Match needs mixing
on the cheap, test drives of home appliances and lots of accessible examples of how to work with what you’ve already got to make a new look.
I passed Domino over to my boyfriend. He took a cursory glance and admitted he could learn something from the magalogue. He particularly liked a monthly feature called “ Perfect Pairs,” which shows you how to match up key items. In the first issue, it was console tables with mirrors, and in the second issue, it was armchairs with sidetables.
It’s interesting to note how the perfect pairs are not really so perfect, in the traditional sense of the word. A modern, sculptured cork stool is paired with a formal Louis XIV-style chair. A low lounge chair with modern lines looks great alongside a simple wooden stump.
In other words, mixing is the new matching. So maybe our styles can get along just as well as we do.
I’ve started to see the exercise of blending styles as a new adventure in decorating. Maybe his metal and glass accessories will contrast perfectly with my wood furniture. And maybe my grandma’s refined armchair would really come to life if it were recovered in a funky, striped fabric.
If we can work with what we’ve got, rather than investing in a whole new look, we’ll be able to stay within a budget that we can both live with. Adding a few new pieces will help pull it all together.
For example, IKEA’s round banana leaf floor cushions ($ 40 each) will help us recreate a hippie hangout pictured in a Domino layout. Perfect for friendly gatherings around his glass coffee table, they’ll stow away easily when I’m practising yoga. He likes the price and I love the look.
I’m sure there will be arguments. We both own dining sets, beds, sofas and stereos, so some off-loading will be necessary. We’ll decide whose to keep by considering its condition, value and versatility. And if a piece has been inherited, we’ll pass it to another family member rather than sell it. But the experience will be a test of our compatibility. We’ll survive it by learning from each other — I’ll admit a budget is a good idea — and respecting each other’s differences ( the faux fur wall treatment can stay, so long as he agrees to vacuum it biweekly).
And, perhaps, while he’s got the vacuum out. . . Daphne Gordon is shopping columnist for the Star’s Life section.