Mixing Old and New

Throw the whole thing a curveball. Madcap is the only way to describe these electric-green Wormley for Dunbar sofas. The upholstery color, which doesn't get repeated elsewhere, magically undercuts the formal furniture arrangement.

Balance is good; matching, not so much. Although they convey an underlying (and reassuring) symmetry, the room's built-in bookshelves steer clear of predictability. This set eats up an entire wall with black cubbies. The other frames a white mantel. The sharp contrast makes each one equal parts refined and kicky.