How can I combine patterns and colors to get such a cohesive look? - I have no confidence in making choices when trying to combine patterns and colors, yet I love the look of this room! I just don't understand how to go about it. »
Cabell Design Studio Complete and total 'Ditto' on Shannon's wonderful comment!
My mentor, as well, used a very similar formula, although she was quite partial to stripes and usually selected those first. Really, it depends on your own preference, but it's best to begin with the larger pattern and pull coordinate colors from that pattern in the textural, stripe, geometric or solid that you find.
It's almost easier to have a beginning fabric with several different colors in it, that way, you have a lot of choices in which direction to move.....do I go with the greens, the blues, the red tones? However, if you are interested in a monochromatic, neutral color scheme, as above, that can provide a greater challenge. Look to the fabric books to determine how the fabric manufacturers pair their neutrals, watching the tonal qualities of brown and grey very carefully.
Mixing painted furniture with non painted. - I love the look of this room! We are looking at end tables and I see most designers mix up the tables in the room so they are not all the same. I really don't know how to do this. Is there a rule to follow? »
If you're using a metal rod for wide windows, go for a 1-inch or larger diameter and make sure it has numerous brackets to support it, because metal rods are hollow inside and can bow in the middle.Note: Unlike wood rods, metal rods are sold in adjustable lengths.
Pay attention to size. Fixtures should be proportional to the room. A good rule of thumb is to take the dimensions of your room in feet and add them together. The number of feet in the sum is how many inches your chandelier should be. Long pendants and tall table lamps can help balance rooms with very high ceilings. Hang chandeliers 78 to 84 inches high; place sconces at least 60 inches high.