As a young girl, I grew up thinking things had to match. My accessories matched my shoes and outfit, my jewelry was either all gold or all silver in tone. And yes, I presented this way daily. In my home growing up, the living room was a set we bought at the furniture store, and my waterbed (I may be dating myself here), the same. Matching bed, side tables and dresser.
Today, things are quite different in both my personal and my home style. As I have gotten older, I appreciate the hunt of curating pieces that tell a story - whether they are mine or have a past of their own. I get dressed with comfort in mind, and layer on my jewelry mixing metals from pieces that have been gifted or collected. I enjoy feeling textiles, admiring shapes and design of furniture, and appreciate when a space is collected. For me when I look at a home, I see the story of a space and the people who live there.
It's for this reason...are you ready for it....drumroll...that I tell you, "Don't be afraid to have two different couches in a space." Yep, I said it.
While buying two of the same may feel right, pulling together pieces that compliment can add more character to a space, share your personal style, and lends to more casual living. Now, I'm not suggesting any two sofas can live in the same room (people are much the same) - for styling success, here are a few tips to help curate the perfect space without having a matching pair:
- Asymmetrical sofas should share similar design elements - think materials, shapes, or color tones
- Mixing sofas within the same style or era will add compliment to the space
- Using anchor (think drapes, or a rug) or accent pieces (think pillows, decor) will help blend the space together
For my readers who are still shaking their heads to the idea of mixing it up - please don't let this idea unsettle you for too long. There is absolutely nothing wrong with matching sofas - they bring a sense of symmetry and formality to a space. If this is you - style on my friend!
For me, at this moment in my life, I am kicking off my shoes and leaning into the collective. Whatever your story - may it be beautifully curated and feel just like you - Welcome Home!