How can you create a cohesive design scheme with furniture from different eras?

A 'concept' comes before the theme; concept being a unique core idea that runs through out a design project like a guiding light, like an invisible but pulsating soul. Next comes a theme or a style that fits closest with the concept. A theme is much more generic as compared to a concept, and not entirely unique to the project.

é essencial que ao pensar sobre o design de um ambiente seja considerada a sensa??o que se deseja transmitir. Por isso, um esquema de design incorporando mobiliários de diferentes períodos históricos deve conectá-los, em um ou mais pontos, ao ideal desejado. Seja pela história, cores e/ou materiais. Se a vontade é transmitir uma conex?o histórica com o ambiente, unir pe?as que tenham harmonia estética e ao mesmo tempo vínculo na linha do tempo, agrega mais valor e sensa??o ao espa?o.

A focal point is an anchor to a space, something that hold one's eye and attention inadvertently. It need not be overtly loud in colour or form; a compelling functionality can also define a focal point - like a distinct couch or a pool of light. Defining a focal point at first makes the layout and zoning intuitive, with other space-building elements being placed wrt it.

Proportions are important not just relative to the furniture, but also while choosing the furniture in respect to the space and the volume. A designer must strive to achieve the spatial balance by carefully curating the negative/ empty space.

When working in a design scheme using furniture from different eras, I find art to be an excellent way to tie pieces together. Art can help make pieces that don’t necessarily live together naturally, more cohesive. For example, if you have a more traditional home with federation features and furniture as well as some more contemporary elements, you can use art that gives a nod to that period in the subject matter but frame in a very modern way. Sometimes using unexpected colours can also link furniture and design styles beautifully!

One approach to using colour in space is to go with the fixed/ permanent/ long term spatial elements or furniture in a neutral or monochromatic palette, and use colour in the relatively transient elements such as wallpaper, soft furnishings, rugs, etc. This lends a certain flexibility to the space which one can spruce up or refresh without making drastic renovations.

Being true to a unique concept that resonates with the client's values and lifestyle is a great tool to creating great personalised spaces. It can sometimes be a struggle to identify and then follow a concept through, but the end result of a space coming together beautifully and intuitively is well worth the effort.

When discussing a new project, clients often say to me they want their room to ‘flow’. Or they want it to feel ‘put together’ or have a ‘good feel’ about it. And they all know in their hearts exactly what they mean by that. But putting it into words is a completely different matter. It’s often hard to explain. So if we find it hard to describe the feeling we want, it’s no wonder we find it frustratingly hard to achieve. When we spend time discussing it, it normally comes down to people wanting a cohesive scheme. When a room is cohesive everything works together and it just feels right.

As it is quoted, Style & Theme is the most important aspect to describe a space through designing. A contemporary theme in Interior design can be a little vibrant using some antique pieces, Curving, and some typical colour scheme. As example, Rajasthani or Bengal style of art, furniture and colours can be used as sudden effect with a Scandinavian or Japanese style Interior design theme. This will add a charming wow effect in the space which may be most inspirational for the designers.