MIXING antique and modern furniture is the perfect way to create a timeless and unique interior.

Minimalism, with its uncluttered white space, may look good in Sunday supplement photographs but, for most of us, especially those raising a family, it's a hopelessly unrealistic lifestyle.

Like your clothes, your home should reflect your personal taste and individuality.

It's very easy these days to be persuaded to buy an entire look for your room off the shelf where everything has been co-ordinated for you. I believe that, sadly, this can lead to soulless interiors and everyone's home looking exactly the same.

Marrying modern furniture, seasonal trends and contemporary art with beloved family treasures and associated items you've collected along the way is far more inspiring and welcoming, and creates a unique timeless look.

Here's how you can get the best of both worlds:

If you're feeling apprehensive, creating a simple, neutral backdrop never fails

Start by choosing an item you really love and let it set the room's theme, but give it enough space to breathe. Don't make old and new compete with regard to proportions

Don't try to make a dark room light (or vice versa). Go with it and use dark, rich tones and woods.

Don't be afraid to mix period and styles; there's nothing wrong in letting your room have oddities. Eclectic is always better - it's less boring

Try architectural salvage for weathered refectory tables or pews that look great in a state-of-the-art modern kitchen

Group ornaments together to give them more importance

If you don't own pairs of things, apply symmetry of proportion and volume - two similar lamps of similar size and shape will have the same effect

If you can't bear modern technology, restricting the television to an entertainment room or spare bedroom is one solution. Hiding modern hi-tech flat-screen TVs in cabinets isn't as simple now as it used to be.

Lots of periods share influences. That's the beauty of eclectic interiors. As long as you like it, anything goes.

For details of a full House Doctor Service, contact the design team at Honeysuckle Interiors, Oakley, on 01256 780831 or visit the website at honeysuckleinteriors.co.uk