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Jeff Jones Snap It Photography Hello I hope this helps. I would say first start with the basic structure of the room. If your allowed you could maybe add some rustic wood beams to the far wall. You could even change the way the windows appear by hanging older windows in front of them for a really unique look...I think stained glass would look amazing. Hang some vintage lighting too...Ikea has some that looks great for a good price too. Do you have a Restoration Hardware near you?

collettec I think that is a challenge since the two styles are quite far apart. I think it makes it easier to respect the architectural details and style that exists and work from there, adding in those things that can work with that. In this case with the quite modern loft and modern, simple clean lines, I think it would help to bring in some of the warmth of a cottage style with upholstered furniture, but in a clean modern line. A great area rug with detail, but in a larger scale pattern. Add in lots of color and texture which will help bring in the more cottage warmth, but keep the lines and style more modern. Good luck!

misspeggy7 What a fantastic space...wow...lucky you. I love mixing shabby with modern. LOVE it. Now, IF that plaid couch will be used, definitely use slip covers. Preferably white. I would have something funky and bright on the walls. If you're on a budget, I'd have one of your favorite young kids do a finger painting, ask them to use your favorite colors, pick the one you like best and use that one. Go to Goodwill, or a thrift shop or Ikea and find a great frame, mat it yourself or buy a mat and use that. (There's a great painting on ebay of a cow, bright red background, oil painting and I think you can buy i and have it shipped for under $80. You would, however, have to have it stretched on a frame. But wow, does it pop! ) Also, area rug; you might want to use something simple like a large sisal, or a great cowhide rug, they go with all decor. Use architectural implements too, whether on the walls or just freestanding. From what I have experienced, if you find the area of your city that has great thrift/vintage shops, you'll find so many great and imaginative pieces. Good luck and I hope you have fun. Again, magnificent space with an amazing view. Please post pics when you're done.

carole good combination,you can make it "contempory cottage" thats what i put in the search for pictures and the ones i like all seem to be from www.homevaganza,here are some ideas,like snaitjeff said wood and i think color would be the way forward...

Susan Mills Design Hi, what a fun dilemma! It brings to mind a young couple i assisted who were getting married and had no idea how to merge their styles. What I had them do was for each to make their own idea book, once I viewed the idea books, and asked them a few questions as to what they loved about the pictures, some common likes started to emerge. They both liked the same colours, they liked certain materials, and while she was contemporary with a love of her Indian roots, and he was more traditional and liked neutrals we were able to make it all come together by choosing neutral sofas, chairs, bed, etc but adding vivid cushions in brilliant colours, contemporary art, and a traditional Persian rug. They both loved their new space, it felt right to them as individuals as well as a couple.

So, try that, once you have done that, also post some pictures of the furniture you are both keeping. I would love to help you and I am sure others will too.

Hope that helps!

carolins Congratulations. And the studio apartment looks amazing. The space and that view! Stunning!

If you have a simple, quite chunky couch (his style) you could add one or two smaller chairs that are more your style. Keep the basics quite chunky and simple in style I'd say and mix and match with smaller furniture and accessories more in your style.

What do you think of these ideas: