Are you a design rebel?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfox7fiOfh4fYbSZbOIsq3YAcpeKDvxI9kDLahyphenhypheneF23L_wm6vAH5Ubt76YA1JtdW5G4UQcE6B-DgFQ2XW0V4Ry1mMcrG_uyqYhONDlZ4aESOX-C-kjSugPDlKnq7POjMD_RKaVLjlSSa9S/s1600/antique+with+modern+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>What's your first instinct if someone tells says you shouldn't do something?<br /><br />Do you automatically want to do it?  I do!  <br /><br /> Most people would agree that there are rules/guidelines in interior design. They impact decisions about all sorts of things,  e.g.,  hanging lights, choosing the right scale furniture, selecting colour schemes, etc.   I guess following them is a little like following a recipe - you get a predictable result. Someone else has done all the thinking for you which makes it easy but, you also get a very generic looking space where everything looks controlled.<br /><br /> I always think about those generic spaces  as the "Pinterest look" . You know  the rooms, all  beautifully organized, cutely accessorized with whatever is trendy at the time, and perfectly matched.   Does that make them wrong?  Definitely not.  I firmly believe we should all live in spaces that make us happy and comfortable.   What I am saying is that there are options in design that produce interesting, one of a kind spaces that are  usually achieved by playing around with design elements and principles. They are not for everyone.<br /><br /> Take the room below.....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="breaking design rules, scale, " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuvZWghZksjB255e-BP8djjG_ZiGIuU3G81h59YvY8ZlufAFTmxSvQNYfyDL0_PYgDPRMh-CRI5nmDysE2Rz7qiICV4xS3NLCFwN5-vqLXSfpriqAAPNk9DsgnhimK84lhHl1nZh4e4E_/s1600/breaking+design+rules.jpg" title="Designing Home: Are you a design rebel?" width="303" /></div><a href="http://www.greigedesignblog.com/2014/09/modern-wine-country.html"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a><br /><br />  Have a close look at this space  and decide what you like or don't like about it.  Check out my thoughts  at the end of this post. There are no right or wrong answers.<br /><br /> How closely you adhere to rules is dependent on what results you want to achieve, how well you understand the elements/ principles  of design,  and how creative you are at applying them.  You can do anything in decorating, you just need to act bravely, and figure out how to pull it off.  But, before you can break the rules you have to know them. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Can you spot which  rules/guidelines were  thrown to the four winds in these rooms? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>1.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="breaking design rules, mixing styles, modern and traditional," border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfox7fiOfh4fYbSZbOIsq3YAcpeKDvxI9kDLahyphenhypheneF23L_wm6vAH5Ubt76YA1JtdW5G4UQcE6B-DgFQ2XW0V4Ry1mMcrG_uyqYhONDlZ4aESOX-C-kjSugPDlKnq7POjMD_RKaVLjlSSa9S/s1600/antique+with+modern+art.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="302" /></div><a href="http://www.southshoredecoratingblog.com/2014/03/weekend-roomspiration-9.html"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> source</span></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="breaking design rules, mixing styles, modern, traditional" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrIQ9tqGJBCzUmtN6S6lFV1P6ldORVm4Vdth9uI9Jx6sCzNcqWpMxDG9iyCBWuelnk-Eewv70DHUQLpjNyovotW3SQbozKnJJXPrn5srxDju4TtIB6QVx1r4cauggDx-L_y3378DseA3E/s1600/modern+kitchen+antique+furniture.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="300" /></div><a href="http://www.remodelista.com/posts/10-stellar-scandinavian-kitchens"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source </span></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><b>2. </b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jiRElRDWkm0JIws6lU6HGKchD7Es7wMW7TPeQnKS9N_PR3thW_hQszM621J4US_30hAmUB3Us6cPqSwHvSQ5LVaAMlJamaQ-KwHK1eFsoXw2pOleSSgnnvpPTSBi2NGXxNugwZIEqsr1/s1600/breaking-design-rules-mixed-metals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" mixing metals, breaking design rules" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jiRElRDWkm0JIws6lU6HGKchD7Es7wMW7TPeQnKS9N_PR3thW_hQszM621J4US_30hAmUB3Us6cPqSwHvSQ5LVaAMlJamaQ-KwHK1eFsoXw2pOleSSgnnvpPTSBi2NGXxNugwZIEqsr1/s1600/breaking-design-rules-mixed-metals.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="300" /></a></div><a href="http://dwellerswithoutdecorators.blogspot.ca/2010_03_01_archive.html"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source </span></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="mixing metals, breaking design rules" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0kB70aTI9rYkUwme_l8w15R-FRvGXKTaaxB-JpyoB7DkFZCC9t2vUI4pualgkcx1nSA78WUfnZxsedH0jbn3SJqbG7MT3vZcqlNc67FZPjPo2ian39z1JkT-X2aw_JKI7fvYRrvnH8Co/s1600/mixing+metals.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="300" /></div><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/home-makeovers/silverleaf-sideboard#slide-2"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source </span></a><br /><br /><b> 3.