How to mix it up

Throw a furniture party: Think of your room as a dinner party. To get a great dialogue going, you invite people of all ages and various walks of life. It’s like that with furniture. Seek out different vintages -- new, old and old-old. And don’t buy all your stuff in one store. If you buy everything in the same place, everything blends together. Mix things up.

Pull it together: Use color or fabrics to bring cohesiveness to the room, and let lighting and accessories add drama and interest.

Scout with photos: Use color or fabrics to give the room cohesiveness. Bring a camera when you go shopping and take pictures of the pieces you are considering. Lay them out and see how they work together.

Don’t be ageist: The biggest decorating mistake is buying everything new. A room with all-new furniture is a little soulless. One pedigreed piece in each room adds so much interest and richness. Older furniture has more soul, and the craftsmanship and detailing are incredible.

Source material: You can get great antique furniture at one of my favorite stores -- JF Chen on Melrose Avenue. I also like Rubbish in Silver Lake and Pegaso on La Cienega Boulevard. Then go to Crate &Barrel; for accessories like sisal carpets and candleholders.

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-- Maryann Hammers