All new furniture can be a blast, but for some unique elegance that avoids the ordinary, it's worth going the extra step to create an eclectic mix of vintage and contemporary pieces. It's a great way to show off the flair of your own personal style, while recycling or upcycling some classics. Here are some ideas to help get you started:

Look at the items you already have, and work from there. It’s a good idea to keep larger items, like your couch or comforter, to simple, soothing, neutral colors, and then infuse personality and color with smaller items. Bring in stylish accessories like great pillows, stylish lamps, and attractive art work. To give your home a lived-in look, don't purchase all your furnishings and accessories at one place — that will look bland. Instead, purchase pieces over time, and keep your eyes open when you visit thrift, antique, and second-hand store.

For more advice, check out this list of tips for mixing vintage and modern pieces, along with this article on how to mix vintage and modern!