How should a do-it-yourselfer approach furniture shopping?
Think scale, height and finish.
First, take a look at the scale of your home. If you have high ceilings and large spaces, you may be thinking large-scale furnishings. Do you detailed woodwork or lighting? If so, look for furnishings with similar details. Do not mix bulky with refined. Furnishings should be of a similar scale. Take a look at the chair legs. Are they thin? Then most of your furnishings should have thin details.
Make sure sofa arms are at least an inch above side tables or the tables will look too high. Coffee table height should be close to the seat height of the sofa or lounge chairs.
Finishes should be a similar sheen; if most your finishes are rough or matte, avoid adding highly polished pieces. The same goes for level of distressing. You can easily mix painted pieces with stained one if you keep to these rules. — Anne Grice Interiors, Aspen (annegrice.com, 970-927-1074)
“Ask the Experts” your design and remodeling questions by sending e-mail to marina@denverdesign.com. Responses are compiled for Room by the Denver Design District (denverdesign or 303-282-3226).
