Whether it's fashion or home decor, mixing different styles can produce truly unique results. The challenge is to do it in the cleanest way possible. Repeating themes - whether in your outfit or a room - is one way to successfully bring an eclectic look together. And focusing on one element in particular - like shoes or throw pillows - can make the whole process of coordinating accessories a lot easier.

The following photos focus on the ceiling as a way to give a room its distinct feel.
Interior Decor by Carden Cunietti

This first set shows the genius behind juxtaposing modern elements like halogen track lighting with traditional, more luxurious features like crown molding. It updates the entire space instantly by giving it a special feature that draws the eyes upward.

Interior Decor by Jordan Carlyle

In these photos, we see a stark contrast between the exposed loft-style ceilings and a glam-chic decor palette. This set is great because we're treated to an interesting and unexpected design element in the form of the unfinished ceiling to what would otherwise be a standard decor theme of black, grey and white with accents of a large mirror and a glass chandelier. The exposed ceiling makes it so much more than that. 

Images from Desire to Inspire

Whether it's an interesting cut-out shape or a statement piece placed on top, the trend lately is to bring attention to the collar on bold prints.

Check out these examples:

Photos from Style.com

I love the cut-out shape in the first photo for creating a narrower, more flattering illusion while contrasting a masculine, geometric shape with a feminine print and silhouette.  The gold statement necklace in the bottom photo is a welcome surprise to what would otherwise be a normal printed button-up.

Last week, The Style Matrix was featured on a segment for a program airing on Voice of America giving viewers tips on mixing East and West fashion. Voice of America's anchor Sarah Zaman and cameraman Kevork came over to our house for the shoot - it was a lot of fun and really exciting! But it's amazing how much work goes into just a few minutes of air-time. We were setting up, rehearsing and shooting for almost 6 hours!

Here are a few shots of us working hard behind-the-scenes ;)

More photos after the jump...

Striking resemblance, no? Notice the rounded collars, similarly embroidered, white-on-white floral motifs along the breast panels divided by a center line connecting to one at the waist. Not bad for the less-than-$100 price tag! (Click here for the Zara dress.)