Fundamentals of Design Part 5

Posted on by

You now know how geometrics compliment the architectural layout of your room with the use of lines and shapes. You have also discovered the importance of colors and textures and how they can amplify or weaken the design of your space.  Finding the perfect balance in your elements is crucial to making sure that nothing overshadows another elements’ spotlight.  Using the sizes of furniture brought into your room can help amplify a small space and make it not feel as crowded.  This harmonizes perfectly with making sure that there is enough space to flow to the room freely.  Lastly, you learned how to emphasize a focal point.  All these key elements all work with one another.  You cannot have one element without respecting the other fundamental principles.  This is where harmony comes into play. Let’s take a look:

 

Harmony

Think of the combination of all the design elements that you applied within your space.  They should simultaneously stimulate one another.  If you only remember one goal of your design, remember harmony.  This is the most crucial factor to make sure your design flows and compliments the other elements.  You want your design never to feel overwhelming but as if there was thought and time put behind it.  This design principle illustrates the rhythm and balance put into each element you have in your room.  There are so many rules to include into creating and finalizing a space.  To ensure you encapsulate the basics, you will want to make sure they compliment each other. If something feels forced, it probably does not belong, or it lacks balance.  

The understanding of having your room incorporate a general “unity” throughout, is the key to capturing harmony.  Designs can come easy to some and be a little more difficult for others.  Using these principles and guidelines will help keep your design in check.  When creating your space, find a design style you want to replicate.  Take notes of lines, shapes, colors, textures and all the elements.  You can use this simple tool to help keep your design style in check as you create your dream oasis.

Fundamentals of Design Part 4

Posted on by

Balance is will keep different elements from outweighing others and size is important to help keep your project to scale.  These bring up our next design categories:  Space and Emphasis.  How to make sure there is enough space in the room works complementary to the scale and size of items in the room.  Emphasis can play off the color tones put into the room and be a great way to make key elements in your room stand out above others. To help you better understand the concept, we dug a little deeper into what emphasis truly means.  

Emphasis

Does your room have a focal point?  How do you emphasize this location or object?  Adding emphasis to an object can visually impact the room’s design. Lighting and contrasting is a great way to highlight your room’s focal points.  If you project a light onto an object, it will draw attention to it.  You can also paint a wall a contrasting color to make a furniture piece or artwork pop out more. 

Emphasis is an intriguing way to create a visual impact to your space.  How you emphasize focal points in the room can be a fun and creative way of expressing your own design style. You can start out small and work your way up to bigger objects/locations in your space, but be sure to never overcrowd a room. 

Space is an important element of design which shows a strong balance between shape and lines.  With colors and lighting, you can also emphasize what you want to be your primary focus in the room.  Try to encapsulate all of these elements to find the perfect balance.  Lastly, this leaves the final elements of design which will tie everything together: Harmony. Be sure to read the final post of the series: fundamentals of design part 5. 

  

Fundamentals of Design Part 3

Posted on by

Guidelines are essential to help encapsulate the perfect style and design elements for your home.  Deciding on what colors and textures you will be using through your space will help create a sense of style.  Things like lines and shapes will strengthen the geometrical layout of your room.  And with so many elements to put into a room, you will need to understand balance and sizing the find the right furniture and artwork for your space.  You never want something to overpower the whole space with a particular color or for a piece of furniture to feel overwhelming because this can quickly ruin a design theme in a home. To help you understand this principle, let us dive deeper into the discussion of balance and size: 

 

Balance

One of the most crucial elements to follow in design is “balance.”  Without balance, there is chaos.  Every object, color, picture, and light in your room gives off energy, and you do not want certain parts of the room to fall into a shadow or even triumph over other vital elements in your space.  If your color theme is red and blue and you paint all your walls red but only dedicate a small end table to blue, you have no balance.  Try to have an understanding of precisely what needs to be amplified and what may need to be toned down.  Ideally, this concept will help you incorporate more balance in your space. 

Size

How big or small something is in a room can affect the Feng Shui.  The size of pictures and furniture are important to maintaining the flow throughout the room.  Bulky pieces of furniture can make a small room feel crowded, but small furniture in a large room can make the space feel under-furnished and even unwelcoming.  Playing with the scale of objects in the room can also help emphasized other elements.  This can be very helpful when finding balance in pictures or trying to make colors bolder.  Be creative on how you apply scale to your room to help subtly balance your room.

