A mix of old and new furnishings give rooms a look that's grown over time

Home decorators who mix old and new furnishings can give their rooms a décor that looks as if it grew over time.

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

According to House Beautiful magazine, interior designer Tom Scheerer outfitted an 18th century farmhouse on Long Island with a mix of antique and thrift shop finds over contemporary floor coverings such as a seagrass rug.

"[He] grouped his clients heirloom antiques with newer pieces for a relaxed conversation between styles," the magazine reported.

Another example would be to find flea market chairs and reupholster them in high-quality fabric. In the same way, 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.

Window treatments offer an easy way to create an uncluttered, contemporary look that will go with both modern and traditional furnishings. For example, soft sheer shades are durable, but have an elegant look. They allow filtered light to stream into a room, but also provide visibility of outside views.