Image via WikipediaIf you have a home that has an open concept, but spaces function in different ways, for example, a living room and dining room combined, it can be a challenge to incorporate separate styles between them and have them exist cohesively. The human eye is trained to spot the inconsistencies in pattern. If your open space has too many of these conflicts in décor, the eye will come to rest on these things. The end result is a space that is not unified, and distracting. If you live in South Carolina and would love to decorate your home with some southern collections, see: South Carolina State Museum Store.
Keep finishes similar in one of three ways, texture, color, shape. If you have traditional lamps with oil rubbed bronze bases, try carrying the oil rubbed bronze finish into the adjacent room with fixtures that may be modern or contemporary. They styles may be different but the common ground is they share the same finish.
Fabrics can be the same color family but have varying shades, or textures. A dark brown velvet throw in a living area, can work well with dark brown tapestry on dining room chairs. Both fabrics are very distinct and different but by making them share the same color they naturally will work together.
Wood finishes should match, however you can certainly different on the style, you may want a contemporary living room table and ends with a dark Mahogany finish, and carry that same finish into your dining area but use perhaps a traditional dining room set.
By finding a common ground between your finishes and furnishings in texture, color and shape you can have a unified space but with a distinction all of its own by simply changing the style of the major components in the room. Major components would refer to the larger items in the space specifically.
Open spaces can be a challenge but if you follow the simple rules of design, you can achieve a room that the eye sweeps across, not staggers at all the different things along the way. The human mind will seek out the pattern in the chaos, and when it can't identify the pattern, it will become disoriented. If the patterns in your design work well together, the eye can travel and appreciate the space in its entirety and once in the space, will appreciate the subtle ways that each space is individual.
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