What do you do when you have two people with two very different design styles under one roof? Designer Andrea Ford is here to show us how to find a balance when one person's style is Modern and the other likes Traditional!

Then it's all about the lamps! Andrea shows us 5 unique lamps she loves!
 
 A lot of times, when a couple move in together, they can have very different design likes. For instance, one might love Modern and the other might love Traditional, so it's important to find that balance. When it comes to décor, many people believe in the 80/20 rule - meaning a room should incorporate 80% of one style and only 20% of another - but Andrea believes that mixing styles gives a space more depth and character. She says, if the colours work well together, you can go 50/ 50 all the way!

ANDREA'S 50/50 DESIGN TIPS:

• Find a wall colour that works for both aesthetics - Ice Pick Grey by Para Paints is great because it's gender neutral and works well with Modern and Traditional.
• A classic white console is a great point of balance in a space.
• Frame "artwork" in similar frames or mix canvases with gilded frames and mirrors. And don't be afraid to add pops of solid colour to take the curves off traditional!
  

When mixing Modern and Traditional, it's good to have one "Exotic" piece to bring the 2 looks together, such as an animal hide or something with international flare.


Cowhide rug from Ikea.

Classic formal pieces work best with modern pieces for the most contrast. For instance, pair a modern chair such as the classic mid-century modern Egg Chair with a traditional side table, or a traditional chair such as this stunning piece from Re-Style with a modern spool table. Incorporate a mix of prints and solids by adding throw cushions to break up the monochromatic look!







Often "traditional" pieces need a bit of an update...As we saw on the show, Andrea's traditional lamp wasn't always so gorgeous...

Here is the lamp before:

• Remove the shade (if there is one) and place the finial to one side
• Clean base with an all-purpose/grease cleaner 
• Cover the cord with tinfoil or painter's tape close to the base and coil the cord so it isn't in the way 
• Remove the harp and cover the socket with tinfoil or painter's tape 
• Spray the base with primer (look for one that covers all surfaces: metal, ceramic, plastic and wood) 
• Let primer dry at least 2 hours 
• Spray cover colour in many thin layers, letting dry completely between each 
• Repeat the primer and paint on the finial to match the base 
• Lightly sand any paint bubbles in between coats if needed with fine steel wool or sand paper  
• To replace the shade, measure the lamp from 1" below the socket, or 1" above the top of the base (depending on the shape) to the top of the harp
  

For the most modern or dynamic look, find a shade in a colour other than white, in new shapes such as tall cylinders, drum shades or square shades.

While we're on the topic of lamps, we asked Andrea to choose 5 unique lamps she loves. The winners are...




This clear blue glass lamp and matching shade in bold blue is an unexpected colour vehicle.



A tall chrome/black lamp with exaggerated is height perfect for entranceway or on a sofa table.



The Terra Cotta faceted ceramic base with white glaze and linen shade on this organic style lamp creates a perfect rustic modern feeling.



This unique handcrafted lamp by Tahir Mahmood mimics ceramic beads stacked together. It works perfectly in modern or transitional spaces. Each lamp is different - we absolutely love the colour combination in this one! 



An architectural task floor lamp brings industrial elements and lines. A utilitarian piece and raw elegance in one!

Where to get it:

Andrea Ford

Mixing Modern & Traditional
Traditional Chair from Re-Style Studio
Egg Chair, Floor Lamp from Elte
Para Paints
White Console from HomeSense
Modern Art, Cowhide Rug, Red bowl from Ikea
Traditional art & Apothecary jars, Andrea's own

Lamps
Blue lamp, Tall Chrome with black shade from Homesense
Terra Cotta Lamp from West Elm
Tahir Mahmood lamp from Pimlico Gallery
Floor lamp from Elte