The big statement in home fashion this fall is “it’s all in the mix.” And that mix is a balance of vintage, modern and new. Think of the faded elegance of classic French chairs upholstered in rustic burlap and rich, luxurious tufted aged leather sofas calling out for an afternoon nap or an evening spent fireside curled up with a great old book.

Mixing up metal finishes is hot right now; gleaming nickel and chrome on retro-style cocktail and occasional tables takes us back to the glamour of old Hollywood. Layers of paint built up over decades gives a vintage iron patio set a sumptuous patina as it does a new turn as an indoor dining room ensemble.

I for one always mourn the end of summer but these days bringing the garden inside is a perfect way to enjoy the warmth of summer year-round. Great topiaries of garden moss fill carved stone birdbaths. Why not place them on a coffee table?

Recently like so many others I have rediscovered the joys of a country auction and a good estate sale. Bringing together elements of the past and presenting them in a wonderful new way. I have found great pieces of folk art, antique needlepoint footstools, heavy, clear Depression glass and weighty mahogany desks that all bring importance to new rooms – giving them added dimension and warmth, a sense of history and place.

The eclectic look has always been chic, but now it is more refined. Rooms have taken on a much lighter look. Regardless of your style, don’t overcrowd your space. Careful editing will allow each piece to stand alone almost as a piece of sculpture, yet complement the other pieces in the room.

Venture out and enjoy collecting anything that strikes your fancy. Collections, whether they be of vintage glass, original art or porcelain, make a much stronger statement when shown together as a group. Collections not only give a room character, but they say something about the person who has taken the time to assemble them. Collections don’t need to be priceless to have an important place in you room.

Color is always a major factor in any room. Deep, dense and moody colors in shades of smoky grey, taupe and rich browns to gold, provide a perfect backdrop for your furniture and treasured possessions. Think of the colors you see in an art gallery, these colors were chosen to showcase the art hanging on the wall to its best advantage. It only makes sense that the same color palette would make everything (and everyone) in your room look great.

And, speaking of art, people often are intimidated by the thought of purchasing artwork. There are no rules. Make sure that you buy something that you love and want to see every day. Art is meant to be enjoyed and is truly a reflection of the person who chooses it, whether it be a watercolor of a local seascape or an original oil of a pastoral setting or a very bold abstract. Original artwork is often thought to be out of reach for many. This can’t be further from the truth. We are fortunate to live in a time that we can access talented artists whose work covers every possible style, medium and price point via the internet.

Artwork by Wanda Pepin

With antiques, vintage and new pieces, add some color and have fun with art. So go ahead and mix it up…

Authored by Tony Venetucci who is the founder-owner of Venetucci Home. This article first appeared in the home design magazine Coastal Homes.