Cabins or sleek contours? Classic and cozy or modern and controlled? For whatever reason, you just can’t decide on just one décor style. Maybe you want a warm country look, but still don’t want to be all retro all the time. Maybe you’re a little bit country and your significant other is a little bit modern. Or maybe you want a unique style all your own. The good news is you don’t have to choose, thanks to the modern country decorating style. There are plenty of ways to combine two design styles so they look classy, coordinated and unique.

Focus on Key Focal Points

One of the most important things you can do when trying to combine styles is to pick a focal point. The photo above shows how well the area is pulled together by one dramatic element, in this case the classic clock on the wall. This allows you to have one deliberate element that screams country, while keeping other elements sleek and modern, like the telescope. Your home will look more controlled that way.

Remember Minimalism

The country style is usually very busy and made of natural elements. Think natural walls, lots of classic wall hangings and tons of retro elements with distressed paint jobs. In order to separate from that in the modern country decorating style, you’ll want to keep things on the minimalist side. That will give you the clean look of a modern home. You can see how the setup in the photo above is very simple and sleek, while having classic elements like the natural stonework wall.   

Go for Understated Décor Pieces

The photo above shows how attractive classic décor items can look in a classic/modern home. The natural leaf print chairs harken back to an outdoorsy era, but the overall design of the room is minimalist, sleek and bright. As such, it would match the rest of the modern home beautifully. When looking for country items, veer away from mounted deer heads and into more classic, versatile items like nature pattern fabric selections.

Err on the Side of Being Monochromatic  

Modern homes are usually defined by their stark whites, bright metals and deep blacks. The easiest way to keep the modern aesthetic, then, is to remember to keep everything as color coordinated as possible. The picture above shows a lovely bright color scheme that works well with the black and white horse photo. Always pick a color scheme that works best with what elements you are trying to display.

Use the Power of Contrast

While sticking to one color is a good way to harness the modern country decorating style, don’t discount using a contrasting, bright focal point. The photo above shows an overwhelming light look, but the bright green rug is the modern focal point. Naturalistic elements like flowers and plants add a slight country feel, along with the wooden door at the back of the photo, wooden coffee table and textured wooden flooring. It makes for a unique, striking room.

One of the most difficult tasks you’re faced with when moving into a new home is how to decorate it. Do you keep it stripped back and simple, do you add colorful touches here and there, or do you full-on unleash your artistic creativity? Whether you decide to stick to understated cool, or go bold and beautiful, here are five homeware trends for SS17 that will turn your empty shell into a work of art that you can be proud of.

1. Exotic Escapism

Last season there was an abundance of pineapples and palm tree motifs when it came to home décor. This season, the pineapples and palm trees are still present; however, the tropical indoor theme has just got bigger and better. Jungle leaf prints are reigning supreme with dark wood and wallpapers covered in big cats and crocodiles. In addition to the wildlife-inspired wall art, the African safari theme continues with leopard and zebra prints that will liven up even the most mundane home spaces.

2. The New Luxe

The Art Deco trend of AW16, in the form of rich velvets, geometric shapes, and mirrored surfaces, is hanging around this season; however, it has just been given a contemporary twist. Copper may have been a key theme last season, but this season it’s all about brass and faux marble detailing. The brilliant gold of the brass and creamy textured look of the faux marble compliments the soft and subtle color palette of The New Luxe, creating a whimsical environment that makes you feel like you’ve landed smack bang in the middle of a Great Gatsby-style dream.

3. Around the Globe

Not to be confused with Exotic Escapism, the Around the Globe trend features an exciting mix of global influences. It’s a well-travelled, rich, colorful fusion of pattern and texture. Think Moroccan-style prints, ceramics and African beadwork, along with tactile materials, shiny surfaces and popping hues. This trend is all about giving your home personality and is not to be shied away from.

4. Coastal Calm

In complete contrast to Around the Globe comes the Coastal Calm trend, ideal for any bathroom space. This focuses on the natural, organic look coupled with raw, hand-made materials. Chalky whites compliment ocean blue hues, with emphasis on wooden furniture and nautical-themed prints. Some of these prints include ropes, ships, and fish, which make for a trend that’s fun, hip and the epitome of fresh modernity.

5. Art Pop

The fifth and final homeware trend is all about color popping and texture clashing. It’s brash, it’s chaotic and so very loud! Primary hues are combined with abstract geometrics to make your home look like it’s had a brush with a real artist. It’s easy to go a little crazy with this trend, as its playfulness delivers an expressive, youthful energy – so much so that it’s best to keep it dialed down in the form of little accents and motifs.

