Elements of Room Styling
By Barrie Parker, Cachettes + St. Simons
When you approach your interior space, there are five basic elements that need to be considered: Style, Color, Pattern, Texture and Scale.
Style can be specific or a blend of several genres. Whether traditional, old world, modern or eclectic, you need to recognize what you feel comfortable with and not the taste of someone else. If you like traditional, blend in contemporary pieces with your lamps or abstract paintings and sculpture to create interest. Or if you like contemporary, it is always nice to bring in an antique piece to give your space texture and warmth.
Your color palette can range from bold to muted. Usually, the colors you like to wear are the colors you are drawn to for your living environment. Some people like a soft, monochromatic theme while others love to use bold colors. Neither is right or wrong, you just want your space to reflect your personality. In the hands of someone who knows what they are doing, any color scheme you choose can be executed in good taste.
Pattern and texture are all about layering. You want your space to be interesting to the eye. Mixing patterns such as prints and geometrics can be challenging but fun. When it comes to mixing and matching patterns, think beyond fabrics, the same effect can also be achieved through painted furniture or artwork.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with texture. A great and inexpensive way to introduce texture is with throws and throw pillows. For instance, put a fur throw pillow on a polished leather chair. A honed granite or concrete countertop makes an excellent juxtaposition to a high gloss back splash. Thinking “out of the box” can free you up for more design flexibility and keeps your project from becoming predictable and boring.
The last, but certainly not the least, element to consider is scale. This is where most people fall woefully short. They know what style and color they like, but they just cannot put it together. This is where a professional interior designer can be very helpful and many times prevent costly mistakes. The proper scale with your furniture, accessories and especially, lighting is crucial to a visually successful space. A common mistake is choosing chandeliers and lamps that are too small. If it does not feel right, it probably isn't.
And, as they always say, “Less is more.” Most people need to simply declutter. As an example, one large piece of artwork is more effective than multiple pieces that confuse the eye. This also applies to tabletop accessories.
In summer, you want your environment to be visually stimulating and creatively interesting. It is much more enjoyable to see elements that are unexpected. It takes time and commitment to seek out that perfect piece. Whether you enjoy the hunt or hire a designer to help you find what you’re looking for, in the end, you can create an environment that you, your family and friends can enjoy for years.
Barrie Parker is the owner and founder of Cachettes + St. Simons. She graduated from Mercer University with a degree in art and began her career with Ethan Allen in Macon. Her experience includes owning her own interior design store, running a full-service furniture store, and owning and managing a wholesale permanent botanical company. Cachettes + St. Simons offers unique and hand-selected designer items to accent your home, including beautiful furniture, prints, pillows and throws, lamps and chandeliers, floor coverings, permanent botanicals and garden elements. 269 Redfern Village, 912.434.9050, cachettes.net.
