The reality for most New Zealanders is that their home is a mismatched collection of tchotchkes and furniture amassed over the years. Despite wanting a cohesive interior space, we might find ourselves unable to part with key items that clash.

Perfectly imperfect

Sam Tuuta at Tuuta Home and Design shares her perspective with Ben O’Connell on finding intention and unity in curating our perhaps mismatched spaces.

How can texture unify mismatched pieces?

Texture does a lot of quiet work in a room. You can have furniture from different eras or styles, but repeating certain materials helps them speak to each other. Timber, rattan, wool, and linen all carry a natural warmth. When a few of these textures appear throughout a space, the room starts to feel settled and intentional.

tuuta home and design cozy living room

Can colour and tone add cohesion?

Yes. Choose a tonal direction, either warm or cool, and stick with it. Then repeat one or two colours throughout the space in smaller ways. A cushion, a vase, artwork, or even a pile of books will do it. Cohesion is not about matching everything. It is about gentle repetition, so the room feels calm to the eye.

How should storage handle cluttered, varied items?

Not everything needs to be in view. Utilise closed storage for items in everyday use, and save open shelving for pieces you want to enjoy seeing. When styling shelves, group small clusters of objects together in a similar tone or material. Leave some empty space. A little breathing room makes the whole shelf feel more considered.

tuuta home and design modern kitchen sink

How do you balance personality with cohesion?

Personality brings life to a home. Choose one or two pieces to stand out and let the rest support them. This keeps the room feeling thoughtful instead of busy. You don’t have to be neutral or quiet, just intentional.

Is it okay for pieces to intentionally clash?

Yes. A deliberate clash can add energy. For it to work, keep one thing constant. If the patterns clash, let the colours relate. If the styles clash, let the scale or shape create balance. What’s important is that it looks like a choice, not an accident.

tuuta home and design stylish modern kitchen interior

What if I’m ashamed of my mismatched space?

Homes hold real life in them. They are never meant to be perfect. Just start small: clear one shelf, or reconfigure one corner. Move one object you love into a better place. Small changes alter the feeling of a room far more than you believe. Mismatched can be full of character; disorder is temporary.

What is your design perspective?

I care about how a space feels to live in. I like mixing old and new and working with natural materials wherever possible. I think design should be comfortable, personal, and practical. A home should reflect the people who live there and let them feel settled when they walk in the door.

Visit tuuta.co.nz for more expert advice and interior design inspiration.