large pieces, and the neutral color. Now I needed variety. I took my colorpalette from art I already had and wanted to use in the room. I positioned them over the large portion of the sectional a clear view from all angles. I pulled the green and red directly from the art down to the sectional with throw pillows, and then again down to the floor with a green area rug. I selected glass tiles with similar neutrals and the pop green. Now the room was developing. I had a
nice rhythm from eye level (art) down to the sectional pillows, and down to the floor (top to bottom). I also had a nice rhythm (using color and pattern) going around the room (side to side) with the pillows as they are positioned all around the sectional with the green being picked up again in the tile. I also added variety with pattern and texture for interest. The pillows and area rug have both. As I did not want to room to be too sleepy, I angled (line – action
oriented) the rug. The rug guides the eye to the adjoining sun room, which is a bright and sunny room compared to the family room.
For accessories, I added a tree to the left side of the media cabinet and a large vase with yucca sticks to the right side. These large accents
are balanced via scale but add variety because they are different. Red vases sit on the mantel and in the corner on the shelf and the magazine holder, you guessed it, red more side to side rhythm. Now for the family part of the family room pictures. Pictures, pictures, and more pictures of my daughter and one large family picture over the fireplace. The top of the media cabinet is lined with pictures on stands of Lauren from age 0 to 3. The short wall above the sectional has an arranged pattern of Lauren at age 5. All the pictures are the same size and are framed identically (unity); my daughter provides the variety with her many and sweet facial expressions.
One element we havent discussed light. Light is a critical element in all
designs. I could have designed the most magnificent family room, but if it is not properly illuminated, one may not be able to appreciate it (ok, magnificent
thats a little grandiose but you get what I mean). Lighting is that critical and often overlooked. In this room, I have four recessed lights (general lighting), two pin lights over art on top of the media cabinet flanking the pictures (accent lighting), three tilted pin lights on the large family photo (accent lighting) and one portable lamp on the end table (task lighting). Layers. Layers of lighting to illuminate, to enhance, to focus, to sparkle.
Quick example of light
Here is glass art I have on top of the media cabinet accent light off – pretty:
Accent light on oo la la no camera tricks here just me with my little Canon no flash either time:
Does that help with understanding the principles and elements? Ok, maybe a little drawn out. My hope is that you now have some understanding of these factors and will recognize the language I will use from time to time when we talk about design.
Where did my pieces come from? Both the sectional and ottomans are from Zagaroli a favorite vendor of mine. Ultrasuede covers the sectional cushions with the frame in chocolate leather. The ottomans are in chocolate leather with an Ultrasuede welt to marry the seating arrangement. Both materials are kid friendly and durable. I do not recall the brand of the media center we bought it so long ago. Other pieces I used in the room for interest – the end table is from Worlds Away. I love the shape and form of this table. Mine is nickel plated (it comes in different finishes) with mirrored top and shelf; it is very versatile. The magazine holder and the climbing men are from Global Views. The throw pillows and drape fabric is from Robert Allen/Beacon Hill. The area rug is fromFiezy. The fireplace surround is done polished glass subway tile from Reflections at Dal Tile. The portable lamp is from Arteriors and the large floor vase is from Palecek.
A short story early on I worked briefly with a head-strong client (I can relate to being head-strong to a certain point). My client built a beautiful townhome and was very excited to furnish it. My client began this process by working with a designer in a very nice store. Then I was brought into the mix. A sectional and ottoman for the main seating area was already selected. I went to the store to look at them. They were enormous! ENORMOUS! I asked if the room had been drawn to scale with the sectional positioned. My client said, The store designer did that. Great! May I see it? What she showed me was a doodle really, a doodle not a scaled room drawing. I have never seen a store designer do that before or since. Usually they are very professional and wonderful to work with.
Fortunately, I had measured the room. I stated for the record that the room and sectional were not drawn to scale and needed to be because I was grossly concerned that the very expensive sectional my client was determined to buy would simply not fit. My client looked perplexed. I asked to please, please let me draw it to scale for before ordering this custom piece. I bolded custom you
know why. one cannot return a custom piece. I drew the room and sectional to scale. It did fit. However, there would not be any traffic path or ability to put anything else in the room what so ever as the sectional would consume the entire room. I drew several alternatives using the same line of furniture but with traffic paths, casegoods, lighting, etc. When I showed them to my client, I was fired. Oh dear. Did I mention my former client was head strong?? I do not know if the sectional was purchased. I truly hope it was not. That would have been a significantly costly mistake. This was years ago but I still think of that every time a see an overstuffed sectional.