Colin and Justin: Design game, set and match

Although written off by some, matchy-matchy has a role to play

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Hmm, we’re certain that opinion will polarize (at best) if we suggest that ‘matchy matchy’ home design is poised to make a comeback.

Yes indeed, the very thought of co-ordinated wallpaper and half height borders (the 1980s padded cell look was so, ahem, chi chi: not) let alone matching fabric and faux mahogany furniture ‘sets’ is enough to make any self-respecting creative run for the hills.

Let’s be honest, the dubious aesthetic was a lazy choice (literally ‘same old, same old’) a veritable pattern mass killing that suffocated every space it touched.

Consigned, these days, to the hinterland (for the most part, certainly) by taste arbiters the world over, the stuffy period is considered a decorating misadventure, one that’s unlikely to return at any time soon. At least not in its entirety…

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As stylists, we prefer mixing each schematic layer – in relation to other aspects – that feature during the same project. We thrill in the art of ‘the find’, that exciting moment when something unique is hauled from oblivion to be layered into the bigger picture.

When we specify ‘random’ pieces, we aim to roll them into a cohesive overall vision, but it’s not always easy, doing so is a craft we’ve honed across a long career.

Getting it ‘right’ is undeniably satisfying, though for the less experienced it can be challenging. Whilst the design and shape of one piece might make it seem the perfect find, proportion and scale could very well prove a project’s undoing.

Nightstands bought on a whim, for example, may feel inadequately low – or high – in relation to your bed, drawer set or chairs. Similarly, that bargain dresser mightn’t be quite the steal it seemed when you realise its bulk, when teamed with other items.

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Most of our projects are a collation of new, antique and ‘complimentary’ inventory, all of which is arranged to comfortably coexist as part of our broader plan. Mood such as this has always resonated.

But sometimes we like bucking our own trend, which is where today’s matchy-matchy debate comes back into the fray. Albeit without the (*coughs) coordinating roster of fabric, wallpaper and drapery, the homogenous marriage of which is decoratively unsettling.

It’s at this juncture bedroom ‘sets’ (such as Corsa, featured today, from www.westbrosfurniture.com) come into their own. The ‘risk’ is removed, as each component is carefully envisioned to complement the bigger picture.

All the hard work is done: ‘range’ specification means foolproof ‘point and play’. Better still, Corsa is designed and produced in Canada. Low, lean and sturdily constructed from solid white oak (available in multiple finishes) the bed’s clean lines are matched by appropriately scaled nightstands and a six-drawer dresser that completes the tryptic.

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Note the schematic backdrop we assembled to let the furniture speak for itself: a muted palette of earthy tones and textural finishes. A quality furniture set such as this will happily navigate fluctuations in taste, and the fluid nature of what’s considered hot and what’s not.

Furthermore, the set’s calming, modern lines will easily accommodate a changing backdrop of wall finishes, drapery and flooring.

On the companion dresser sits a collection of pots and bowls, a mis matched inventory that plays in perfect harmony to the bedroom set itself.

To amplify the tailored aesthetic, we hung a vintage pitchfork (found at a garage sale for twenty bucks) above the bed, and layered in outsized wicker candle lanterns, a steal on red ticket from Winners at just sixty dollars each.

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The bedding is deliberately unfussy: oatmeal toned cotton, dressed with an H&M faux fur throw and cushions from our own accessory ‘library’ – ie our basement! – from which we plunder detailing fodder, as and when required.

The essence of this pared back bedroom whispers less is more. And whilst the furniture set is certainly from a carefully considered matching collection, the room itself feels far from matchy matchy.

And for that blessing (devoid of the padded cell aesthetic that typified the worst aspects of 1980s decorating) guests can sleep comfortably…

Watch for Colin and Justin on City-tv’s Breakfast Television and Colin and Justin’s Sub- Zero Reno on Paramount TV.  Find the Colin and Justin Home Collection in stores across Canada. Visit www.colinandjustin.tv.

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