</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj923oDL5gAfqPwMJ1K-_qlUfK0uRY5bAXB1rmuQt6XeIGEqwFTokfL0o8snEBg0QO8j6cinQUc26ahNAZu_smXNi5E23ibQwITrWHpFbdqmOIL3AJ2n33h7osDVLl5U-U5X60nOLVPnAlP/s1600/design-+rules-+scale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="breaking design rules, scale, accessories" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj923oDL5gAfqPwMJ1K-_qlUfK0uRY5bAXB1rmuQt6XeIGEqwFTokfL0o8snEBg0QO8j6cinQUc26ahNAZu_smXNi5E23ibQwITrWHpFbdqmOIL3AJ2n33h7osDVLl5U-U5X60nOLVPnAlP/s1600/design-+rules-+scale.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="265" /></a></div><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/be-a-design-rebel-4-design-rules-you-should-totally-break-206974?crlt.pid=camp.ICL83fv4o1R0"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> source</span></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="breaking design rules, scale" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrEWnqgZXuMW2paGSfBSF5Wv8V4Z7KbpBaFHRsGFkbswPufohPP-tdEJIrIEWDANs0Dm_MrK6uQyP065ghxSILO5M9zF8rFGH4j2OGKWqrgjjdomkbSVRNQ66jCvnXwTa2sWgIO7-pBb7/s1600/design-rules-mixing-wood-tones.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="296" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrIQ9tqGJBCzUmtN6S6lFV1P6ldORVm4Vdth9uI9Jx6sCzNcqWpMxDG9iyCBWuelnk-Eewv70DHUQLpjNyovotW3SQbozKnJJXPrn5srxDju4TtIB6QVx1r4cauggDx-L_y3378DseA3E/s1600/modern+kitchen+antique+furniture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.homeadore.com/2012/12/07/circolo-dellostrica-claudia-pelizzari/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div><br /><b>4. </b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrcnO9a75mhBfslZcjLX7JOLN8MlJJWFOt_iO2wVHUfnbYn9ksuV1d6kYGyugXTl2eblVr8CPkAQa5Zi1HFa7Uh9q3NDIkx7wp4HPZpvq3vABPvdXOaBd2xtqGXGrd6Tpkjklw_txlDbT/s1600/design+rules+pop+of+colour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="breaking design rules, monochromatic schemes, neutral schemes" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrcnO9a75mhBfslZcjLX7JOLN8MlJJWFOt_iO2wVHUfnbYn9ksuV1d6kYGyugXTl2eblVr8CPkAQa5Zi1HFa7Uh9q3NDIkx7wp4HPZpvq3vABPvdXOaBd2xtqGXGrd6Tpkjklw_txlDbT/s1600/design+rules+pop+of+colour.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="400" /></a></div><a href="http://www.allyou.com/budget-home/easy-decorating/room-design-ideas"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> source</span></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="breaking design rules, neutral spaces, monochromatic schemes" border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5QPDtwL4iYZOJBgCqnpO06VUZLGcC9cP2k8r-GQsvb-Y3BIRKxsfOZjkmshNz-5XEG4O8FWYD8hBfGLyAfw_dIa5lollKFkpU0Z16gXmbdKjnDtVb4SFt9WZorM54AC07yjL7oRt7M3c/s1600/kelly-hoppen-+colour.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="400" /></div><br /><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kellyhoppen/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source </span></a><br /><br /><b>5.</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTN_hgjq1D4V6AYr1N6RpNikaJ-Z3uDlx0moZd4KWOe2s0hdK-xcx9TsM0-gB3m0nZSWzVvYBBu8KdAFWHYS9LCgxSwxHCGomTjb2htogq7d2L0FtxJqeRrJD8_3F0kRc90DYujKZDU22/s1600/design-rules-mixing-wood-tones-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="breaking design rules, mixing wood tones," border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTN_hgjq1D4V6AYr1N6RpNikaJ-Z3uDlx0moZd4KWOe2s0hdK-xcx9TsM0-gB3m0nZSWzVvYBBu8KdAFWHYS9LCgxSwxHCGomTjb2htogq7d2L0FtxJqeRrJD8_3F0kRc90DYujKZDU22/s1600/design-rules-mixing-wood-tones-2.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="308" /></a></div><a href="http://danawolterinteriors.com/"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5QPDtwL4iYZOJBgCqnpO06VUZLGcC9cP2k8r-GQsvb-Y3BIRKxsfOZjkmshNz-5XEG4O8FWYD8hBfGLyAfw_dIa5lollKFkpU0Z16gXmbdKjnDtVb4SFt9WZorM54AC07yjL7oRt7M3c/s1600/kelly-hoppen-+colour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="breaking design rules, mixing wood tones" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtn3PddjlRIdFPSsWIbYfydzO1cv4quoY6JAy3GoXEe1DzSXQ7fAEIDPuCJ0ggt69KD4qCKeFo3fuMhIjne3BGvMRYLY06HS3MRCqTunyfs3mzUYHMePX4BBZfPJe5eTYlLGtsZe2Hv8xb/s1600/mixing+wood+tones+kitchen.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="298" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>6.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNonDqDOGiqYf-kcqh3ePO9hCW3SqSkYx5oCZ8hho725xb1CEyTHxgdl5r9JpiyMRrBnmSrE6iHV2xoakITvcmTeBbcUW82kttmZcr3mZKHC9MqjESyvEsHc3uatfx8jSx-h84iRwZLJc/s1600/design-rules-small-spaces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="breaking design rules, dark walls, small spaces" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNonDqDOGiqYf-kcqh3ePO9hCW3SqSkYx5oCZ8hho725xb1CEyTHxgdl5r9JpiyMRrBnmSrE6iHV2xoakITvcmTeBbcUW82kttmZcr3mZKHC9MqjESyvEsHc3uatfx8jSx-h84iRwZLJc/s1600/design-rules-small-spaces.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="312" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://en.paperblog.com/dark-colors-in-small-spaces-346878/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtn3PddjlRIdFPSsWIbYfydzO1cv4quoY6JAy3GoXEe1DzSXQ7fAEIDPuCJ0ggt69KD4qCKeFo3fuMhIjne3BGvMRYLY06HS3MRCqTunyfs3mzUYHMePX4BBZfPJe5eTYlLGtsZe2Hv8xb/s1600/mixing+wood+tones+kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha98rvW6RyRya9FfdUrbcr6gwl49CvwHGNfL3uC-UxUgkSbpZ7eoowN6uDhVaIMRtuwnl1gXxYsyv_qBGa4pxvh657zBAL_4o0bDUn3_9FVU0z6Tk-_Q76UMJ3_0S1_XHTV5zO-9sSkbEu/s1600/small-space-bright-palette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="breaking design rules, small spaces, bright colours" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha98rvW6RyRya9FfdUrbcr6gwl49CvwHGNfL3uC-UxUgkSbpZ7eoowN6uDhVaIMRtuwnl1gXxYsyv_qBGa4pxvh657zBAL_4o0bDUn3_9FVU0z6Tk-_Q76UMJ3_0S1_XHTV5zO-9sSkbEu/s1600/small-space-bright-palette.