Design Dilemma,Furniture | October 2, 2007No Comments

Design Tip Tuesday: Mixing Cultures

Today’s tip comes from one of my loyal readers, Bacchus. He writes, “We’ve bought a late 20′s Marina Style home. The living room is on our future projects list, and I was wondering what tips and techniques you had for balancing the historic style of the room with more contemporary touches. We want to pay tribute to the age of our house without trying to recreate a vintage style. What would you suggest?“

This is a great question, with a plethora (love that word) of design possibilities. The Arts and Crafts movement was strong in the 1920′s. And there are many similarities between this style and Asian design. Perhaps this is due to Frank Lloyd Wright’s journey to Japan. I think paying homage to that style, without copying it exactly, is the way to go. And don’t worry about mixing contemporary pieces with antiques. A more eclectic look gives a room more personality.

Here are some things you could consider in your design. Shoji screens remind me of Arts and Craft lanterns. They would look great either as a window treatment (see photo below), or as a replacement for the glass doors on either side of the mantle. I’d install two large, unfinished (oiled only) wood shelves on either side of the chimney. This will emphasize the fireplace as a focal point, be in keeping with the history of the house, but give an Asian feel.

Next, some furnishings. To show you how things can be mixed and matched, here are a contemporary sofa and a Japanese-inspired sideboard.

Both would look great in your living room. The important things to consider when mixing things up are the scale and the quantity. As with anything, the size of the furnishings must be in proportion. And, don’t have five different eras represented in one small room. Choose two and leave it at that. Take your time, too. I’m sure you can find some great Arts and Craft pieces at antique shops in your area.

More on the furnishings, I would furnish the room with a contemporary or transitional furnishings and add antique or Asian-inspired elements here and there. Make one statement, and use your Asian things, etc., as the punctuation.

Regarding textiles, Emma Gardner makes some fantastic rugs, and you’ll find a great line of Arts and Craft inspired (some actually historic) fabrics and wallpapers at Sanderson.

The great thing about not being able to redo the house all at once (I don’t know anyone who can afford that – wish I did) is that it forces you to take your time. Often you’ll find yourself changing your mind about the decor as you settle in. I hope this helps!

Let me know your thoughts and opinions. Please, if you have an idea of your own, let us know. And, don’t forget to send me your own design dilemma.