From Coral Nafie,
Your Guide to Interior Decorating.
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Sometimes you walk into a room that is perfectly decorated, only to get the feeling that things are just "too perfect." Sometimes all that's needed is a little surprise--something that doesn't really belong but adds a touch of whimsy.

In this type of situation, I like to add the unexpected.

In a perfectly traditional room with matching sofas, matching end tables, matching side chairs, and matching lamps, consider adding something ultra modern. A modern painting, a minimalist chair or table, or a contemporary sculpture could be just what's needed to jolt your eye away from the boring.

In a very contemporary interior with stark white walls, black furniture, sleek and smooth surfaces, try a textured area rug in fuscia, add a bold-patterned pillow on a chair, place a pair of classic silver candlesticks and colored candles or a traditional floral arrangement on a dining room table. Just something enough to break the tedious look of everything matching.

Try it! You'll probably like it.

Read more Quick Tips in our Directory of Quick Tips.