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/homes/house-tours/cotton-blankets#slide-7">source</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are the results:  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img alt="breaking design rules, mixing styles, modern and traditional," border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfox7fiOfh4fYbSZbOIsq3YAcpeKDvxI9kDLahyphenhypheneF23L_wm6vAH5Ubt76YA1JtdW5G4UQcE6B-DgFQ2XW0V4Ry1mMcrG_uyqYhONDlZ4aESOX-C-kjSugPDlKnq7POjMD_RKaVLjlSSa9S/s1600/antique+with+modern+art.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="151" />  <img alt="breaking design rules, mixing styles, modern, traditional" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrIQ9tqGJBCzUmtN6S6lFV1P6ldORVm4Vdth9uI9Jx6sCzNcqWpMxDG9iyCBWuelnk-Eewv70DHUQLpjNyovotW3SQbozKnJJXPrn5srxDju4TtIB6QVx1r4cauggDx-L_y3378DseA3E/s1600/modern+kitchen+antique+furniture.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="150" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>1. Stick to one style </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> These spaces show that when you mix traditional and modern the juxtaposition draws attention to both.  If only one style was used the various elements would be lost in their sameness. I particularly like the richness of wood and lots of curves with modern furnishings.  Of course art of any style works in any space.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img alt="mixing metals, breaking design rules" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0kB70aTI9rYkUwme_l8w15R-FRvGXKTaaxB-JpyoB7DkFZCC9t2vUI4pualgkcx1nSA78WUfnZxsedH0jbn3SJqbG7MT3vZcqlNc67FZPjPo2ian39z1JkT-X2aw_JKI7fvYRrvnH8Co/s1600/mixing+metals.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="150" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jiRElRDWkm0JIws6lU6HGKchD7Es7wMW7TPeQnKS9N_PR3thW_hQszM621J4US_30hAmUB3Us6cPqSwHvSQ5LVaAMlJamaQ-KwHK1eFsoXw2pOleSSgnnvpPTSBi2NGXxNugwZIEqsr1/s1600/breaking-design-rules-mixed-metals.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" mixing metals, breaking design rules" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jiRElRDWkm0JIws6lU6HGKchD7Es7wMW7TPeQnKS9N_PR3thW_hQszM621J4US_30hAmUB3Us6cPqSwHvSQ5LVaAMlJamaQ-KwHK1eFsoXw2pOleSSgnnvpPTSBi2NGXxNugwZIEqsr1/s1600/breaking-design-rules-mixed-metals.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>2. Use consistent finishes (don't mix metals)</b></div>This is definitely a good place to start your little rebellion.  You certainly can mix metals. Just make sure you have some of each one in the space.  Think about a piece of jewellery that uses white gold, pink gold and yellow gold. It works. Check out this <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2012/08/can-you-mix-metal-finishes.html">post</a> on the topic.<br /><br /><b> </b><img alt="breaking design rules, scale" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrEWnqgZXuMW2paGSfBSF5Wv8V4Z7KbpBaFHRsGFkbswPufohPP-tdEJIrIEWDANs0Dm_MrK6uQyP065ghxSILO5M9zF8rFGH4j2OGKWqrgjjdomkbSVRNQ66jCvnXwTa2sWgIO7-pBb7/s1600/design-rules-mixing-wood-tones.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="148" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj923oDL5gAfqPwMJ1K-_qlUfK0uRY5bAXB1rmuQt6XeIGEqwFTokfL0o8snEBg0QO8j6cinQUc26ahNAZu_smXNi5E23ibQwITrWHpFbdqmOIL3AJ2n33h7osDVLl5U-U5X60nOLVPnAlP/s1600/design-+rules-+scale.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="breaking design rules, scale, accessories" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj923oDL5gAfqPwMJ1K-_qlUfK0uRY5bAXB1rmuQt6XeIGEqwFTokfL0o8snEBg0QO8j6cinQUc26ahNAZu_smXNi5E23ibQwITrWHpFbdqmOIL3AJ2n33h7osDVLl5U-U5X60nOLVPnAlP/s1600/design-+rules-+scale.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="132" /></a><br /><br /><b>3. Pay attention to scale when selecting furniture/objects</b><br />I have to admit this is the one I have the most difficult time ignoring because  I am so attuned to scale considerations in drawing and painting.  I think I also have a  thing about objects too large bearing down on me. They make me uncomfortable. Large scale objects make riveting focal points. You can also have objects that are too small in scale, and end up looking insignificant and/or cluttered. Scale is usually the issue when a client tells me there is something wrong with a space, but he/she can't name it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrcnO9a75mhBfslZcjLX7JOLN8MlJJWFOt_iO2wVHUfnbYn9ksuV1d6kYGyugXTl2eblVr8CPkAQa5Zi1HFa7Uh9q3NDIkx7wp4HPZpvq3vABPvdXOaBd2xtqGXGrd6Tpkjklw_txlDbT/s1600/design+rules+pop+of+colour.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="breaking design rules, monochromatic schemes, neutral schemes" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrcnO9a75mhBfslZcjLX7JOLN8MlJJWFOt_iO2wVHUfnbYn9ksuV1d6kYGyugXTl2eblVr8CPkAQa5Zi1HFa7Uh9q3NDIkx7wp4HPZpvq3vABPvdXOaBd2xtqGXGrd6Tpkjklw_txlDbT/s1600/design+rules+pop+of+colour.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="200" />   <img alt="breaking design rules, neutral spaces, monochromatic schemes" border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5QPDtwL4iYZOJBgCqnpO06VUZLGcC9cP2k8r-GQsvb-Y3BIRKxsfOZjkmshNz-5XEG4O8FWYD8hBfGLyAfw_dIa5lollKFkpU0Z16gXmbdKjnDtVb4SFt9WZorM54AC07yjL7oRt7M3c/s1600/kelly-hoppen-+colour.