thread throughout is exotic and natural elements full of deep, rich colors. The kind of color you can bite into, it’s so thick and rich.

Combining these styles may seem impossible to imagine, but that’s why we are here. Style Clash turns this unlikely duo into a design marriage made in heaven.

The bold, colorful textures of the Ethnic in the “clash” interiors (image at very top, image above and below) speak loudly but don’t drown out the nostalgic, flea market bohemian. Notice how the simple and stoic second-hand furniture combines comfortably with the exotic patterns, textures and layers of the rugs, pillows, throws and wall coverings.

There’s a mixture of lighting fixtures – an intricate chandelier and bold pendant – as well as a plethora of detailed accessories, each telling a significant story. The spaces communicate eccentric, rich and worldly while remaining simple and nostalgic. Truly balanced and brave at its finest!

If I had to define this “clash”, I’d call it something like mix and match bohemian with a spoonful of around the world eccentricity.

I’m sorry to report that this is the last of our Style Clash combinations, but please feel free to peruse the entire Series for further inspiration and eye candy.

Images via sköna hem, flickr, design is mine, Lonny, interior divine, NY Times.

The post Style Clash: Bohemian Eclectic Meets Globally Eccentric appeared first on EcoSalon.

What happens when one style meets another? Is it catastrophe waiting to happen or is there hope for harmony?

That’s why we created Style Clash. Some design styles are more flexible; others force us to stretch outside our comfort zone. Each week we will offer tips for mixing competing styles successfully.

What do we mean by “successful”, you ask? If nothing seems strange, jarring or just plain ugly, then I’m all for it regardless of time period, colorway or material. I call it a successful Style Clash.

For our sixth installment in the Series we will mix Art Deco with Shabby Chic and see where we land.

Art Deco (image above and below) sets itself apart from other styles with its very modern and hi-tech approach to simple and comfortable. Known best for its sweeping curves and sleek geometric lines, Art Deco got its name from a design exhibition held in Paris in 1925 – the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes. In fact, the name Art Deco wasn’t used until the 1960s – it was known initially as “Style Moderne”.

This interior style combines many design elements and materials – sensual but streamlined curves, geometric patterns, stainless steel and gold accents, lacquered woods, bold red leather and zebra rugs, marble flooring, mirrors and glass. Basically if an Art Deco surface isn’t shiny or reflective, it’s soft and supple but still sleek with little texture.

To wit, the living room above says Art Deco all over. It provides the curves (coffee table, chair and sofa arm rests, side table lamps) as well as the shiny (side table lamps, coffee table, chrome on chair, painted black floors), and the soft velour sofa, red leather chair and zebra skin rug. Even the side tables are wood but with curved edges.

Shabby Chic (image above and below) has its roots in a present day cool, white wonderland. There’s nothing sleek or shiny about it. This interior style expresses the simple pleasures of comfortable and cozy, fluffy and soft. It radiates a simple, practical easy-going way of life via over-sized, overstuffed furniture that you want to fall into (and never get out of).

First recognized as a design style in 1989 when Rachel Ashwell founded her company, the Shabby Chic style (image below) is based on the philosophy that imperfection is beautiful. Often the pieces aren’t actually old, but a “faux finish” painting technique solves the problem by making furniture appear well-worn and antique.

Combining these styles may seem impossible to imagine, but that’s why we are here. Style Clash turns this unlikely duo into a design marriage made in heaven (image at top, images below).

The shiny and sleek Art Deco in the “clash” interiors speaks loudly but doesn’t drown out the cozy and well-worn Shabby Chic. Notice how the geometric lines (wall unit above), curved surfaces (chairs and table above), mirrored coffee and side table (below) combine comfortably with the cool, neutral color palette and large, simple sofas.

The small wall sconces and various chandeliers say old, aged antique and they combine seamlessly with the modern mirrors, lacquered floors and shiny white kitchen cabinets. It’s elegant and hi-tech yet imperfect and prepared for people to live in.

If I had to define this “clash”, I’d call it something like sleek and streamlined with a well-worn and comfortable slice of white wonderland.

Images via Dwell, Sköna hem, Lonny.

The post Style Clash: Streamlined Sleek Meets Wintry Wonderland appeared first on EcoSalon.

What happens when one style meets another? Is it catastrophe waiting to happen or is there hope for harmony?

