When it comes to curating a timeless home, there’s a fine line between achieving an eclectic, lived-in feel and ending up with a mismatched mess. I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Emma Pearson, an experienced interior designer from House of Hive Design Co., who shared some invaluable furniture dos and don’ts. Her insights are sure to help anyone looking to create a home that’s both stylish and enduring.
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Emma’s warm and inviting personality instantly made the conversation feel like chatting with an old friend. “The key to a timeless home is balance,” she began, sipping on her herbal tea. “You want your space to feel cohesive, yet not overly matched. That’s where most people go wrong.”
Don’t Decorate with Matching Furniture
One of the first and perhaps most surprising pieces of advice Emma offered was to avoid matching furniture sets. “When everything in a room matches perfectly, it can make the space feel flat and uninspired,” she explained. “Instead, aim for a more eclectic mix. This creates visual interest and gives your home a more curated, personalised feel.”
Emma emphasised that mixing different wood tones, fabrics, and styles is crucial. “For instance, if you have a sleek, modern sofa, consider pairing it with an antique wooden coffee table or a vintage rug. This blend of old and new can make a room come alive.”
As an example, Emma referenced a recent project where she combined a modern concrete and iron coffee table with vintage leather chairs and a floating wooden bookshelf. “The contrast between the different materials and styles made the space feel dynamic and inviting,” she said, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm.
Do Introduce a Mixture of Different Shaped Pieces
“Shapes play a huge role in how a room feels,” Emma continued. “Incorporating furniture with a variety of shapes can add depth and interest to your space.” She pointed out a particular living room she designed, which featured an organic-shaped coffee table contrasted by a linear bookshelf.
“Another ‘do’ is to layer different fabrics and finishes. Leather, wood, concrete – they all bring something unique to the table,” she said. “For example, in one of our designs, we paired leather and wood chairs with a concrete and iron coffee table. The chequered rug added an element of fun while still maintaining balance.”
Emma’s advice on shapes and textures is a reminder that the devil is in the details. By focusing on these elements, you can transform a room from mundane to extraordinary.
Don’t Be Afraid to Mix Colours, Styles, and Eras
“If there’s one piece of advice I can give, it’s to not be afraid of mixing colours, styles, and eras,” Emma said with a knowing smile. “A room filled with pieces from just one style or colour palette can feel lifeless. On the other hand, a thoughtful mix can create a space that’s vibrant and full of character.”
She cited actress Emma Roberts’ home as a perfect example. “Her space is a beautiful blend of modern and vintage pieces. She has a teal blue sofa paired with a yellow chair, and it looks absolutely stunning.”
For those hesitant to dive into the world of thrifting, Emma suggested a simpler approach: “Mix and match your frames and furniture. Have a variety of wood tones. If you have a new sofa, try styling it with an antique side table or a vintage lamp. The key is to create a balanced mix.”
Emma also shared a personal anecdote about a project where she combined a contemporary sofa with a vintage Persian rug and an antique brass lamp. “The result was a room that felt both timeless and uniquely personal.”
Final Thoughts
As our conversation drew to a close, Emma left me with some parting wisdom. “Creating a timeless home is all about balance and personality. Don’t be afraid to take risks and mix things up. Your home should be a reflection of who you are, and that’s what makes it truly timeless.”
Walking away from our chat, I felt inspired and ready to tackle my own home décor with a fresh perspective. Emma Pearson’s expert advice on furniture dos and don’ts is a testament to the power of thoughtful design. By avoiding matching sets, embracing different shapes, and mixing colours and styles, anyone can create a home that’s both timeless and uniquely theirs.
Mohammed Ahmed
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