When I first started working after college people were still into matching shoes/purses and my Mother expected it of me! I did it for a bit and then realized that I really didn't care and I didn't have the time to be switching the contents of my purse. I invested in a classic black Fendi bag, that was quite expensive for someone who had just started working and it was the best thing for me. The bag lasted 5+ years being used daily. It had a classic look appropriate for the corporate world and I didn't have to "waste" time switching purses. I'm not one to blindly follow trends ... my Mother still matches!

LOL "It figures. Now that I am finally UNmatched, it's back. ", I echo that sentiment. ;-)
And I'm grinning at the thought of how my dear step-daughters are going to handle matchy matchy. They worked hard to get me un-matched.

I am unmatched and plan to stay unmatched.

Meh....

I was never a 'matchy' person, and I do not care one bit whether I am 'in' or 'out'.

I love matched tables, in a living room, so, guess, if and when, I ever find what I am looking for, I will be right in style. LOL I have some extra tables in there now, that are not matched, and they dont look the best, but, at least are functional, until I find what I am looking for.

Unmatched here, always have been, always will be, I fancy myself an original, though many think of me as a fashion and decor "Glamor Don't", and that's their prerogative.

And I have to say, never having had cable TV is a plus, if you don't watch it, you can't let it affect you or your choices.

sandyponder

Chispa---I am the same...carry a standard black bag all year and also can't be bothered switching contents all the time.

Somehow I ended up ordering (at different times) a tv console, end table and coffee table when we redid the LR. They do not match, but they are all expresso finish....I hate that they are all the same "color." And the coffee table and end table are up against a charcoal sofa and chair--no contrast. I bought them for their functionality (end table has drawers, coffee table is on hidden casters) and didn't realize they would all blend into the furniture....just not sure how to remedy it....they look blah.

Joanie, could you paint or refinish one of them to add a bit of variety/contrast.?

Oh good. 25 years ago, I bought matching easy chairs from Ethan Allen, back when the trend was one sofa and matching easy chairs in the LR (couldn't afford the de rigeur matching end & coffee tables too). It looks dated now, but I like the chairs too much to change them out. Maybe that look -- less eclectic, more pulled together -- will come back in style too.

Chispa, I have thought of painting one or both but have hesitated for fear of screwing it up...and not sure what color to go with. They weren't expensive pieces, but if I mess them up I have to buy new and we only plan to be in the house a few more years and probably won't take much furniture with us.

I like to hear about the trends (I enjoy décor mags and décor shows),but I'm not too worried about whether my décor, or my wardrobe, is in or out. I just thought it was interesting that the trends seem to have come full circle (again). I have a black handbag and black shoes pretty much all year, until summer when I pull out the brown handbag to go with my brown sandals.

I don't think it really matters if it's 'back' or not. It's a *choice* to have all tables, upholstered peces, bedroom set, dining room furniture, or whatever match and be of the same style and finish. Even though it may be old school it's still a good look, and very popular with many homeowners who choose not to go outside the box if they're not comfortable with it.

As for nail polish/lipstick or purse/shoes matching, I still subscribe to the theory it looks more pulled together, but definitely old school. In that respect, I guess I have to say I'm an old fashioned girl.

Sign, I do like to watch trends but I didn't realize this matching thing was that big of a deal. I realized that until recently, people had been heavily mixing their occasional pieces. But I didn't realize having some match was considered so dated (rather than style appropriate). Sigh, I'd worry about it, but I think I'm on trend again.

(I have managed to get rid of or minimize my coordinating pieces but have a few coordinating pairs around)

This post was edited by gooster on Tue, Oct 1, 13 at 0:04

I have both matching and nonmatching pieces in my house, and can appreciate both choices. All tables in my living room are unmatched, but the leather couches match and I think it makes for a cohesive look in my space, although I do admire those who can make unmatched upholstered pieces work together so well.

I've actually been considering getting an end table to match my RH Dutch Industrial coffee table, because I haven't found anything else I want, but for now I'm holding out for something different.

I agree with LuAnn, Sandyponder and others - I have never been a matchy person and don't intend on changing. It's just not me and it doesn't matter to me what is "in" or "out".

tina

I think whether it's in or out depends on who/what you are looking at. I was just looking through some Faudree books and he does a lot of matching. With all the layers, textures and patterns he uses, it is probably a good thing to simplify some layer of detail so the whole reads as cohesive, not just a bunch of stuff. His rooms have so much going on that I hadn't even noticed it before, just how much he repeats a fabric sometimes. It still looks organic and comfortable.

I had to check the mirror....turns out my nails and lips DO match!!!!! Except that some of my nails have white on the ends, and some have whatever color horse medicine is required today, purple....but sometimes it is green!!

Nancy

Matching end tables or chairs -- fine. Coordinating in some way but different -- great. I just don't like the look when people go to a generic furniture store and buy a "room" full of crappy matching pieces. That looks dumb to me.

I haven't matched my shoes and purses since I was in Junior High when I realized I didn't want to be like everyone else and haven't followed trends since. Not that I haven't liked some of them along the way, it's more of if I like it I'll buy/use/wear it, but I don't like things just because I've been told I should.