Ah! The art of counter balance gives rooms such a twist and is one of the most under used components in the decorating puzzle. For example lets say you have a marble island, beautiful but super-hard. I would soften such a thing with a pair of beautiful suede 50’s Italian bar stools, or a curvy pendant light floating above.
So the trick is to choose materials that work beautifully together when contrasted (plaster walls, big baskets laden with firewood for example). Strong patinas, beautiful veining, slubby textures, things that act in opposition.