Balance and size will help make your room flow better.  You never want a room to feel cluttered or unwelcoming.  This is a simple but effective tool to have in your arsenal when designing your space.  Check out The Fundamental Elements to Design Part IV to understand the importance of space and emphasis and how to apply these elements to your home.

Fundamentals of Design Part 2

Posted on by
Now that you know the importance of how lines and shapes can affect your space, you will need to know how to incorporate color and texture. Color can change the whole mood of a room. It is one of the first elements that come to mind in design and can be enhanced with other combinations and patterns. Texture is an interactive connection with the room. It can help create a third-dimension to a flat surface and helps build the visual appearance of a room.

  • Color. 

Learning the importance of color and how they can change the mood or ambiance in a room is important. Some colors can give a cool, tranquil vibe to a room whereas others can add energy and give a warmth to the room. Adding a bold accent color to a neutral room can provide a fun pop or you can play with complementary colors to find balance in a room. Every color has a meaning affiliated with how it is perceived in a room. Adding a yellow may give a fun, energetic vibe. Reds can feel bold and powerful. Blues are more passive and tranquil. Apply color to your room to obtain the right atmosphere

  • Texture. 
Texture can be anything from suede couches to granite countertops. Almost all materials have some kind of texture. Natural elements complement each other well like woods and stone elements. Try to research a design theme you want and find out what textures are frequently used in that style. Mid-century modern may allow metals, plastics, and woods whereas a rustic style home may focus more on woods and leathers. Discovering what textures are primarily used with certain themes is a key way to apply textures to your home.
 
Color will help bring a visual connection to your atmosphere and adding textures will help make a definite impression on the room. Try to find a color scheme and a texture theme to your room prior to the design. If elements do not follow these themes, they may feel out of place in the room. Try to make the room flow and work with the other aspects.

Fundamentals of Design Part 1

Posted on by
Like most procedures, there are guidelines and principles that outline the steps to creating a finished product. Whether perfecting a free-throw in basketball or writing an essay, there are steps in which you follow to successfully accomplish your end goal. Architects and designers have a list of basic elements which they will incorporate into there designs, but we are going to share with you ten fundamentals tips you can start including in your own home today. These are very generic guidelines, but when executed properly can completely transform a room and show the premeditate effort put into your space. Make sure to check out the rest of this series to get all the tips and tricks.
 

  • Lines
One of the most traditional elements to art is drawing a line. A line can either be used to separate space or pull one’s eye to a connecting point. Lines are useful for creating visual interest or geometric landscapes. Architects will make sure that the lines of their structures compliment one another. When using it in a design, lines or stripes can be used to emphasize the height or room’s value. If you have a room with a high ceiling, put stripes on the wall vertically will amplify the height visually. Likewise, if you have a long hallway, putting stripes down the hallway walls will make the space feel longer. Even in hardwood floors, typically, the floor will run with the length of the hallway. This is to make the room flow. You can be creative with stripes and lines by going diagonally or being sporadic. Make sure your lines have a purpose; sporadic can be dangerous but not impossible because lines can tend to clash if not done complimentary.

  • Shapes.
Shapes, like lines, are geometrically defined by their boundaries but are used more to emphasize space where lines can create boundaries and direction. Adding complimentary shapes in a room is a powerful way to express unity while emphasizing the room’s layout. If you have a round room and add a round table with circular mirrors on the walls, you can amplify your space with the table while attributing design style to the walls with the mirrors. These simple tricks can really help make a room feel well-thought-out, and the furniture will work well off each other. Try to think of shapes in the room that will help open the blueprint as well. If you have a box room and add a coffee table in the shape of a pentagon, you can be sacrificing space and the flow to the room.
 
Shapes and lines are just the basic geometrical basic to include in your room, but when it comes to elements such as balance and color, it can get a little more complex. Make sure to check out the rest of this series to learn everything you need to incorporate into your design.

How to Bring Nature Indoors

Posted on by

When designing or remodeling a room, consider adding some outdoor elements into your space. Nature has a specific energy that we do not always have the pleasure of experiencing inside. Bringing those elements indoors has been a design tip for centuries and can really liven up your space. From ancient Japanese culture to modern American homes, natural decor helps to encapsulate the life found outdoors. 
 
