There are times, however, when matching items create visual balance and harmony. While the daring may still choose to have a more eclectic approach I believe there are certain situations where having a pair of items make sense.
When to use matching items
If you are flanking anything that may be considered a focal point in a room then you might want to consider a matching set on either side to create symmetry. For example, if you are flanking a fireplace with two chairs, then they should be matching or very similar to achieve a sense of visual balance. Matching topiaries on either side of the fireplace will further support visual proportion. Bordering a headboard with matching bedside tables is not necessary but will create more visual continuity than using two different tables. The side tables however, do not necessarily have to match the headboard and the rest of the furniture.
In the dining room, unless you prefer an eclectic look, I think that a formal dining table requires matching chairs as well. You can, however, opt to have a sideboard and/or china cabinet that does not match the table and chairs, but rather, are complementary to the other pieces. Matching table, chairs, china cabinet and hutch may look a little over-the-top and impersonal. On that formal dining table, a set of matching china will create an elegant look. To add your own twist on things, you can add in similar items, like charger plates in a solid, complimentary colour, that do not match the china pattern, but again, are complementary to the table setting.
Bed linens
I often compare decorating to clothing fashions to make a point. In dressing the bedroom, think of buying a sharp suit for the office. You wouldn't buy an outfit wherein some marketing guru at the clothing company pre-chose the suit, shirt, socks, shoes, and jewelry because this leaves you no room for adding in your own tastes and personality. You do, however, want to start with a good basic suit and add complementary items from there to show off your unique sense of style.
The simplicity of matching linens in a bag is handy but can be somewhat visually inert. I think that starting with a solid base -- as in a matching comforter and sham set -- is a good place to start. You can then add in your own accents like sheets, accent pillows and draperies in complementary colours to create your own unique space. You have to create some visual balance by starting with a good bedspread/duvet, shams and possibly a bed skirt but you don't necessarily want to buy into matching drapes, sheets and wallpaper as well. That's a little overkill in my book. When you look at these sets in home decor catalogues it sometimes looks like the pattern exploded in the room. It would be like wearing a sundress, hat, shoes, stockings and handbag all in the same pattern.
Be sure to check back next week as I'm featuring a bedroom that encompasses what I'm talking about in finding balance between matching items and your own sense of flair.
In the bathroom
Again, the bathroom is an arena where home decor marketing 'geniuses' have created a matchy world of sets. Again, an explosion of pattern in a very small space, I might add. Do bring in continuity by having, say, matching towels and shower curtain, for instance, but add in your own unique touches with different bathroom mats and countertop accessories. The cup and toothpaste holders are a good place to use a matching set and perhaps a waste can, but stop there. It's harder to put your own stamp on the bathroom decor because we are all of the mindset that each piece has to match and that's how the products are presented to us. Go the distance and look a little further to create a space that has visual continuity but that also has a sense of your own unique style. I did this in my own bathroom by making my own shower curtain in a great fabric, then finding complementary accessories to complete the space.
In the kitchen
A great set of glassware, cutlery and dishes are all good bases for the kitchen. Having mismatched sets of cutlery and dishes might make your kitchen feel chaotic and disorganized. To these matching sets, add in your own unique linens and table accessories to support your design desires.
Some items just naturallycome in pairs
Like shoes and earrings, there are many decor items that come in matching pairs. For the most part, these pairs should not be broken up. Items like salt and pepper shakers, formal candlesticks, bookends, pillowcases and drapery panels should remain in pairs in most situations.
