Faux wood blinds fit a mix of contemporary and traditional styles

A chair found at a flea market can be re-upholstered and given a new look with high quality fabric. Or an inexpensive lamp from a second-hand store can be freshened with a coat of paint on the base and topped with a new lampshade.

In both cases, keeping the best of its old look and updating the worn parts of repurposed furniture allows homeowners to give their rooms a décor that looks as if it grew over time.

The effect doesn't have to come simply from new purchases, according to House Beautiful magazine. Using furniture and accessories that homeowners already possess can be another way to coordinate pieces that haven't been used together previously.

The magazine noted that one interior designer outfitted an 18th century farmhouse on Long Island with a mix of antique and thrift shop finds over modern seagrass rugs.

Window treatments offer an easy way to create a look that will go with both modern and traditional furnishings. For example, faux wood blinds from Blinds Chalet have the rich look of real wood, but the durability and ease of care of man-made materials. Currently, the company has a sale that allows homeowners to get one set free with the purchase of three sets of faux wood blinds.