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><b>  </b><br /><b>4. Every room needs an accent colour</b><br />Definitely not! Monochromatic rooms are so relaxing and depend on value changes and texture to wow.  If you want a quiet room, forget the pops of colour.<br /><br /><b> </b><img alt="breaking design rules, mixing wood tones" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtn3PddjlRIdFPSsWIbYfydzO1cv4quoY6JAy3GoXEe1DzSXQ7fAEIDPuCJ0ggt69KD4qCKeFo3fuMhIjne3BGvMRYLY06HS3MRCqTunyfs3mzUYHMePX4BBZfPJe5eTYlLGtsZe2Hv8xb/s1600/mixing+wood+tones+kitchen.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="149" />  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTN_hgjq1D4V6AYr1N6RpNikaJ-Z3uDlx0moZd4KWOe2s0hdK-xcx9TsM0-gB3m0nZSWzVvYBBu8KdAFWHYS9LCgxSwxHCGomTjb2htogq7d2L0FtxJqeRrJD8_3F0kRc90DYujKZDU22/s1600/design-rules-mixing-wood-tones-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="breaking design rules, mixing wood tones," border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTN_hgjq1D4V6AYr1N6RpNikaJ-Z3uDlx0moZd4KWOe2s0hdK-xcx9TsM0-gB3m0nZSWzVvYBBu8KdAFWHYS9LCgxSwxHCGomTjb2htogq7d2L0FtxJqeRrJD8_3F0kRc90DYujKZDU22/s1600/design-rules-mixing-wood-tones-2.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="154" /></a><br /><br /><b>5. Keep wood tones consistent</b><br />When you slavishly adhere to this dictate you end up with a very boring space.  Check out this <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2012/03/thoughts-on-mixing-wood-tones.html">post </a>for ways to mix wood tones effectively.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNonDqDOGiqYf-kcqh3ePO9hCW3SqSkYx5oCZ8hho725xb1CEyTHxgdl5r9JpiyMRrBnmSrE6iHV2xoakITvcmTeBbcUW82kttmZcr3mZKHC9MqjESyvEsHc3uatfx8jSx-h84iRwZLJc/s1600/design-rules-small-spaces.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="breaking design rules, dark walls, small spaces" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNonDqDOGiqYf-kcqh3ePO9hCW3SqSkYx5oCZ8hho725xb1CEyTHxgdl5r9JpiyMRrBnmSrE6iHV2xoakITvcmTeBbcUW82kttmZcr3mZKHC9MqjESyvEsHc3uatfx8jSx-h84iRwZLJc/s1600/design-rules-small-spaces.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="156" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha98rvW6RyRya9FfdUrbcr6gwl49CvwHGNfL3uC-UxUgkSbpZ7eoowN6uDhVaIMRtuwnl1gXxYsyv_qBGa4pxvh657zBAL_4o0bDUn3_9FVU0z6Tk-_Q76UMJ3_0S1_XHTV5zO-9sSkbEu/s1600/small-space-bright-palette.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="breaking design rules, small spaces, bright colours" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha98rvW6RyRya9FfdUrbcr6gwl49CvwHGNfL3uC-UxUgkSbpZ7eoowN6uDhVaIMRtuwnl1gXxYsyv_qBGa4pxvh657zBAL_4o0bDUn3_9FVU0z6Tk-_Q76UMJ3_0S1_XHTV5zO-9sSkbEu/s1600/small-space-bright-palette.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel?" width="150" /></a><br /><br /><b>6. Choose light colours for small spaces</b><br />That would be your first instinct, but the two rooms in #6 shows that breaking this rule produces distinctive and very different spaces.  Sorry, but I couldn't live in either of them.  I am a neutral colour gal in my own home. This <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2014/06/5-tips-for-painitng-small-spaces.html">post </a>provides various options for painting small spaces. <br /><br />How did you do? <br /><br />And now back to the reflection pic....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuvZWghZksjB255e-BP8djjG_ZiGIuU3G81h59YvY8ZlufAFTmxSvQNYfyDL0_PYgDPRMh-CRI5nmDysE2Rz7qiICV4xS3NLCFwN5-vqLXSfpriqAAPNk9DsgnhimK84lhHl1nZh4e4E_/s1600/breaking+design+rules.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuvZWghZksjB255e-BP8djjG_ZiGIuU3G81h59YvY8ZlufAFTmxSvQNYfyDL0_PYgDPRMh-CRI5nmDysE2Rz7qiICV4xS3NLCFwN5-vqLXSfpriqAAPNk9DsgnhimK84lhHl1nZh4e4E_/s1600/breaking+design+rules.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There's no doubt this space breaks a lot of rules, but it sure is memorable, and no one could call it boring. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><ul><li> styles are mixed freely, moving from traditional to modern;</li><li> the colour scheme is monochromatic, no accent colours here;</li><li>scale is manipulated big time in the high back chairs, plant, circular light fixture as well as in the smaller lamp shades in adjoining room;</li><li>wood tones are liberally mixed. </li></ul><br />And here's another take on some of the points above and few new ones. <a href="http://www.modani.com/canada/furniture-stores/" target="_blank">Modani</a> modern furniture specializes in modern furniture and accessories.  Check them out online or at their newly opened <a href="http://www.modani.com/canada/furniture-stores/" target="_blank">modern furniture store</a> in Toronto. Remember you can combine modern elements with any decor.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="breaking design rules, modani, modern furniture" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJhhPu5HP0Z_R8Lip8dYhus46mJVGQVa2TLJC8JPT_-f6AOkBvFKTwqfQYfa1IVFiK0LiyRXGxRFq7ypc2mCFv9AMtNEeqgaN22WjrNM88_ia63tMRUNjzLpP2HMuj9EyRTAIJgRGgfJw/s1600/MOD-Rules.jpg" title="Are you a design rebel? " width="412" /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;">How do you feel about breaking design rules?  </div>

