How to Mix and Decorate With Ethan Allen's American Artisan Style

Select the main finish of the wood for your living room or bedroom: light or dark. Although the two can be mixed and matched, it's best to determine what overall effect the furniture will have on the room. Selecting darker furniture can lend coolness to a bright room, whereas lighter colored furniture can warm up an austere room.

Choose American Artisan pieces that have the same finish but different architectural styles. Many of the Ethan Allen pieces are available in a variety of finishes, including cinnamon, cider, chocolate and poppy seed. This technique will give the room a finished look, as all of the pieces will be the same color. Different styling details, such as the rails, handles and other individual features, will blend in together.

Select pieces that share architectural details, but differ in the finishing color. Utilizing this technique will give the room a polished, yet eclectic look, as the architectural details will hold the pieces together.

Add finishing pieces that will complete a room. You might not realize how important an end table or side chair may be until you have guests over. End tables are important for holding drinks, small books or other temporary items, while side chairs are useful when you're a seat short.