Furniture how to mix Traditional & Modern (colors, design, contemporary)

[vertui]

Recently we bought this Sofa set:
http://www.vertui.com/index.aspx?cur...86&tra=1&mod=1
My wife wants to add a traditional style fabric arm chair to our living room for her comfort. I have little idea of interior design. Can anyone suggest some basic rules on the subject of tastefully mixing different styles?
Would it be more preferable to have the fabric of the chair a similar color or to have contrasting colors like blue with modern pattern on the fabric?
Any suggestions will be much appreciated.

[hothulamaui]

I would try to find something that follows the same lines of the sofa. a contrasting color or pattern would be nice just to break up the solid of the vouch. you could check ut a company called Ekornes they make contemprory leather and micro suede chairs that are very comfortable, expensive but great for a bad back, you can find cheaper knock offs too so you don't have to go traditional just for comfort if you don't want to. good luck

[Cattknap]

I would get some help - since you have no experience, you could certainly make some costly mistakes in trying to achieve the look you want. Look in magazines, decorating books and on-line sources. Many high end furniture stores have interior decorators on staff - go in and pick their brains for a while.

Generally speaking, mixing contemporary and traditional can be tricky but it is one of my favorite looks. You need fabric along with that leather so I wouldn't add more leather but do thing about additions like a glass coffee table, wood side tables, modern artwork and throw pillows, your rug could be either traditional (muted colors and pattern) or contemporary (geometric or splashes of color).....subtle not over the top contemporary.

I find that dark leather couches will darken a room so make sure your accent colors and fabrics add some life to the setting. Your wall color is important too - something with a warm base to it but not dark.....like I said - get some professional advice and proceed cautiously and carefully in your purchases.