Are you a design rebel?

What's your first instinct if someone tells says you shouldn't do something? Do you automatically want to do it?  I do!   Most peop...

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Make mine bleached

I have a love affair with wood, but I don't like the golden wood tones that come along with wood that is clear coated or lightly stained. Do I have lots of golden  wood tones in my home?  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2Vzt85lPHeH4C8BhC0xWyQ6GANGaUbo8NMzdugPDDJvfD7MCRPusDvX7Bt_S2fS9Tw0fecEBzD_psFURt-322u4_CVijKP9Okd6HVq0HmwN1YbgG2mzfEOY-VfU084_DJmfAYiSJkZT-/s1600/DSCN8244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2Vzt85lPHeH4C8BhC0xWyQ6GANGaUbo8NMzdugPDDJvfD7MCRPusDvX7Bt_S2fS9Tw0fecEBzD_psFURt-322u4_CVijKP9Okd6HVq0HmwN1YbgG2mzfEOY-VfU084_DJmfAYiSJkZT-/s640/DSCN8244.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /> Yes, history looks after that because my home was built in the 80's when oak was the standard for hardwood floors and furniture. When all your furniture is handmade with love, it's difficult to get rid of it, so I accept my golden tones as period pieces. <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZPI1lSaZSLzzxkAWuvmtKhJLlnQ3s10tViaRrqyzlKbGTYVExEa8-DHdsQ_3DTEfqOC8K2ojlSj04u80Ulv_2gBh4ItYiw0wm4_9s5V0aayiTTfeRfUYx9NiXiD5S6cMIDyg_HENjyF_/s1600/441433732534.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZPI1lSaZSLzzxkAWuvmtKhJLlnQ3s10tViaRrqyzlKbGTYVExEa8-DHdsQ_3DTEfqOC8K2ojlSj04u80Ulv_2gBh4ItYiw0wm4_9s5V0aayiTTfeRfUYx9NiXiD5S6cMIDyg_HENjyF_/s400/441433732534.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />As I've renovated  the upstairs portion of my home, I moved to natural maple flooring  which is about as warm as I can stand.<span class="text_product_detail"> This beautiful cardboard/ brown paper bag colour is very popular right now, and it is a warm tone that isn't too overwhelming. </span>  <span class="text_product_detail">The great hardware makes this chest look distinctive and sophisticated, but it's not mine!</span><br /><br /> When I designed my summer home, my mantra was think driftwood.  Everything there is new, but looks bleached and old!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeN5g1VPkekDW4AyGPczYZLbeXNTjyJTZmcyrG0s9_wL9Xy1XfLnsQTLFieTHSkBu0VKn0NOHeo2gvaFdImlaObmfA4J8aAcvpdJC28-3XxIkc9l363aMWEUh25AumowJ5Jt-_Vb9fgim/s1600/DSCN0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeN5g1VPkekDW4AyGPczYZLbeXNTjyJTZmcyrG0s9_wL9Xy1XfLnsQTLFieTHSkBu0VKn0NOHeo2gvaFdImlaObmfA4J8aAcvpdJC28-3XxIkc9l363aMWEUh25AumowJ5Jt-_Vb9fgim/s400/DSCN0011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> There are alternatives for people like me - naturally weathered wood, bleached wood, wood that has whitewashes or gray washes. These tones seem to go so much better with today's modern interiors.  Let's explore the options....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6FxeskSHBj_UOlEtSFZqD5vz-8cI4A40bwVwqbaDaVVGRfSSHj5PV4dYt4izSaCSkUBxdgS4s-aBA6-EwsiYvXAoj3y-u_nsJxyYFnwxKzhx50AEFwuzU1g399qD4whhkxRjNi75Cjjt/s1600/DSCN8199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6FxeskSHBj_UOlEtSFZqD5vz-8cI4A40bwVwqbaDaVVGRfSSHj5PV4dYt4izSaCSkUBxdgS4s-aBA6-EwsiYvXAoj3y-u_nsJxyYFnwxKzhx50AEFwuzU1g399qD4whhkxRjNi75Cjjt/s640/DSCN8199.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />When you make your own furniture you have more options to get the look you want. This new bed made from oak doesn't have a hint of yellow or orange in sight.  I controlled the warm tones by using a  greenish grayish wash before the final semi gloss clear coat.  The  old mid century modern dresser was stripped and treated in the same way,  but I rubbed more of the wash off  so the two pieces didn't look like a perfect match -  I like harmony  with  variety. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqsX-phHghyphenhyphenJVadRBHkhVbgAr253xk4FIc3qzcOIJYYrE4VgAxMNTDREPjw7FC9Od0xXO8xMatLeAmndQNjAksbs-v5JrjD6l3MKUnGCFZubofoJAVbBdSsIHSkcftDb4HUeDSz8CoO7o/s1600/the+designer+inside+gray+wash+natural+wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqsX-phHghyphenhyphenJVadRBHkhVbgAr253xk4FIc3qzcOIJYYrE4VgAxMNTDREPjw7FC9Od0xXO8xMatLeAmndQNjAksbs-v5JrjD6l3MKUnGCFZubofoJAVbBdSsIHSkcftDb4HUeDSz8CoO7o/s400/the+designer+inside+gray+wash+natural+wood.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thedesignerinsider.blogspot.com/2011/03/perfect-chest.