Feeling blue? Take two + More
The weekly micro-decorating newsletter * Issue 1 of 13, W26 * Subscribe free *
Welcome to the Winter 2026 season of guy with an eye! The year is still new and I hope you're ready for its fresh possibilities. When it comes to your home, this could be the year you make it the sanctuary you deserve. Over the next thirteen weeks, I'll offer you my tips on the small stuff, the little tweaks and adjustments that lead to big improvements in mood.
The glut of inspirational home imagery out there can have the opposite of its intended effect. The rooms can feel so far beyond reach that our own spaces sink into stagnation. My prescription for this state of near-despair is simple:
- Take two objects you like from around your home.
- Put them together and see what happens.
It may sound absurdly low-key, but the surprising aesthetic sparks that result can encourage you to dream bigger and try more. In the meantime, you have near-effortless proof that you're capable of following your design instincts where they lead.
I've been using this two-step method around my apartment recently, in an effort to dislodge 2025's remnants and see things in a new light. A favourite brass sculpture found a new home on a sharp-edged perfume box:
A miniature Ikea chair met a slim volume by Josef Albers, turning it into a colourful carpet:
Bold typography got cozy, a book by Rem Koolhaas and Bruce Mau joining forces with postcards of type specimens collected by Tobias Frere-Jones:
A lingering Christmas tree topper came to rest on a black space age ashtray:
A weird bit of packaging from a Tom Dixon vase cast its shadows on an exhibition catalogue from a 1972 furniture exhibition at the Louvre:
A vintage ruler tickled the spokes of a ceramic plate from Portugal:
These pairings reminded me of a photo from a few years back, where I combined a piece by Hamilton-based artist Erin McPhee with a popular dystopian novel:
I was intrigued by the way the swimming pool on the book cover seemed to complete the scene created by the house. Some combinations feel like preordained marriages.
Now it's your turn to try this at home. No need to hunt for likely matches. Just grab and go... and see how the outcome anticipates the discoveries of a brand new year.
From the archives
We've looked at pairing objects before, with a focus on bracing contrasts:
If you'd like to be bolder with your combos, this piece is for you:
Guy Koolhof
Coming next week
The Interior Design Show starts tomorrow and goes until Sunday. Just like last year, I'll bring you highlights in our next issue.
They can sign up here. It's published on Wednesdays.
Thank you for reading.
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