A Fresh Take on Design Consistency

A common misconception in the world of interior design is the idea that everything needs to match perfectly. Spoiler alert: it doesn't! This is an outdated approach that often leads to spaces that feel more like showrooms than lived-in, personality-filled homes.

The Matching Myth

You've probably heard me preach about the importance of consistency in design, especially when it comes to those small details (see an example of how this goes wrong, here.) But here's the twist: consistency doesn't always mean matching everything perfectly. There's an important distinction between 'matching' and 'coordinating.'

Does my sink need to match my taps?

Nope! Different finishes can create visual interest and depth in your space.

Do my taps need to match my appliances?

Not necessarily! What matters more is how these elements work together in the overall design scheme.

The Real Secret: Complementary Design

While I'm all about being consistent in your choices, not everything has to be a perfect match. The key is to ensure that all elements complement each other. It's like assembling a great outfit - not everything needs to be the same colour, but it all needs to work together harmoniously.

Key Principles for Success

CHOOSE A UNIFYING ELEMENT
This could be a colour tone, a finish (matte or glossy), design style (modern, traditional, eclectic etc.), quality level and shape language (curved or angular).
CONSIDER THE OVERALL AESTHETIC
Define your space’s personality. Make sure each piece contributes to the broader vision of your space.
PLAY WITH CONTRASTS
Sometimes, a carefully chosen contrast can add depth and interest to your design. Mix rough and smooth textures, balance light and dark elements, layer old and new pieces.
MAINTAIN CONSISTENCY IN QUALITY
Even if styles differ, keeping a consistent level of quality helps tie everything together. Invest in key visible elements, focus on craftsmanship and choose materials appropriate for use.
THINK IN TERMS OF FAMILIES
Items don't need to match exactly, but they should feel like they belong to the same 'family' of design. Group elements by style, coordinate scale and proportion, match tones rather than exact colours.

The Importance of Flow

Here's the crucial part: whatever approach you choose - be it matching or complementing - it needs to follow through in the rest of the house or space. This creates a sense of flow and intentionality that will lift your entire design. Consider the following:

REPETITION WITH VARIATION
Echo colours in different materials, repeat patterns in different applications, link spaces through consistent details.
VISUAL THREADING
Use consistent accent colours, repeat textural elements, carry one finish throughout as a common element.

Examples in Action

A stainless steel sink can look amazing with brass taps if the brass tone is echoed in light fixtures or cabinet hardware.
White appliances can work beautifully with black taps if you carry the black and white contrast theme throughout the space.

The Takeaway

Design is about creating a cohesive look, not a matchy-matchy one. It's about making intentional choices that work together to tell your unique design story.

Remember:

Consistency ≠ matching
Focus on complementary elements
Consider the overall flow
Trust your eye
Allow for personality
Embrace thoughtful contrast

The best spaces are those that feel collected over time, not ordered from a catalogue. By understanding and applying these principles of complementary design, you can create rooms that are both sophisticated and lived-in, professional and personal. The goal isn't perfection – it's harmony. And sometimes, the most beautiful harmony comes from unexpected combinations.

So, go ahead and mix it up – just make sure you do it with purpose! 💫