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheDesignerInsider+%28The+Designer+Insider%29">The Designer Inside  </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This is another example of a washed gray finish that allows the wood grain and imperfections in the wood  to shine through. While it is more traditional in design, the overall look of  this piece  would allow you to use it in most rooms. Give chests like this a chance in your  bedroom, bathroom,  hallway, foyer or living room .<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjcuKsz6JaHBnTjReLLckrGP51VyVQh_TUUC_3mpygTlPvUvupAdtlMXkqaDr2jjW2_Zi26GHFBqc8cux6GYvtHMJ7dIQoKpdV6ffcOQ-qOqSL3EbitEoxOuSFzLGNYEwm0rpBPrJNGy8/s1600/037072545196.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjcuKsz6JaHBnTjReLLckrGP51VyVQh_TUUC_3mpygTlPvUvupAdtlMXkqaDr2jjW2_Zi26GHFBqc8cux6GYvtHMJ7dIQoKpdV6ffcOQ-qOqSL3EbitEoxOuSFzLGNYEwm0rpBPrJNGy8/s320/037072545196.jpeg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.thedesignerinsider.com/shop/article_C03029/Bleached-Sideboard-Bookcase.html?sessid=nBQBxCcB9vqc7JaVBeuSQB0XZP2luMltaIsKUT06zOxRrR2KTXOIHs6gJqseiUvY&shop_param=cid%3D131%26aid%3DC03029%26">The Designer Inside  </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> This traditionally designed sideboard  made from mango wood  could be used in any room decor. <span class="text_product_detail"> Mango wood is a hard, dense wood that has been seasoned and kiln dried. If left unfinished it has  hues of green brown and yellow which can be interesting .   Because mango  is quick growing,  hard and harvested after the tree has stopped giving fruit, it is  considered the wood of the future.</span><br /><br /><span class="text_product_detail"> </span> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/29652/Global-Living---Bluefish-Home---Showroom-eclectic-dining-room-atlanta"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/29652_0_8-1000-eclectic-dining-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/atlanta" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Atlanta Interior Designer</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/globalliving/global-living" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Global Living</a></small></div><br /><small><span style="font-size: small;"> I'm in love with the cool tones in this room, buy I would like to see a little more variety in the various wood tones used.  The bench could easily be removed and then the sideboard which is beautiful, could shine. </span></small><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/235520/1512-Dolphin-Terrace-traditional-hall-los-angeles"><img border="0" height="348" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/235520_0_8-0520-traditional-hall.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/hall" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Traditional Hall design</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build/orange-county" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Orange County Design-build</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/mclose83/spinnaker-development" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Spinnaker Development</a></small></div><br /><small> <span style="font-size: small;">Everything here is light and airy. The floors seem to go on forever.   It is truly  a room that would let you breathe. If I built a new home this would be my floor choice. </span></small><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/771932/Coastal-Modern-by-Tim-Clarke-eclectic-dining-room-"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/771932_0_8-8601-eclectic-dining-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/randomhouse/random-house" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Random House</a></small></div><br /><small><span style="font-size: small;">White always looks so fresh when paired with bleached or toned wood.  You have to be careful when you choose lighter woods because they are easily overwhelmed by stronger colours. </span> </small><br /></div><div>How do you feel about bleached, washed or otherwise light woods? </div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><br /><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/searllamasterhowe/searl-lamaster-howe-architects" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a></small></div>