Here are five natural elements you should consider adding to your space: 
 
  • Natural Woods.  Wooden furniture can be a great addition to any room. It provides a rustic, timeless feature that embellishes the space with an intriguing design. Authentic wood pieces can also be an excellent option for wall art. Wooden crates, hardwood floors, and solid wood doors are just some of the many ways to add this great element into your home. 
  • Stones/Bricks. Installing stones or exposed brick is a fun way to bring nature indoors with a modern twist. Bricks can go well with a plethora of different themes from rustic to industrial and even contemporary. Stone backsplashes can be an incredible staple piece for a more modern look and help to tie together a design. 
  • Floral. Flowers and plants can add energy to your room and make it smell great. While some flowers are not permanent fixtures in your home, you can get different kinds and various planters to feature throughout your space without it feeling overwhelming.
  • Metals. Add metals to your home by getting metal end tables or other pieces of furniture. Metal is a durable element that will last the lifespan of your home when taken care of properly. You can even find get wall art and put it up as a display on the wall. Metals are always fun to have throughout your space.
  • Water. Water can take some maintenance depending on how you choose to incorporate it. An excellent way to add water is by investing in a fish tank. This can be a focal point in a room. Water fountains are another great add-on to rooms. Water is a great way to add a peaceful, calm feeling to any room.
Adding these elements to your home can help encapsulate the outdoors. Decide what best suits your desire for your space and what makes you happy. Incorporating these elements into your home is a sure way to liven up your space and add charisma.

Contemporary Vs. Modern

Posted on by

Contemporary and Modern design styles are often used interchangeably by most people, but these designs have distinguishing factors and origins which have developed them into what they are today. The contemporary style was established in the late 20th century and is ever-changing, whereas, mid-century modern (modern style) came about early in the middle 20th century. While contemporary may borrow some elements from modern design, it has enough specific details that give it a clear, distinctive difference from modern style. Here are four things different between contemporary design versus modern design: 
 
Colors and Materials.
Modern design has become very welcoming to a sizeable hued color palette by not excusing any color from being functional in the room. Contemporary may allow colors; however, it is usually a more neutral color palette using browns, whites, and creams to warm the environment. Modern also will use bold plastics to make a statement where contemporary may take a more modest approach and use more natural elements like woods or metals.
 

Lines
The modern design will use hard, sleek lines to amplify the rooms floor plan and make deliberate flow. When it comes to contemporary, you will notice more rounded edges with no hard cuts or distinct carvings. Modern style was created in the mid-century and does not fluctuate much from its original design; however, contemporary is living in the moment. What is in now is incorporated into the design is always changing. It can give a contemporary room a more eclectic style where mid-century modern will stay very grounded towards a minimalist approach.
 
Functionality Versus Design
A critical factor in deciphering the difference between these to styles is the functionality of architecture and interior design. A functional design will be incorporated in windows, walls, floor plan, and even lighting in a mid-century modern home. When it comes to a contemporary home, though, you will notice design and style are adapted in the design to make sure it flows with the latest trends. A unique sculpture or lamp may be in a contemporary room solely because how it looks where the modern design will always choose functionality over style.

Seeing the essential elements that separate these rooms can be challenging at first but the more you look at the key factors to these styles, the easier you can identify them. Pay attention to the geometrical layout of the room, the lines incorporated in the furniture, and the functionality of everything. These will be the easiest way interpret the style of the space.

Wall Art

Posted on by

Adding a painting to a bare wall is usually the first trick that comes to mind, but there are so many kinds of wall art that you can use to help modify your space. Wall art can be anything from three-dimensional wall décor to wall sculptures or even mirror sculptures. Adding wall art to your place is a creative way to enhance up your room’s aesthetic. Consider these three different kinds of wall art as an alternative to hanging a picture:
 
  • Abstract Sculptures
There is a broad spectrum of different abstract pieces you can put on your walls. From metal three-dimension art to colorful trippy art, there are so many kinds of abstract designed sculptures you can add to your walls. Papier Mache wall art can give a nice pop to your walls and is very stylish. These are great options to add over a headboard or even a couch as a focal point in the room.
 
  • Mirror Art and Mirror Sculptures
Mirror art is a great way to keep the room feeling open and bright by allowing the art to serve a dual purpose. Different kinds of mirror art can help you personalize it towards your specific design style. Consider mirrors cut into falling leaves to be applied sporadically to your wall or a giant conglomerate of mirrors facing different directions to add a contemporary look.
 
