Questioning The Rules Of Interior Design: Does My Furniture Have To Match My Decor?

When it comes getting interior design right, many homeowners ask themselves an age old question; which comes first, the furniture or the decor? And, more pressingly, which of the two is most important? Because both can be as equally expensive.  In truth, approaching this matter from an either/or angle is a mistake and can leave many would-be interior designers struggling.

Questioning The Rules Of Interior Design: Does My Furniture Have To Match My Decor?

If you've lived in more than one home, you've probably gained many pieces of mismatched furniture throughout the years.  Because furniture isn't cheap, you've probably tried to make it work with various decor pieces, only to sometimes fail.  Let's see whether or not your furniture truly needs to match your decor.

One Doesn't Work Without The Other

If you haven’t realized that decor doesn’t work without furniture, it’s no surprise you’re struggling. By focusing on just one aspect, you won't be able to get your designs right. After all, the best wall treatments (paint or paper) will come undone the moment you place inappropriate furniture in the space. Have you ever seen a wingback chair from the gilded age placed under a howling wolf and full moon wall tapestry?  YIKES.  If you love your furniture, you're going to have to find colors, fixtures and finishes that will work well with it. Approach both your decor + furnishings at the same time, every time. How else can you expect the bond between decor and furniture to stay strong, and the room to remain wonderfully decorated?

​They Complement Each Other

We’ve all seen happy couples who seem to complement each other in every way. Whether in looks or personality, they bring out the best in each other without even trying. And that’s exactly what you want your furniture to do. Say your decor is rather industrial: You’ve got an exposed brick wall or two, and natural wood flooring. Think about how your furniture can complement these features. Our suggestion?  Stick with natural, neutral materials wherever possible. You may even want to go all out with something like the Lokka nesting tables from Montgomery’s furniture stores. The simplistic nature and aluminium casting would be the ideal complement to natural decor elements. 

They Help Each Other Achieve Their Goals

We’re all in agreement that a couple should support each other in their goals, aren’t we? Well, the same rules apply here. Make your life easier by ensuring every choice you make helps other aspects of the room. For instance, if you’ve opted for a paint color that makes your room appear bigger, don’t clutter it with a mass of large furniture pieces that will make the space seem smaller.  Consider how each item in the room will contribute to the overall goal you have in your mind. If it doesn’t fit, ditch it and replace it with something more fitting. Only then can you achieve the ideal household interior, and a design match made in heaven.

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Regardless of your design style, you should try and incorporate as many principles of Feng Shui into your home.  Feng Shui is basically "the art of placement" and it's meant for you to tap into the beneficial Ch'i energy of the universe.  Feng shui believes that all objects possess this energy, and that you can use it to bring luck, wealth, and opportunity into your home.

Infographic courtesy of sheknows.com