That’s why we created Style Clash. Some design styles are more flexible; others force us to stretch outside our comfort zone. Each week we will offer tips for mixing competing styles successfully.

What do we mean by “successful”, you ask? If nothing seems strange, jarring or just plain ugly, then I’m all for it regardless of time period, colorway or material. I call it a successful Style Clash.

For our fifth installment in the Series we will mix Rustic Lodge with Japanese Zen and see where we land.

Even if you prefer a warm seaside breeze over crisp, cold mountain air, the Rustic Lodge Style (image above) should be familiar to you. Think ‘modern day Daniel Boone’. His log cabin is practically an icon – the exposed logs stacked to form a simple, humble abode.

The unrefined and raw aesthetic of Rustic Lodge Style shouldn’t be a stretch for your design eye to imagine. As evidenced here (image above and below), the focus is on natural, local elements like wood, stone and rocks along with linen and cotton fabrics, comfy quilts, leather and suede and animal prints. Bring the outdoors in, but leave the chill outside.

Throw in some wrought iron, a big stone fireplace, a few weathered antiques and big, overstuffed furniture and you have yourself Rustic Lodge (image above) at its warm and coziest.

Across a continent and the Pacific we find Japanese Zen (image above) in all its soothing and unpretentious refinement. There’s no glory in the Zen interior – its only intention is balance, peace of mind and, if you’re lucky, the ultimate – nirvana.

Furnishings are uncomplicated and few and far between. Subtle colors, smooth surfaces, natural materials. The Zen aesthetic avoids the harsh or bold (image above and below), opting instead for harmony of the five elements: wood, fire, earth, water and metal.

Combining these styles may seem impossible to imagine, but that’s why we are here. Style Clash turns this unlikely duo into a design marriage made in heaven.

The rough and worn Rustic in the “clash” interiors (image at top, image above and below) stands true but leaves plenty of simple, unadorned space for the Zen. Notice the refined, straight lines of the furniture, the smooth, slick coolness of stones, the sturdiness of the raw wood beams and thick wood doors.

It’s a warm and welcoming mountain hideaway sprinkled with calm, relaxed and uncomplicated. Reminding me of the simple joy of a hot bath after the sweating and exertion of a long trek through the trails, this winning combination leaves me feeling calm and content.

If I had to define this “clash”, I’d call it something like weathered, raw and rough with a peaceful, soothing spoonful of serenity.

Meet me here next week as we continue to cruise the spectrum of interior design styles, two at a time. Ciao for now!

Images: Remodelista, yatzer, Locati Architects, HGTV, Salvinia Lodge.

The post Style Clash: Raw and Rustic Meets Smoothly Serene appeared first on EcoSalon.

What happens when one style meets another? Is it catastrophe waiting to happen or is there hope for harmony?

That’s why we created Style Clash. Some design styles are more flexible; others force us to stretch outside our comfort zone. Each week we will offer tips for mixing competing styles successfully.

What do we mean by “successful”, you ask? If nothing seems strange, jarring or just plain ugly, then I’m all for it regardless of time period, colorway or material. I call it a successful Style Clash.

For our fourth installment in the Series we will mix Neoclassical with Hollywood Regency and see where we land.

So far we’ve stayed fairly current in our surveying of styles (although all design has historical references), but Neoclassical (image above and below) requires us to dust off our history books and rewind a few centuries. The second half of the 18th, to be exact.

At that time, a Greek and Roman style revival was born in France and England as a result of an awakened interest in and respect for the arts of the ancient past. The archaeological discoveries at Herculaneum and Pompeii, as well as an increase in travel expeditions to Athens and Rome were important factors in broadening the public’s knowledge.

The Neoclassical style also originated as a direct reaction against the curvaceous and flowing nature of the early 18th century Rococo style. Furniture was bold with straight lines and linear geometric forms. Greco-Roman architectural elements such as columns, capitals, pilasters and friezes were common, as well as marble, stone and ironwork.

Hollywood Regency style (image above and below) was born more recently, in the glamorous and sexy golden age of LA-LA land, the 1930s. The mood was upbeat and revolved around entertaining, lavish parties and showing off.

The originators of this interior design style were Dorothy Draper and Billy Haines who decorated homes of the rich and famous with all the glitz, opulence and risqué rebellion they could muster. Nothing was too over-the-top for Draper and Haines.

