Hard and Soft: Mixing in Wood Pieces

Here's a look I've been seeing a lot of lately, and loving it!  Mixing in wooden or organic forms with clean lines or light colors.  Love the balance of hard and soft.  Here's a particularly great example:

This beautiful dining room combines hard and soft elements very gracefully. The room is airy, soft and a little bit funky.  Because the well chosen objects are graphic in shape, there is still a simplicity to the room which adds a peaceful feel.  The soft painting and white walls lend an airiness to the room.  The lovely and simple table runner looks like a cloud on the dark table.  The table also grounds this airy room.

Here's another view of dining room.  Love the balance of the old with the new.  The light and dark.  The simplicity of the Eames chairs is perfectly juxtaposed with the heaviness of the table.  The unexpected mismatched chairs  provide a rugged touch while remaining airy as they are painted white to match the walls.  In the corner a proud ethnic piece has gained prominence by not having to compete with a jumble of art.  The look is skillful and perfectly balanced.  There is also a perfect balance of masculine and feminine in the room.

As you know, my preferences always lean toward the simpler, uncluttered home.  But I do love beautiful things, color and texture as well.  To satisfy these needs and yet remain uncluttered is what I strive for in decor. This type of restraint is all about balance.  It may look simple, but it's not easy.  However, if you are able to pull it off, the peaceful feeling you enjoy while spending time a room like this is so worth it!   This couple managed to pulled it off in their entire home and with a child and dog!  Proving it can be done.  A fine achievement in decor.   I highly recommend the rest of the home tour.  To see the rest of this gorgeous home:  Courtney & Michael's Scandinavian Comfort via Apartment Therapy.

Mini Mood Board

Still dreaming of a new apartment.  Current plan for decorating same is a gray accent wall and a vintage turquoise sofa.  This sofa is impossibly out of my budget but it is perfect, isn't it?  Is it possible to be in love with a sofa.  Yes, it's perfectly possible.  Here's the proof:

 V and M

This sofa is casual, yet sophisticated and clean lined.  My favorite style of decor is Mid-Century Modern.   I love the simple lines.  MCM furniture makes a great base for any beautiful room.  Because of its clean lines, any style can easily be layered on it.  Japanese, Moroccan and ethnic pieces go great in a room decorated in Mid-Century Modern.

West Elm

I prefer low scale, round coffee tables.  I like to move them around and use them for different purposes, which is why I love ottomans so much.  I've never really used wood in my decor, although this piece made in India has caught my attention.  I love it's low scale, Moroccan influence.  I think it would look great with this sofa.

 And the accent wall I am planning in the perfect dove gray.

 Design Public

Here's the perfect entertainment center for my new flat screen.  I love its simple shape, and I love the combination of wood and white.  The wood of this piece and the coffee table relate to each other.  The white on this piece would, of course, relate to the painted wood floors.  Hmm, this room needs some funky end tables, over sized Danish lamps and pillows.  And oh yeah, vases.  None of it is to be, as it's out of my budget, but it's okay.  A girl can dream right?   These pieces are now all in my virtual collection.  You know what I always say about virtual collections.  They cost nothing, they take up no space, they don't need dusting, and the best part - they don't have to be moved!

Good thing I didn't take part in the I'm a Giant Challenge (see post below).  I'd be tempted to replicate these pieces, but the last thing I need is another obsession or project.