patscats2 says:

Sorry, no matter how much designers say certain things go together, my brain says otherwise. The zebra rugs and floral drapes in two sharply opposing colors is very jolting and nothing about those 2 together look good. I'm just a bit worn out with designer's "making up" stuff to sell it to the public. I feel sorry for the poor people who go out and decorate their house like a circus tent and think it's OK because some "designer" told them it was. Trust your own eye and instincts and have a home that is comfortable and not a joke to others who see it.

About florals, I love Layla's from the Lettered Cottage's seat cushion cover. I love antique linens. Very pretty.

Mrs.Maison says:

As a designer, I believe good interiors are the ones that look as though they have evolved over time, with travel, with great new finds. They have to feel good to the people who live in the spaces. I'm pretty sure I don't make things up to sell to the public. I listen to the client, get a feel for the space and often take things the client has and loves to incorporate them into a new space. I happen to love the patterns and textures used in the photo that you referenced. Just like we all have different opinions, we all have a different sense of what works. Furthermore, as a professional, I want my clients to love their spaces and not worry about how others view it, as ultimately it is the client who lives in the space. Original, authentic and creative are good and only a joke to those who cannot appreciate that in others.

Holly Chasan says:

I also love the mix! There are truly no rules - PatsCats, you may not love it but I could easily live in the last space. I'm also a designer and if there is one thing I've learned is that spaces are deeply personal and there's a huge variety in consumer taste. It makes the job fun. I adore exposing clients to ideas that they might not have thought of, because I believe it's fulfilling to expand horizons. And that's often what I'm hired for. But at the end of they day they have to live there!

nassaumary says:

I'm with you PatsCats...and I don't believe that people actually like that kind of mix. Generally speaking, we're talking about two very different people - those who would hang that floral drape, and those who would have the carpet. And I really don't see how the twain shall meet!

Janell Beals - House of Fifty Mag says:

I love this kind of mix! When I mix patterns I push the envelope of what "matches", to my eye it is dynamic and more interesting, and I enjoy that look. I have a background in fine arts and fashion, prior to transitioning to interiors, and I think this has a lot to do with why this approach appeals to me.

Differences of opinion is what makes design so interesting...design of any type; it is extremely subjective and personal.

Jennifer Rosson says:

I love love love this mix the room with the floral drapes and striped rug is adorable!
I actually already have a similar combination in my living room. And I saved this room to my "idea file"

Danielle says:

I absolutley adore those little "flower pillows in pink".... soooo not my style but soooo cute all the same!

Bernadette Drew says:

Great ideas! I love the mixing of patterns too. I have a zig zag pillow with a zebra print pillow and a floral pillow on my sofa and I love it.

leslie says:

I also tell my clients that just becuase they see it in a magazine or on the internet or on HGTV doesnt make it good design. Rooms can be fun and playful without being crazy and incongruous.

kpaglione says:

patscats2, I would ONLY have those floral drapes WITH the zigzag rug. Otherwise, the floral would be too frou-frou for me. I would guess you like very traditional designs, which is fine. But you might refrain from judging contemporary or eclectic designs if they aren't something you "like". The pic you like most is the one I like least (by far); different strokes! Smiles!

Mandi Smith T says:

Love the title of this article! Very inspiring pictures too. M.
www.interiordesignmusings.blogspot.com

magerner says:

I agree with thegoose. Bad design doesn't equal contemporary or eclectic design. Sorry, maisonjames, I disagree, like most aspects of life, there are rules. Otherwise, there is chaos. The problem with the zigzag rug isn't that is wild and crazy; the room can handle a wild rug with the flowered drapes. It's just that THAT rug is off. Further, the flowerdy pillow is a distraction and the white lamp is too colorless for it's position in space. I do agree, however, that decor is highly personal and ultimately up to the people who live there and what they feel comfortable with. That is most important. Just don't put it all on a decorating website or magazine as an example.

Laura says:

Nothing perks up a room like fresh flower! Bring on Spring!
http://brightboldbeautiful.blogspot.com/2010/04/home-tour-laura-trevey.html

Janell Beals - House of Fifty Mag says:

Laura, look how beautiful you look in your orange tunic next to the floral arrangement! Janell

lmacedo says:

Great ideas! I like how using floral prints can be bold and not frou-frou. I really love the kid's room. The floral print really finishes the room.

patscats2 says:

My house is very ecclectic in its' design, but it's also calming and easy to look at. There is a relationship with the contents and you are not jarred and confused when you see too many patterns and colors fighting against one another. This is why I have such a difficult time decorating my spaces because my taste is so diverse and I have to be diligent as to not forget there are some rules that have to be followed or else it's a hot mess.

There are rules and knowing "how and when to break them" is the key. Just throwing a bunch of stuff in a room and exclaiming "that looks great" is crazy. There has to be some relation be it texture, color, etc. Telling those who don't have a clue that all this stuff thrown together is "just right" is irresponsible.

I just recently saw an episode of Candace Olson's new show on HGTV. I love Candace and she's a fabulous designer, but this client pushed her way out of her realm by making her use things that did not relate to one another. She did the best she could but in the end it was a horror and I know she had to feel it and know it, but did it because that's what the client wanted. There's a fine line when mixing style, era's, etc. and know when and how is nothing to be taken lightly.

Katy Bell Hamnes says:

I'd like to think as a designer my job is to intrepret a client's style and then execute it. Most of the time, that's why I'm called in..a client knows what she likes, she just has difficulty defining it and then executing it. I happen to LOVE the mix of the flag pillow, the zebra rug and the contemporary floral drapes. It totally works. However, it only works, in my book, if the client LOVES it. Thanks for posting such a great mix of styles. So refreshing.

santu says:

Wow, did some nerves get touched here! I just enjoy looking at the photos, some I like, some I don't. Diversity makes the world go around. Let it go people!

loishapi says:

Santu some view interior design/decoration as an art form - for sure those who practice their discipline professionaly, in that case the gloves come off occasionaly. I take issue with the boy on the bed pix - a stickler for truth, I don't buy the story: Boy and toys look to me like props. To each our own - what makes the world so darn interesting.

Janell Beals - House of Fifty Mag says:

The boys bedroom was designed by a women who I know, and that is indeed Lauren's boy and those are his toys. She does a wonderful job with all her interiors, including those for her own family. Janell

Emily A. Clark says:

Wow, Janell, who knew a post about florals could spark so much controversy? Enjoyed the article and even the comments :)

Janell Beals - House of Fifty Mag says:

Yes, I thought this was a sweet little piece about pretty florals that nearly no one would comment on...gotta love people having opinions! :)
Janell

dseaman says:

I am not a designer but I like my rooms to have balance to the eye. The zebra and the union jack pillow throw off my sence of balance and relaxation when I look at this room. To each his own though.

storklady says:

Just to add a laugh.... in "the room" that has caused such heated comments, I love the striped black and white rug, really like the white lamp, and I don't mind the curtains but i can't stand that big hunk of blue sofa. I think the other elements would look terrific if you changed the sofa style and color...so, there you go. Everybody is so different. this has been a really fun post to read over breakfast! I've started my day laughing and that's always a good thing. :-)

DUEALBERI says:

Charming and fresh floral choices, thank you for sharing them.
I would use floral patterns as a wall decor and on pillows, combining them with monochrome chairs and sofa.