Love what you've done!

13 years ago

I simply love how you've mixed vintage, antiques, and new items in this home, as well as styles while keeping the feeling elegant and serene. This is my favorite house project I have seen on Houzz!
My question may be to hard to answer, but I am trying to learn how to create this sort of mix. Is it colors, forms, tones? What guides you?

Eclectic Living Room · More Info

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Elizabeth Hagins Interior Design

13 years ago

last modified: 13 years ago

Well, you're right in that it's not an easy question, but when I get a comment like yours that, first of all, makes me feel just great and is so thoughtfully expressed, I have to give it a shot! So here goes.

Let me start by saying that I've been dong this (interior design) for almost 25 years so hopefully I've honed my instincts on putting together a space. Also, living in New York City and having great design elements all around you really helps. Aside from that, what you are probably doing (going through Houzz photos) is a good start. This defines your style and informs your likes and dislikes. But take it a step further...go to a good bookstore and look at some design books. See how the pros do it. If you are drawn to any of them, maybe buy the book -- it will be a good resource to refer back to. Shelter magazines are also helpful.

Now, armed with a basis of what you like, you're better able to make selections. I start with a floor plan and come up with furniture layouts. Doing this lets me think, and the more I think, the more the room starts to take shape in my mind. Next, I start pulling together fabrics. Now, I'm fortunate to have incredible fabric resources, but even if you don't, visit any outlets or shops you can access. Get swatches of anything you like...the more the better, and then start to edit. This process will start to give you a sense of tone and color. From there you can choose paint colors, rugs and artwork. Furniture is the hardest part. First you have to find it, but even if you like it, it doesn't mean that it's right for the room. It has to have the right scale and be of a quality that's in sync with the rest of the furnishings. And as you've aptly observed, you do want to mix it up. So start shopping! There are also some great internet resources: 1stdibs.com and vintageandmodern.com (or vandm.com) but also visit ebay.

At some point in the process, there's a click, and I know how the room will evolve. Hopefully it will happen for you, too. The key word is "evolve"...it should not be a rote process or happen too quickly. So don't get frustrated. You can send me comments and photos via Houzz any time. Hope this helped somewhat...and good luck!

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Comments (12)

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Elizabeth Hagins Interior Design
13 years ago
Oh, and if I think of any additional ideas, I'll post them.
writerly
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you so much for your kind and very insightful answer. I have been looking at many styles and getting an idea of what I like (French Art Moderne, Neoclassical, French Art Deco - at least as far as I can tell so far), but have felt overwhelmed on how to move forward or to make choices I wont regret. But the process you spelled out is very helpful, as well as the advice to let things evolve. I look forward to the opportunity asking more questions, and sending photos via Houzz as I follow the path you've suggested.

Thanks again for your time!
PRO
Elizabeth Hagins Interior Design
13 years ago
Mixing those styles works well for starters.
writerly
Original Author
13 years ago
That's great to hear! Thanks again
writerly
Original Author
13 years ago
Hi again! I've taken your advice and found designers (and their books) whose style I really like and which reminds me of this project - Jan Showers and Susan Kasler. I've noticed that, like in your project, the metal used is almost always gold/brass, which looks amazing with grays and platinums (which are my favorite colors in paint/fabric/etc). In this style/era, are gold/brass the main metals used? Many of the antiques I've found have brass and gold, as well. Though my taste is more toward silver, I am wondering if I will need to bring in more golds, moving forward.

If you have time, could you please share your thoughts on silver vs gold in this style?

Thanks again for your time!
PRO
Elizabeth Hagins Interior Design
13 years ago
Think about the classic Rolex watch -- stainless and gold side by side. That brings up another point, which is to not limit your looking to shots of interiors. I tell clients to look also at clothes and jewelry for inspiration.

There's nothing wrong with mixing metals. I do it all the time. Personally, I'm not a fan of chrome, although even Ruhlmann, one of the masters of Art Deco, started to use it in his later work.. At some point you just have to trust your eye and your instincts. In the 20s, 30s and 40s both gold and silver metals were both used, and even used together.

One more comment -- there's a lot of buzz about brass right now, so you will see more of it. I pay attention to trends, but I'm careful no to be a slave to them. In short, if you find an object you love, go for it, no matter the metal.
writerly
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks Elizabeth! More great advice and much appreciated!
debbidee
12 years ago
I am in love with the drapery. I keep going back to them. It accents your room with such romance. Are they able to be purchased?
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Elizabeth Hagins Interior Design
12 years ago
Thank you! These were custom made, and I can tell you that no ready made draperies can compare! If you are contemplating installing draperies, i would urge you to make the investment. Sadly, the fabric that is the outer layer has been discontinued, but there are other marvelous sheers available.
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Thomas Decks, LLC
12 years ago
Great info and you've helped me as well! I get a vision, then start to collect items that appeal to me then I either get bored, feel like it looks silly and nobody but me will understand my "vision", so I stop. Then I see another room or home that inspires me, and here I go again. I have true personality décor disorder and can't stop myself.
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Elizabeth Hagins Interior Design
12 years ago
Been there, done that. :-)