Mix a few or all of the following elements and the Hollywood Regency style could be yours too: luxurious materials, over-sized furniture, sparkling chandeliers, bold graphics, Asian accessories, lots of mirrors and lacquered accents in bright colors.

Kelly Wearstler (image above) and Jonathan Adler (image below) are two contemporary designers known for their Hollywood Regency vibe. The style continues to evolve but nevertheless remains bold and full of vibrancy.

Combining these styles may seem impossible to imagine, but that’s why we are here. Style Clash turns this unlikely duo into a design marriage made in heaven.

The Greco-Roman elements in the ‘clash’ interiors (image at top, image above and below) stand proud but leave plenty of space for a twist or two of glamour and grandiosity. Notice the pops of color, the opulent fabrics and shiny, lacquered surfaces. It’s a party waiting to happen, but with a sophisticated and subtle crowd more attune to showing up than showing off.

If I had to define this ‘clash’, I’d call it something like classical with a subdued and thoughtful twist of glitz.

Meet me here next week as we continue to cruise the spectrum of interior design styles, two at a time. Ciao for now!

Images: the Viceroy, Lonny, greige, Apartment Therapy, Nate Berkus.

The post Style Clash: Purely Classical Meets Glitzy Glam appeared first on EcoSalon.

What happens when one style meets another? Is it catastrophe waiting to happen or is there hope for harmony?

That’s why we created Style Clash. Some design styles are more flexible; others force us to stretch outside our comfort zone. Each week we will offer tips for mixing competing styles successfully.

What do we mean by “successful”, you ask? If nothing seems strange, jarring or just plain ugly, then I’m all for it regardless of time period, colorway or material. I call it a successful Style Clash.

For our third installment in the Series we will mix Country with Scandinavian and see where we land.

A warm, cozy Country style kitchen (image above) welcomes every visitor with fresh-baked bread and hot cocoa. It is rustic elegance at its finest.

Although there are many shades of Country style (French, English, Rustic, Americana), the common thread throughout is muted colors, soft floral or striped patterned fabrics and primitive, relaxed furnishings. Everything appears ready-to-wear, comfortable and lived-in.

Lots of wood is a must – wide-plank floors, wall paneling and beam ceilings, left raw (image above) or painted a washed over white. A Country home usually shows wear and tear, with antique or flea market found objects as well as handmade pottery and baskets.

The sleek simplicity of Scandinavian style (image above and below) was born out of an attraction to easy, versatile living. It wasn’t just IKEA that woke our yearning for the efficient and uncluttered, but the Swedish surely know how to create fresh, clean and au natural interiors.

A Scandinavian room can range from the casual and aged to modern and new, but fresh and un-stuffy is key to interpreting this interior design style. High ceilings and large windows allow for the most sunlight, something yearned for in a country known for long winters, dreary days and very little natural light.

Combining these styles (top image) may seem impossible to imagine, but that’s why we are here. Style Clash turns this unlikely duo into a design marriage made in heaven.

The melding of Country with Scandinavian (image above and below) results in a crisp, casual and completely inviting room. Imagine the living and dining areas pictured here full of family and friends, fabulous food and great conversation. Notice the stone floors and wood beam ceilings, white walls and comfortable, warm carpet.

The clean, uncluttered and airy feel of Scandinavia melds seamlessly with the casual, rustic and aged attitude of Country. It’s subtle but significant. If I had to define the style mix, I’d call it bright and comfortable with a versatile, up-to-date agenda.

Meet me here next week as we continue to cruise the spectrum of interior design styles, two at a time. Ciao for now!

Images: Ina & Matt, Interior Divine, HGTV, Blackford and Sons, emmas designblogg.

The post Style Clash: Country Comfort Meets Simple Scandinavian appeared first on EcoSalon.

What happens when one style meets another? Is it catastrophe waiting to happen or is there hope for harmony?

That’s why we created Style Clash. Some design styles are more flexible; others force us to stretch outside our comfort zone. Each week we will offer tips for mixing competing styles successfully.

What do we mean by “successful”, you ask? If nothing seems strange, jarring or just plain ugly, then I’m all for it regardless of time period, colorway or material. I call it a successful Style Clash.

For our second installment in the Series we will meet Mid-Century Modern with Gothic and see where we land.

If you watch the TV series ‘Mad Men’ then you recognize Don Draper reading the newspaper in his handsome and functional Mid-Century Modern style office (top image). The decor is simple, straight-forward and 1950s to a tee.

