The Basics of the Mix & Match

, published on September 19, 2018

Although the decorating style of mixing and matching was popularized in 2011, it continues to be on trend today. At this point, it’s safe to say that mixing and matching is here to stay and even becoming timeless. Since this trend is abstract and can be applied to any style, any element, and any personality, it’s very easy to adopt. Mixing and matching allows you to keep an accessory or a piece of furniture that you like, but that may seem outdated, and revamp it simply by pairing it differently. It also lets you be bold without taking too many risks since it can be applied with moderation and balance.

Mixing and matching can be explored in many ways, by blending colors, patterns, textures, or materials. This gives you countless options for adapting the trend to your style. Here are some tips and tricks to help you master the art of the mix and match.

Same but different

Matching mismatched chairs around the dining table or at your desk is one of the simplest and most fun ways to apply the trend. You can pair a solid rustic wood chair with a chair that has a quilted, padded, or brushed metal back and complete the set with a bench for the rest of your seating. Or pick an understated table and play with the styles, patterns, and colors of the chairs.

Focusing on timeless pieces

Every era has its classics that stand the test of time. In this case, the definition of classic is far from impersonal and minimalist decoration. You can define classic and timeless for yourself, whether it’s an antique or a piece of furniture inspired by one of your stunning trips. Each room should be personalized and reflect the people who live in it. In the living room, pair a pretty ottoman with a colorful oriental print or a large black and white arabesque pattern and a rustic wooden media unit. On the other side of the room, you can combine a round-backed wooden chair with a square, glossy, ultramodern coffee table. Feel free to combine antique furniture and up-to-date design, which blend nicely. You’ll master mixing and matching with confidence only if you follow your instincts.

Mixing and matching for the more subdued

The more cautious will want to play it safe with this trend that, let’s be honest, can be somewhat eccentric. But don’t worry. Just choose neutral or monochromatic elements. For example, you can choose two colors for your chairs or accessories and alternate them, or choose one color but select chairs with different shapes or materials. The same logic applies to media units, coffee tables and armchairs in the living room, as well as to the storage and decorative elements in entry ways. Another less intrusive, yet equally original, way to decorate in the spirit of mixing and matching is to focus on accessories. It’s easy to do and easy to change depending on your taste and moods. For example, decorate your hall console table with colorful frames and curios from different eras and styles, or choose decorative pillows in different sizes, colors and patterns for the living room. The days when we had to match our cushions with our curtains are long gone. Now it’s time to mix and match!

Did you know?

The mix and match trend dates back to the late 1990s. In the 1980s, the Memphis design movement began, putting an end to decorating rules and codes by offering decorative items and settings that upset the established order and mingled the styles of the time. The rule of this trend is actually that there are no rules, and you can easily mix an industrial chair, leopard print, checks, natural and unrefined materials, and so on. It’s the best way to create a decor that is as unique as it is lively and suits you. Canadel offers this flexibility and the freedom to create custom furniture in line with your taste and needs. You can even create a piece of mix and match furniture yourself. For example, choose a wooden ottoman base with a distressed finish and a seat covered with a soft geometric print, or a matte black kitchen island with a natural birch wood top. There are no limits to your creativity!

Since decoration is not only a question of creation and imagination but also a form of self-expression, why not choose what you love? Forget the rules and create your own style with elements that you like. Follow just a few guidelines and you’ll master the mix and match trend easily. Let loose! You’re a mix and match expert now and can create your own space without any constraints.

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26 Comments

  • Sumi Wigna says:

    Hi, I live in Whitby On and would like to purchase one of your customized dining table. Do you deliver and what are your delivery charges?

  • Cathleen Meyer says:

    I purchased a Canadel dining set in 1999 and still love it. It is such a quality product. I would like to update the stain color. Do you have a recommendation on how and where I should get that done? There is very little wear on the table (use it daily) due to the quality stain process you use. I want to make sure I get it refinished propertly.

    • Canadel says:

      Hi Cathleen, you may contact the dealer where you bought your Canadel dining set, they will be able to help you.

