5 Unexpected Design Duos That Actually Go Really, Really Well Together

As overrated as the saying is, opposites really do attract. We see it in iconic television show like Monica and Rachel on “Friends,” and Oscar and Felix from “The Odd Couple.” It’s all the rage in the world of fine dining (read: Dessert nachos are a thing and they are good!).

那么为什么室内设计有什么不同?它’s so easy to think that your home needs to match to perfection. You know, Scandinavian pieces in a super sleek home or rustic decor in a French farmhouse. Truth is, unconventional combinations can turn your space into a bonafide design moment.

Here, five design experts share unexpected design duos that actually work really well together.

“I love the juxtaposition of elements such as natural wood and raw metal or linen and leather in a room. Think a white lacquer table with natural woven dining chairs or a settee covered in silk velvet paired with industrial metal chairs.”—Jade Joyner, co-founder and principal designer ofMetal + Petal

“Pulling pieces from different eras together can also add unexpected whimsy and create an artfully designed space. Use a mid-century modern sideboard in a traditional room to give it an updated look or place a rustic chandelier in an ultra modern room to dress it down.”— Jade Joyner

“Overall I maintain clean furniture lines and mix them with unexpected moments, like an antique rug that drives the color scheme in the room. You would be surprised how well an antique rug could look with modern furniture.”—Janice Barta, interior designer

“The thought of combining a yellow rug with black-and-white gingham chairs initially sounds more bumble bee than it does chic, but we made it work atMaison. When selecting a bright color to use in a fairly neutral room, it’s important to find something that has an earthy undertone, such as this yellow rug fromArmadillo & Co.The shade of yellow manages to brighten the room, while still coming off as a modernized neutral. With the rug acting as a neutral, adding in a pattern doesn’t feel as intimidating. The walnut and brass detailing on these gingham chairs byStellar Workshelp tie everything together. While the pattern of the chairs is striking, they don’t feel overpowering against the rug. It simply adds an exciting element to the overall scheme.”—Jessica Kamel, interior designer atRonen Lev

“A small space is a big opportunity for something unexpected. I love to make small spaces super dramatic with a large scale pattern, a high gloss lacquer, or a deep, dark color.”—Laura Umansky, interior designer

“Classic architecture with boho style. If you love both styles and can’t decide, mix them! Classic paneling creates the perfect backdrop for a collection of art and objects.”—Laura Umansky