Very few accessories and lots of glass and natural materials are key to this design style. Notice the stone flooring and wall, as well as the wood mantle and ceiling beam (image above). The furniture is lean and compact, made of wood or metal with sturdy, svelte legs; upholstery is anything but ornate (image below).

Some surmise that Mid-Century leans toward minimal, but shag rugs and pops of red-orange, bright yellow and olive green hardly say serene or plain.

In comparison, Gothic Style (image above and below) falls from a far more plush and passionate planet. It is dark and dramatic. Ornate decoration, deep, rich colors, dark woods and opulent fabrics create a mood unfit for the shy or timid. A glamorous chandelier falling from the center of a Gothic room is practically a requirement.

Combining these opposing styles may be impossible to imagine, but that’s why we are here. Style Clash turns the unimagined into a design marriage made in heaven.

The clever mixing of Mid-Century and Gothic (image above, images below) results in refined, edgy and come-in-and-stay-a-while rooms. The dark walls and richly textured velvet upholstery say Gothic to the core, while svelte wood furniture and metal legged modern chairs are born straight from Mid-Century.

The fireplace becomes sleek in a marble finish; the chandelier remains a major focus in each room, but less ornate and glam. If I had to define the style, I’d call it dark and dramatic with refined finesse.

Meet me here next week as we continue to cruise the spectrum of interior design styles, two at a time. Ciao for now!

Images: The Mid-Century Modernist, Daily Mail UK, Gramercy Park Hotel, Graham Atkins-Hughes

The post Style Clash: Functional Finesse Meets Dark and Dramatic appeared first on EcoSalon.

Style. It’s that ‘je ne sais quoi’ about someone or some place. You can’t put your finger on it, but you like it. Or you don’t.

It’s personal and evolves with time and maturity. And then it might change, again. Style is expressed through fashion, music, decor, tattoos. Our style communicates who we are, what we like, how we feel.

So what happens when one style meets another? Is it catastrophe waiting to happen or is there hope for harmony?

That’s why we created Style Clash. Some design styles are more flexible; others force us to stretch outside our comfort zone. Each week we will offer tips for mixing competing styles successfully.

What do we mean by “successful”, you ask? If nothing seems strange, jarring or just plain ugly, then I’m all for it regardless of time period, colorway or material. I call it a successful Style Clash.

Let’s warm up with an example of a winning mix, to get us acquainted. Can you name the three (yes, three) different design styles and corresponding pieces of furniture in this dining room (top image)?

The Neoclassical credenza under the mirror looks perfect with this Country dining table and chairs and Modern pendant lamps. Classical, comfortable and clever. Voilà! It’s sincerely that simple.

For our first Style Clash let’s marry Italian/Old-World with Contemporary and see where we land.

Italian style (image above and below) is mostly masculine with high ceilings, distressed walls and dark woods. The color palette ranges but the hues are rich, regal and muted with age; never pale or pastel. The look is comfortable, broken-in and distressed. Stone floors, wood beam ceilings and arched doorways are trademark elements (image below).

Contemporary style (image above and below) is graphic in nature with sleek, straight lines and splashes of color mixed in with muted whites and creams. Furniture sits low to the ground and often has metal frames and legs. White walls, lack of window treatments and concrete flooring are other key elements of Contemporary design.

Combining these opposing styles (images below) might sound scary, but actually the result is charming and full of old and new world potential. Let me show you how…

If the name Philippe Starck rings a bell, you probably know a thing or two about Contemporary design. And you should recognize his Ghost Chairs in the image above. Starck is the go-to guy for some of the sleekest, chicest designs around. And his see-through, sexy chairs seem perfectly placed in this Italian dining room (image above and below). Notice the key Italian elements: the arch over the doors, the distressed walls and high ceilings, as well as the stone floors.

The same can be said of this smaller, private eating area (image above). The chairs are Starck’s La Marie, but the effect is still comfortable and serene. These spaces, probably located somewhere in Tuscany, carry all the traditional charms of an Italian villa with a touch of today. Successful Style Clash.

Meet me here next week as we continue to cruise the spectrum of interior design styles, two at a time. Ciao for now!

Images: Interior Divine and AT Casa.

The post Style Clash: Old World Meets Sleek and Chic appeared first on EcoSalon.