  • rachel says:

    Hi! Can someone please tell me where I can find/buy the beaded chandelier in the photo with the white dining table under mix and match?
    Thank you!

    Rachel

    • Canadel says:

      Hi Rachel, unfortunately this chandelier was bought by a stylist and she can’t remember where she bought it from.

  • Annhawkins says:

    Wondering where you get the light green bottles you use as vases on the Champlain dining set photo. I also like the goblets pictured. Lastly, the blue thistles you put in small glass jars and the lovely china with birds . I am interested on sources thanks

  • Heidi Stevens says:

    What is the color of the bench and wood tone chairs opposite the bench?

  • Jessica Perry says:

    What table is in this pic/ article? Love it

  • cathy hamilton says:

    I have a peppercorn washed canadel dining set and am moving. I would like to change the color of it for my new house. Is the set stained or painted? Thank you.

  • Priscilla Berry says:

    Hi, I am an interior designer new to Newnan, Georgia and just recently saw your line in a showroom in Newnan. I plan on purchasing at least a dining room table from you in the next couple of months for my own home.

    But wondering about your chairs. Do you ever do COM’s on them? I would like to be able to put one of your bright colored fabrics on the seats of the chairs and then a patterned fabric to match on the back of each of them.

    Thanks for answering my question and looking forward to having one of your lovely pieces in my home!

  • julie says:

    I have a mint condition dark cherry birch dining set and I want to stain it darker (black or close to that). I want to do it myself. I can’t find any info. anywhere on how to do that. Can I use a gel stain? Do I have to sand it? Light sand, full sand?
    Thank you.

    • Canadel says:

      Hi Ms. Palmese, we received your questions.
      The marketing team is in communication with the production team to help you. We will get back to you in the next few days.
      Have a good weekend !

      Melissa

    • Canadel says:

      Hello Ms. Palmese,

      Here is the information that the production team tells to me :

      We recommend sanding the piece to bare wood before applying any stain or paint so it will be absorbed evenly. We do use a catalyzed lacquer on all of our products. You may contact a local woodworker if you want additional help on how to restain your furniture.

      Thank you and have a good day !

      Melissa

  • Bonnie Troubh says:

    Hi I am moving and want to change the color of my top and the seats of my chairs am I able to order just those pieces?

    • Canadel says:

      Hello Bonnie,

      Thank you for contacting Canadel. To obtain dye and fabric, please contact your Canadel authorized dealer. The store will be able to place an order directly with us.
      Different formats are available to you, the quantities vary between ¼ liter to 4 liters. Your dealer can also give you all the details regarding the price.

      It is my pleasure to assist you, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have further questions.

      Have a great day
      Melissa

  • Rachel says:

    Hi, I’m
    Buying a dining set from a friend. She said it’s Canadel brand. How do I know it’s made by Canadel?

    • Canadel says:

      Hello Rachel,
      Thank you for contacting Canadel.
      You can look under the table or under the chairs and find the white label with the furniture information.
      If you have other questions, I invite you to send it to us on one of our social networks (Instagram or Facebook) or by email at information@canadel.ca.

      Thank you and have a good day !

      Melissa

  • I would like to know if I was to order this table if it would look like the one in this photo. I have seen some in the stores but none in this colour and they look very dupistressed. This photo I love and it does not appear to be as beat up as the tables in the stores. It is hard to see a piece of furniture in this colour and table. I really want it but am afraid of the outcome. Where can I see an actual?… NS….

    • Canadel says:

      Hi !
      Thank you for your interest.
      You request has been forwarded to our customer service team. Please check your e-mails in a few days.

      Have a good day!

  • Marcia Connolly says:

    Where can I purchase matching stain for my dining table? . It was originally peppercorn wash.

    • Canadel says:

      Hi Marcia,
      Thank you for contacting Canadel. To purchase stain, please contact your Canadel authorized retailer. The retailer will be able to place an order directly with us. Different sizes are available to you, quantities varying between ¼ liter to 4 liters. Your retailer can also give you all the details about price.

      I hope this information is useful to you. Please contact me if you have further questions. I will be happy to help you.
      Have a great day.

      Melissa
      Coordinator – web and communications

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