Make mine bleached

I have a love affair with wood, but I don't like the golden wood tones that come along with wood that is clear coated or lightly stained...

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Thoughts on mixing wood tones

<div class="viewGalleryDescription"><b></b></div><br /> Wood tones are often problematic when you  choose  a colour scheme or new furnishings.  Some  people  are willing to solve the problem by spending hours looking for furniture with the same wood tones. After all that work you may  end up with a boring room where everything looks the same and blends into each other.<br /><br />An easier and more exciting approach is to mix wood tones in your decor to provide a more layered, interesting room. You can mix tones with confidence it you stick to a few basic guidelines.<br /><br /><h4>Use your floor as the constant</h4><b> </b>When choosing furniture you have to consider your floors if they are wood.  They are the constant against which all other wood tones will be compared.  If your floor has more that one colour you can safely choose any of those colours for other wooden furniture or  accessories. <br /><br /><h4>Limit the number of tones </h4><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/97935/Bernal-Heights-Residence-contemporary-kitchen-san-francisco"><img alt="Bernal Heights Residence contemporary kitchen wood tones " border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/97935_0_8-2215-contemporary-kitchen.jpg" title="Thoughts on mixing wood tones" width="300" /></a><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professional/12908/bruce-wright" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Bruce Wright</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><span class="ArticleText">Generally, it’s best to limit the number of wood tones  to  two or three per room. In the room above only two wood tones are used. Hints of the darker tone can be found in the floor and this creates a very harmonious look. There is also good contrast between the floor and darker cabinets.That's important.</span><br /><br /><h4><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/jasonurrutia/urrutia-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"><b>Choose one tone as the "star"</b></a></h4><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/82385/Cabinetry-101-contemporary-dining-room-tampa"><img alt="mixing light and dark wood tones " border="0" height="280" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/82385_0_8-6817-contemporary-dining-room.jpg" title="Thoughts on mixing wood tones" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/tampa" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/paul-anater/paul-anater" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Paul Anater</a></small></div><br />If you have various wood tones or are buying new furniture, choose one of the wood tones as the dominant one.  Aim for uneven proportions. The room above is a very interesting balance of lights and darks.  When the rug and chairs are included in the mix  it's the cabinet that stands out the most. The  dark floor is acting as a backdrop.<br /><br /><h4>Separate problem tones with a rug </h4><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/121614/Reservoir-Dining-Room-modern-dining-room-boston"><img alt="separating wood tones with area rug" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/121614_0_8-1889-modern-dining-room.jpg" title="Thoughts on mixing wood tones" width="308" /></a><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professional/14488/gleysteen-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Gleysteen Design</a></small></div><br /> Sometimes you end up with all the same wood tones in a room and the only way to bring some variety is to separate the wood tones with an area rug so everything doesn't blend together. This also works when you have two different tones that don't work that well together. Separation breaks the comparison.  <br /><br /><br /><h4>Balance wood tones throughout a space </h4><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/206998/Urrutia-Design-contemporary-bedroom-san-francisco"><img alt="balance wood tones " border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/206998_0_8-8869-contemporary-bedroom.jpg" title="Thoughts on mixing wood tones" width="319" /></a><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/jasonurrutia/urrutia-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Urrutia Design via Houzz</a></small></div><br /> A close viewing of this room shows  light,  medium and dark wood tones which have been connected by spreading them around the room.  The dark table connects with the upholstery piece at the foot of the bed.  The armoire, legs and  mirror are mid to darkish and the floor is light providing good flow and contrast. <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/119471/William-Hefner-Architecture-Interiors---Landscape-modern-living-room-los-angeles"><img alt="William Hefner Architecture Interiors & Landscape balancing wood tones" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/119471_0_8-5964-modern-living-room.jpg" title="Thoughts on mixing wood tones" width="302" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/modern/living-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professional/15093/studio-william-hefner" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Studio William Hefner</a></small></div><br />If you choose dark tones for bookshelves banking a fireplace you need to have other dark tones around the room, preferably on the opposite side to move your eye through the room. <br /><br /><h4> Keep contrast controlled</h4><br />Deep, dark, rich wood tones such as mahogany, cherry, and walnut will often go better with medium-toned woods than lighter ones. And likewise, lighter toned woods, such as pine and oak, will also go better with medium wood tones, rather than with dark. In other words, it is okay to use varying wood tones, but aim for a lower level of contrast. The room above has medium and dark wood tones. <br /><br /><h4>Keep furniture the same tone</h4><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/453141/Classic-and-Relaxed-Beach-Condo-tropical-living-room-charleston"><img alt="furniture choice wood tones" border="0" height="267" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/453141_0_8-9022-tropical-living-room.jpg" title="Thoughts on mixing wood tones" width="400" /></a><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Houzz</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />All the wood tones in this furniture are medium but they do not match perfectly.   When you keep  your major furniture pieces in the same wood tone, you can  bring in other  tones through accessories.  Wood frames, candlesticks, trays, sculpture,  or vases  are  obvious choices.</div>  <br /><h4>Consider the colour temperature of woods</h4><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghC5R4bczOrMYMHWRWhPWnA2oVaxUMKzFeYW2hMXHgy1Ku_ZVY3bAyd80wRX0btMqAMoxbxDGliEa5Jw3nkbfjs72jVxM-LIJZsJNqKOy3UOds_ywf7VbmxA386RZrtqnUNcdeOcudbNmx/s1600/03+Greatroom+ricks66.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="colour temperature of wood Desinging Home Margaret Ryall" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghC5R4bczOrMYMHWRWhPWnA2oVaxUMKzFeYW2hMXHgy1Ku_ZVY3bAyd80wRX0btMqAMoxbxDGliEa5Jw3nkbfjs72jVxM-LIJZsJNqKOy3UOds_ywf7VbmxA386RZrtqnUNcdeOcudbNmx/s400/03+Greatroom+ricks66.jpg" title="Thoughts on mixing wood tones" width="320" /></a><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"> Photography: Brian Ricks</span></div><br /><br />Every wood has a colour temperature that needs to be considered. Natural ash, birch and maple tend to be cooler while other woods like oak and pine tend to be very warm with undertones of orange or yellow as they age.<br /><br />Some stained woods  can show warm and cool tones at the same time.  This is ideal because then you can mix and match the wood tones in the space. When I'm choosing flooring for a client I look for finishes that will allow me to mix both warm and cool tones.In the room above the floor actually has more warms than the shot displays. <br /><br /><h4>Use paint /upholstery to mimic a particular wood tone</h4><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/120682/Lorraine-Vale-traditional-dining-room-charleston"><img alt="Lorraine Vale traditional dining room paint tones matching wood" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/120682_0_8-4544-traditional-dining-room.jpg" title="Thoughts on mixing wood tones" width="346" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/dining-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professional/15889/lorraine-g-vale-allied-asid" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">LORRAINE G VALE, Allied ASID</a></small></div><br /><br />If you have one piece of furniutre that  is a different wood tone, you can use paint, window treatments or upholstery to mimic the wood tone and spread the colour around the room. The blinds and cabinet  work together.  <br /><br />Most of us have wood tones somewhere in our homes and any renovations usually bring this issue to the forefront.  I would love to hear how you have dealt with the making wood tones work in your space.

Thoughts on mixing wood tones

 Wood tones are often problematic when you  choose  a colour scheme or new furnishings.  Some  people  are willing to solve the problem by s...

