Effective Use of Statement Pieces in Interior Design
Effective Use of Statement Pieces in Interior Design
Contributed by Lillian Connors
Getting attached to one piece of furniture you absolutely adore doesn’t have to be scary. Most people dread buying one large statement, feeling as if it wouldn’t work in their home. However, there’s always a way to fit in an eye-catching item into your home design if you only follow a few simple tips.
Be mindful of the scale
One of the first steps to take is to pay attention to the scale so you don’t end up combining a huge item with something tiny. Not only will it look out of place, but it will destroy the balance and make everyday living in the room more difficult. This might mean you won’t be able to easily use the end table or the coffee table, or reach the lamp when you need it just because it’s too tall.
Get back to the basics
There’s nothing wrong with going back to art and design 101. Pull out the old color wheel! Stick to complementary accent colors and make sure you pair them well. You might use a different tone, but the basic color scheme is always a great place to start. From there, you can play on and combine colors so you create the balance you want.
The rule of three
One thing you need to forget when bringing in a piece of furniture to your room is trying to make everything match. Instead, aim at adding color to create more visual interest. Be guided by the rule of three when you create different accent areas. You don’t need to use many colors to make it a lively space. If you overdo it, it can seem too busy and overwhelming.
Let it be noticed
The choice of furniture is an important one and if you only pick special pieces, then nothing will make an impact. However, if you try and allow all attention to go on one item and keep the others less ornate and smaller, you'll achieve the desired effect – it will become the statement piece. A room full of statement-makers will seem cramped and heavy whereas one effective accent piece can play the main role and anchor the entire design.
It's important to broaden your aesthetic horizons and push the limits of what is known and common, explains a master's degree course in interior and product design. By researching and developing new materials, surfaces, products and their distribution, it's possible to design unique and timeless spaces that are both comfortable and functional.
Choose a focal point for your statement piece
It is clear you can’t have multiple statement pieces in one space without having it look overdone. As mentioned previously, the fine balance between the statement pieces and supporting ones is important so if you’re looking to elevate your room design and make your piece stand out, give it a focal point and let it be the main part of the room, such as a vintage sofa and chair or a contemporary bed.
Be playful with the pattern
If you’ve picked a statement piece with a pattern on it, don’t hesitate to pair it with other patterned pieces. It’s generally a good thing to mix a lot of different patterns as long as they're on a small scale. For instance, instead of a large pattern, opt for bold stripes and pair them with a smaller print. It'll help establish a good balance.
Mix things up
Feel free to combine opposites. Figure out your statement piece and what it really is – is it old, new, wooden, vintage, painted, simple or complicated? Then, juxtapose things – dark with light, geometric with organic, simple with busy. This is what will add interest to your room and make it seem less ordinary and more original and unexpected.
Go wild sometimes
At the end of the day, your home is a reflection of your own style so go wild sometimes! Feel free to play with areas and elements and don’t get too clingy to your plan. Do things that are not typical, be bold and make changes, whether they’re big or small. The only thing that matters is that it feels right to you and gives the space balance and harmony.
Consider the big picture
Finally, take a step back and consider the bigger picture. Take all the elements into account and see what stands out, what blends in and how it is all balanced out. See what colors pop and what shapes are distinct and make sure you don’t lose perspective. Sometimes, when you overthink the tiny details, the room can take on a wrong vibe.
Designing your home is a process that if approached right, can give you tremendous joy. Hopefully, with the tips listed here, choosing a statement piece will come easier than you thought and will give you the full freedom to express yourself. Ultimately, if you love the way it works out in the end, that is the only real rule for you to follow!
