It doesn’t get much more cliche than the phrase “opposites attract.” In the 1950s, an American sociologist named Robert Francis Winch coined the term in reference to romantic partnerships. Winch conducted a study of married couples and came to the conclusion that relationships don’t work because of the similarities between two partners—they work because of the differences.
The study suggested that people seek out partners who have the characteristics that they themselves lack, and that the best couples are comprised of two partners whose personalities complement each other.
The same is true for interior styling.
When you place two contrasting elements next to each other, their differences are emphasized. Think about a black painting mounted on a white wall. Now picture the same painting mounted on a black wall. On the black wall, the painting blends in, and its intensity is diminished. But on the white wall, it becomes a dramatic focal point.
In interior design and styling, this concept is referred to as juxtaposition.
How to Juxtapose Decor Styles
When you’re grouping furniture and decor together, you can create balance by bringing in an element that juxtaposes the overall style of the room.
Here are some examples:
Masculine and Feminine
Masculine and feminine pieces will always balance each other out nicely. Adding a traditionally masculine piece, like a brown leather sofa, to a space with an overall feminine style will create contrast and allow the surrounding dainty elements to really shine.
Dark and Light
Light, bright, airy rooms practically beg for a darker element to hold them down. Using dark flooring or a dark area rug will anchor an all-white room and make the brightness of the white elements even more obvious.
Boxy and Curved
Soft, rounded furniture like a curved couch and an oval coffee table look great together, but they need a boxier element to balance them out. Adding a piece with square edges will keep the curviness in check and prevent it from overwhelming the space.
Old and New
This one isn’t really a style, but it’s an important reminder for all of you thrifters out there. I love a treasure hunt and buy a lot of my home decor and furniture second-hand. But when you put too many antique pieces together, you can end up with a space that feels like a charity shop. Adding a few obviously new pieces into the mix will balance out the second-hand feel and create a better overall look.
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