  • Vinyl Designs and Murals
Vinyl designs are a great way to personalize your room. With such a vast variety to choose from you can find exactly what you want to have in your place. Vinyl can add character to your walls and develop your room into what you desire quickly while being cost-friendly.
 
Different varieties of wall art can spruce up your environment and have it feel unique and fresh. Do not limit yourself to just mundane pictures without exploring all the different options available to enhance your walls. Try to find different pieces and art that best amplify your personal design style and your space’s atmosphere.
 

Room Aesthetics

Posted on by

When designing a room, you should consider how others portray the space. In all forms of art, there are general notions which encompass how we conceive beauty. A room’s aesthetic is a philosophical theory with guiding principles that direct how we interpret the space. Something, as simple as clutter, can give an inclination that the room is small and messy; however, an open floor plan may make the room feel airy and energetic. While the floor plan and blueprint of the room can impair how a place looks, it doe not limit you to better the room’s aesthetics. 
 
Here are four universal rules to incorporate in your space to help spruce up your room’s overall aesthetics and ambiance:
  • Theme
Your room will need a theme. Whether a color theme or a decorative theme, it should be consistent throughout the space. Decide what your design style is; do you like modern or rustic, neutral color palettes or colorful? Once you have picked a theme, be very cognitive of everything you put in the room on display. Make sure everything has a purpose or compliments the theme. Theming a room is an essential step to first developing your room’s aesthetic appeal.
  • Symmetry and Balance
Every room needs to have symmetry and balance. Studies have shown that a person with a symmetrical face can appear more attractive. Your space can abide by this concept as well. You do not need to make your room a mirror image of itself, but know when to add a complimenting piece of furniture or piece of art. Adding symmetry, where needed, in your room will help you achieve balance.
  • Organization
Nothing throws off a room’s Feng Shui like clutter and messes. Making sure everything has a designated home is essential to keeping your room clutter-free. Organization bins can help you keep your room looking clean and organized. Do not feel obligated to fill every nook and cranny of your shelves. Keeping some shelves bare can help amplify the rooms overall openness.
  • Flow
How does your room flow? You need to step back and look at your place as it develops. Consider how the room flows. Is there enough space to walk freely? Can you see focal points in the room from sitting areas? Consider entrances and exits to the room and their accessibility. If your space is hard to maneuver through, it can hurt the overall aesthetic feel to the room.
 
Adding these tips to your room will help you make your room more visually appealing. The room’s aesthetic is vital to creating the desired atmosphere. Have fun when designing your space and consider all the ways you can amplify your room.
 

What’s Your Design Style?

Posted on by

At first, learning and understanding your design style can be a bit of a challenge. With so many styles out there, you may feel overwhelmed by the choices. To help you narrow down your favorite, we have created a quick and fun quiz to help point you in a possible direction.  Let’s get started! 

What’s Your Design Style?: 

1. In a room, what intrigues you the most? 

A. Patterns and designs

B. Elegant details

C. Clean lines

D. Well-built, wooden furniture pieces 

2. If you were to explain your space in one word, how would you describe it? 

A. Fun

B. Classic

C. Sleek

D. Charming

3. When looking for a home, what are the features you want? 

A. Colorful design pieces

B. Beautiful finishes and details 

C. A clean contemporary look 

D. Dark wooden features and columns 

4. If you were to travel to one place, where would you choose?

A. Argentina

B. France

C. New York City

D. Coastal Italy  

Before you look at your results, just remember that the end results are not set in stone or an exact science. This is a fun way for you to get an idea of what you like. Remember, you can, of course, mix design styles to create one that is more personalized to you. 

 

Quiz Results:

Mostly A’s: Eclectic. 

With a heavy focus on patterns, textures, and colors, eclectic is a popping design with a lot of character. It utilizes various colors and patterns to create an interesting contrast.

Mostly B’s: Traditional. 

Based around the 18th century English and 19th-century French country, a traditional style uses classic finishes, muted tones, and simple patterns to create a well-balanced look. 

Mostly C’s: Modern.

Capitalizing on minimalism, modern style uses clean, sleek lines in to create a well-polished look. The color scheme is typically neutral with geometric shapes featured throughout the space.

Mostly D’s: Mediterranean. 

Borrowing pieces from the coastal areas of European countries like Italy and Spain, a Mediterranean design features dark woods and thick fabrics to create a sturdy design.