If you choose to incorporate just one of these trends or pick key highlights from each of the five, you can be assured that your home will be ahead of the style pack this SS17. Welcome to your new home and happy shopping!

Have you ever had that feeling that, at last, all the stars aligned in your home décor? All the colors are like a melting pot of genius and the accents are pure perfection. It’s a good feeling unless you’re a trendsetter in which the mood can change in a blink. Suddenly, the harmonious feeling you had about your home seems so last year. It’s where your ideas and pocketbook don’t transfuse.

Color can easily be substituted with an inexpensive, transitional piece like a pillow or table top accessory. In parallel, accessories provide an array of projects to simplify and amplify your space. The key is to focus, first, on the core furniture that anchors the room, picking neutral and flexible colors. Then, move on to, more non-committal, accents that could change your life in a day.

If that doesn’t sound easy enough, I have five suggestions to give every home design lover a quick fix.

• Paint is the ultimate refresh for your home. I realize it’s not an easy project, but it’s one you could conquer alone. A new hue can transform a room in a hurry. If you’re reading this and rolling your eyes, start with an accent wall first. You can always stop there and feel accomplished. If walls are too much, try painting a wood piece of furniture with a non-prep, chalk paint.

You can find this paint in most any home improvement store. No prime, sanding or grunt work needed. Choosing a color is the hardest part. Look up a color chart from a trusted paint company.

Many companies like Sherwin Williams study paint trends and list findings on their company website. You can always trust a color that is approved by a group of designers. Try a paint chart like the Pottery Barn color collections from Sherwin Williams:

• Give your photos a home! Family photos in a traditional frame with a flip back are not the solution, here. Give your old photos a new look with a crisp frame without a back, and place them on a layering shelf. You can mix the photo frames with canvas art you already own or table top accessories. This is a non-conventional way to revive your space. Consider the length and height of each shelf when choosing the appropriate accessories or frames.

It’s important to vary the sizes of objects or match your selections to the scale of the room. I suggest mapping your accessories with a pencil and paper or laying out your shapes on a computer. Many, big box, hobby stores put frames on sale for the taking or use a less costly poster frame. This is an example of accessory mapping. Don’t be intimidated by the graphic drawing, as you can do the same with a sheet of paper. It may be a less attractive plan, but in size planning, it will suffice.

• Pillows are so simple and full of life. Pick a pillow to replace the factory version that came with your sofa. Try a look with fringe, texture or a vibrant color. If you get tired of one pillow, you can economically trade for a new model. If you’re feeling like an overachiever, pick a fabric you love and sew your way to a new style. Putting four seams on a square pillow is easier than you think!

Try a pillow that is at least 20×20 inches. This size gives your sofa drama and is much more appealing to the eye. Using a large pillow also eliminates your need for quantity. A good four pillows to a standard sofa, even two, can give you a change. Fewer pillows are also a solution to moving them when you feel like sitting down… Less is more. A down or feather fill pillow also gives a more polished look. While it may be more expensive, it will shape better and last longer.

• Add books to your scheme. No… You don’t have to read them. Pick books with a colorful spine or cover pre-owned encyclopedias and such. A little elementary decoupage can add to old books you have lying around the house.

Pick a book that says something about your personality or interests. Creating conversation from a book title is a bonus! Your guests will love the creative addition, and a book will provide visual interest and elevation to differentiate accessories. Again, vary the size and direction of placement. Use books as a stair step to visual opulence. Create a stack and top it with a small accessory.

• Lastly, pay attention to lighting fixtures and hardware. Get rid of out of date lighting. If you want to keep the shape but change the color, do it with a spray paint in an updated, brass, gold or black. Trade chandeliers in for a makeover. Try an oversized orb or geometric shape. Adding glamor to a rustic table is never a bad idea. Be bold in mixing an, otherwise, drastically different style. Creating the perfect mix of sophistication and casual finishes is a challenge, but the reward is stunning. Below, I’ve mixed an elegant wood beaded chandelier with a raw wood top and colorful chairs. No two seem alike, but the result is a cohesive design with a variety of style.

Additionally, change your cabinetry hardware with a finish that incorporates the lighting fixtures and transitions well throughout your home. It may seem like a tiny detail, but changing hardware can pack a punch. A mix match of finish can be distracting. Draw the right kind of attention to your hardware by selecting a flawless mix and on-trend color.

If your home-making has hit a low, these small changes can transform a tiresome look. Each room in your home reflects you. Make a statement that says something about your energy. It will speak volumes to your family and friends. Believe it or not, updating your space can change the mood of those who reside there. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to do something different. There are so many resources, like this one, to inspire change.