I love interiors that mix different styles together to create a truly unique space. In the 3 years that we’ve lived in this spec house, I’ve slowly introduced this idea into my own home to keep it from feeling too cookie cutter-ish. There’s one space in particular that I see a lot of homeowners reluctant to utilize this concept…the dining area. Maybe it’s because I’m from the midwest. I know so many people who think it’s a travesty to separate matching dining sets: table, chairs, buffet, sideboard. Everything must match. But I beg to differ. Not only can it add personality to the dining space, but it can be cheaper too. For instance, you could find an inexpensive dining table at an outlet and pair it with affordable chairs from craigslist. You don’t have to spend tons of money or time trying to match the chairs to the table. Let’s look at some examples for inspiration.
A rustic masculine table is softened by curvy upholstered chairs.
A simple modern table mixes well with more ornate chairs.
A traditional wood table warms up glossy metal chairs.
And if you’re feeling especially rebellious, you can even mix up the chairs. Here an industrial zinc table is surrounded by leather, wooden and slipcovered chairs.
A traditional black table is lightened up with white slipcovered side chairs. The head of the table makes a statement in bold stripes.
A chunky table with simple lines gets cozy with slipcovered chairs, a built-in bench and plenty of pillows.
Mixing and matching isn’t just for high end interiors. Here’s my mixed up, budget-friendly dining area.
The black table was a deeply discounted find from JCPenney. It includes a self-enclosed leaf so that the table can extend into a square to seat 8 when necessary. Kid-friendly {and wipeable!} plastic side chairs play nice with slipcovered chairs. All the chairs came from IKEA.
So, if you’re looking to furnish or spruce up your dining space, think outside of the conventional dining set. Mix styles, colors and materials for a perfectly imperfect feel. Already have a matched dining set? Sell some pieces to fund new non-matching finds. Can’t bear the thought of selling ’em off? There’s nothing wrong with splitting up the pieces among your home. They don’t all have to live in the same room. Try a sideboard as an entertainment center or a buffet as an entryway drop zone. Get creative!
images: 1) Decor Pad 2) Brooke Giannetti on Decor Pad 3) Amy Neunsinger on House Beautiful 4) Brooke Giannetti 5) Tia Zolden design and Jeremy Samuelson photography for Cottage Living 6) Inspired Interiors 7) Dana Miller for House*Tweaking
budget decor, inspiration