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Bathroom renovation woes

Sometimes having too many ideas is just as bad as having too few.  I am definitely swimming in the idea pond when it  comes to my main bath renovation.  Right now  the space  is a product of the mid eighties with white square tiles, gray fixtures and a white European vanity and upper cabinets.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tWIijoxomLWNzgzBtY7Nybeb3thhRpFa-UBaGTKtp5vW79qm5iC0_BxEre03U1CFgLR1zOlb42CfaBbuDuhUQDYuMRsx-MDHPP86bxyOJxiEVtRJBnB7SiOjUGx8uQTKO18cRArwb7MQ/s1600/DSCN794866.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1tWIijoxomLWNzgzBtY7Nybeb3thhRpFa-UBaGTKtp5vW79qm5iC0_BxEre03U1CFgLR1zOlb42CfaBbuDuhUQDYuMRsx-MDHPP86bxyOJxiEVtRJBnB7SiOjUGx8uQTKO18cRArwb7MQ/s320/DSCN794866.jpg" width="240" /></a> </div><br />  Everything has to go and we are taking out the tub to put in a walk in shower. I can't stop dreaming up new ideas, so I'm using this post as my own sounding board. Hopefully it won't be all personal and you, my readers, might find my sorting process of some help in any home changes you  have planned.<br /><br /><b>The look I like:</b><br /><ul><li>overall design more contemporary than traditional </li><li>simple, clean lines, not cluttered (lots of storage options)</li><li>soothing, natural colours  which are not too cool -  warmish neutrals) </li><li>lots of texture (always a must in my house)</li><li>weathered wood in gray driftwood tones  (a favouite since I was 20 and that's many years ago!) or light to medium wood tones - nothing dark and heavy.  I rarely follow trends in my own home decisions.</li><li>brushed metal finishes, raised basin but not too high </li><li>mixture of tile sizes depending on placement, no obvious/contrasting border </li></ul><b>The inspiration shots: </b><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/114653/contemporary-bathroom-ideas-contemporary-bathroom-austin"><img alt="contemporary bathroom ideas contemporary bathroom" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/114653_0_8-0402-contemporary-bathroom.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/dickclark/dick-clark-architecture" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Dick Clark Architecture</a></small><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">This room is light, airy and has very clean lines.  There are options for storage,  but things could get cluttered because  everything would be exposed.  I  like the wood tone but the small glass mosaics may quickly become outdated. The square tiles are a little too predictable. So I'm left with the wood tone!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/106011/South-Shore-Residence-contemporary-bathroom-new-york"><img alt="South Shore Residence contemporary bathroom" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/106011_0_8-4080-contemporary-bathroom.jpg" width="267" /></a><small><br /></small></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/amidesign/ami-designs" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">AMI Designs</a></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">LOVE the shape and colour of the vanity.  It has both open and closed storage so it fits the storage bill.  Hubby could  whip this up in several days!  I also like the grain in the larger floor tiles.  Looking good. </span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/379945/Best-Builders-ltd-modern-bathroom-vancouver"><img alt="Best Builders ltd modern bathroom" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/379945_0_8-7541-modern-bathroom.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractor/vancouver" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/trevorsowa/best-builders-ltd" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Best Builders ltd</a></small><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">Floor and vanity fit the bill in every way.  Colour tones are my favourite, the wood grain tiles are fantastic and  you could run the same tiles up the wall of the shower and alternate with a small scale tile on the floor of the shower. It's good to keep the same tones in all the tiles used when you are working with a small space.   </span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/28319/Master-Bathroom-contemporary-bathroom-seattle"><img alt="Master Bathroom contemporary bathroom" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/28319_0_8-9059-contemporary-bathroom.jpg" width="275" /></a><small><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></small><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/garretcordwerner/garret-cord-werner" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Garret Cord Werner</a></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">Tones in this vanity are a little warmer and I love the shape. All storage is hidden and  I'm attracted to the  textured wall and the full mirror with a ledge. </span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/379958/Best-Builders-ltd-modern-bathroom-vancouver"><img alt="Best Builders ltd modern bathroom" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/379958_0_8-4993-modern-bathroom.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractor/vancouver" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/trevorsowa/best-builders-ltd" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Best Builders ltd</a></small><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Love the color tones in this hideaway storage (slightly purplish).  This idea could be fitted into the right and left side of the vanity to look like doors.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfYJop3H4tRxyNARYlYHKwQWJN9xNIBsG5xEqJANuIh2IVD2TCg157eLoqv70w3t6HdynuZ4lccYMoTs6jcexiFcDxwN_3jSr4ruMHd8l3KlJnm3gRW1bjRE27_cRAk3kFrsS7EgFxT2R/s1600/127297126937034301_oRguElEh_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfYJop3H4tRxyNARYlYHKwQWJN9xNIBsG5xEqJANuIh2IVD2TCg157eLoqv70w3t6HdynuZ4lccYMoTs6jcexiFcDxwN_3jSr4ruMHd8l3KlJnm3gRW1bjRE27_cRAk3kFrsS7EgFxT2R/s400/127297126937034301_oRguElEh_b.jpg" width="338" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-size: small;">I first saw this picture in a magazine and I've kept it.  I love the vanity colour and shape. It's very mid century modernish in styling and I have other pieces similar in my house.  It is an easy style to replicate (I know I am lucky to have my own furniture maker on the premises.) </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/102788/While-at-CHil-Design-Group-contemporary-bathroom-other-metros"><img alt="While at CHil Design Group contemporary bathroom" border="0" height="300" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/102788_0_8-8112-contemporary-bathroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/raveninside/claudia-leccacorvi" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Claudia Leccacorvi</a></small></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"> I like the idea of using the textured stone as a backdrop for the vanity and mirror but it would work best if you have a defined space between two walls.  I don't.  </span></small></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Xb7B6XkUK24cFw55rRaCgMG3_pyHc1WDyhG-Ei10j9pHrnNUBvCUtHuLQfM93ONS83lER9pobOQNonS_lUoUZXUZxSpw3ChLjbpgcil3lWRFSXOnMN0JXiriSizUox7gAYMvKhBZu6kO/s1600/171277592048032573_nljp8fU5_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Xb7B6XkUK24cFw55rRaCgMG3_pyHc1WDyhG-Ei10j9pHrnNUBvCUtHuLQfM93ONS83lER9pobOQNonS_lUoUZXUZxSpw3ChLjbpgcil3lWRFSXOnMN0JXiriSizUox7gAYMvKhBZu6kO/s400/171277592048032573_nljp8fU5_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://houzz./">Houzz.</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While this counter is  slightly too golden for my tastes, I like the layout , cabinets and the space for hanging a towel. One of the things you have to consider when you have side cabinets is how the light will reach the rest of the room if you don't have a ceiling light. .  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPx43Pt9KZPyEuJKfvlqT4TS0LV7Rn6XhYjyrKvbTjhnBdD1Boon0bEKiaYHwX1B6eiBtMTbKbLeqgkkQ7O7kojb5kDDfvS0wYz6udiGZad_ssDqAZ47zps6gid4NSA9wZ8qGOe8p0HsyD/s1600/171277592048041494_KKOlIWbE_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/358848/Master-Bathroom-contemporary-bathroom-toronto"><img alt="Master Bathroom contemporary bathroom" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/358848_0_8-3915-contemporary-bathroom.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/liliava/shirley-meisels" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Shirley Meisels</a></small></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then there's always white, but all the other vanities in the house are white so.... . maybe not.  I like the storage, the legs, and the wood grained tiles. </div><div style="color: #444444;"><br /></div>I'm getting there...  Stay tuned for more updates on this 2012 reno. <br /><b></b>

Bathroom renovation woes

Sometimes having too many ideas is just as bad as having too few.  I am definitely swimming in the idea pond when it  comes to my main bath ...

Read more »