Cookie Cutter Design - Avoid It Like The Plague

If you’re one of those people who decorate a room using a particular color alone then this article is especially dedicated to you. Do you often find yourself walking into a store and frantically grabbing everything you can see in red? Does your palate avoid all the other colors available just because it wouldn’t match the motif of your green dining area? Then consider yourself mad about ultimate matching! It’s a trend particularly popularized by retail stores who coordinate colors like there’s no tomorrow. Although I must admit, it looks quite striking and the arrangement seemingly effortless, this kind of approach can be quite tiring. Besides, there’s an indescribable homey appeal to a mix-and-match style that exudes a distinct charm, far from all the generics of a matched up décor scheme!

Rooms and houses with these so-called cookie-cutter themes are easy to spot. They use only one color throughout the entire space, in the exact same shade! Although it’s important that the colors you use don’t look like some kind of abstract art, you can still coordinate colors of varying shades. For instance, try pairing up a baby blue bedspread with azure pillows. Just be careful of certain shades that don’t quite combine well. They may make you feel uneasy rather than pleased.

When it comes to choosing furnishings, matching all your items tends to give the room that unapproachable quality. It’s too perfect for planet earth! Would it be alright for wooden items not to be the same shade? Is it ok to match black with mahogany and other dark wood pieces? Well, it actually boils down to what you like. Don’t worry too much, it’s absolutely fine to use wood in a wide-range of stains as long as they are not placed side by side. Give each piece a space of its own. It’s also a good idea to combine wooden furniture in diverse finishes. How about a team of blue chairs around a stark white breakfast table? All it needs is a fresh vase of flowers and the room would look perfectly sunshiney! When it comes to black accessories, these should never be left out in the overall design of a room. It complements the other colors present, helping them to really pop out!

While scouring through stores, you may find sets of matching fabrics. These were made by manufacturers with a keen eye for combining varying textures and shades that lend an interesting aura to a room. These deviations allow your own unique style to echo through your living space. You can also combine sets of fabrics coming from different brands. Not too sure about color combinations or texture matches? That nice saleslady might give out some tips. Go ahead and ask!

If retail stores don’t really wet your appetite for unique accessories, opt for flea markets and antique shops that offer bargains all year long. You can enjoy great finds without getting a budget overload! Or how about doing it yourself? D-I-Y’s are another wonderful option to display a bit of your creative side. So grab your tool kit and sew your own curtains. Do some painting on wooden furniture and even create your own special frames for family mementos! This adds personality to your design, at the same time, it’s a fun way to dress up your space!

Always keep in mind that your room represents you. If it comes in a single color that’s too matched and perfect, wouldn’t that be way too boring? Unless of course you are an essentially boring person, do pick out items that reflect your likes and loves. Don’t be afraid to try out trends and go as far as making your own stuff! It may not be magazine-cover-material, but at least your space screams out an all-resounding YOU!