Whether we inherited it or purchased it in a moment of madness, most of us have a cherished piece of furniture or art that, according to the gurus of design, simply doesn't go with the rest of the room.
Should we accept the experts' verdict and consign this personal treasure to the attic? I think not.
If the piece in question has more than sentimental value -- that is, if it truly qualifies as a work of fine design -- it can probably find a comfortable place in just about any sort of setting. Some modifications in the surroundings may be needed, however, in order for the item to look its best.
A good example is the placement of the Venetian-style secretary shown in the photo. Let's consider how the late James Peterson, a Baltimore designer, made this piece fit aesthetically within the context of a contemporary bedroom.
This poetic reminder of the glory of Venice was installed amid a prosaically functional set of shelves. The off-white background of the richly decorative secretary was chosen as the color to be used on the walls and on the lacquered shelving unit. The rust color and touches of green in the painted replica secretary were meanwhile picked up in the carpet, the upholstery and bed covering.
Sharp color contrasts would not have worked as well in this small space, with its basically conservative styling.
A contemporary desk chair could certainly have been used here with no damage to the overall design. But the choice of a chair more compatible in styling and color made the secretary seem less exotic. No one would now view it as an intrusion or an afterthought, even though the secretary has little in common with any object in the room other than the chair.
My advice, then, is to carefully relate your own treasured object with its surroundings. Consider not only aesthetic factors such as size, color and styling, but also practical matters like the amount of money to be spent on the project.