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Home Style + Life Style: A
Study of Contrast - Is it Black or White?
By Terri Lovelace, Periwinkle
Interiors, Allied Member ASID, Contributing Columnist This article, the first after a long absence from Capital Living, is lovingly dedicated to my husband, David, who passed away December 13. He was my number one fan and editor. His gentle guidance is ever present as I navigate the future. He will be dearly missed.
The basics of art and design are taught at an early age. In kindergarten we learn that simple finger paint colors red, blue, green and yellow become much more interesting and form new colors when smeared together with gooey fingers. Art principles like color, texture, scale and proportion influence our lives sometimes without us even knowing what we have learned. One of the easiest ways to add excitement to an otherwise dreary room is the use of the design principle of contrast – presenting opposition to highlight dissimilarities. Our elementary education taught us that contrast presents itself most simply through color. For example, classic black and white equals high contrast. The use of contrast is not just black and white, however. It can be applied on a much broader basis. It is easy because it is not bound by a particular style, theme, period, architectural setting or color. It supports the well known philosophy that the most interesting interiors are created over time and contain a broad mix of intriguing features. Contrast is used to blend what is old with what is new. A strikingly simple black and white theme works - in the right project. But let’s look at another simple study of contrast. Start with a basic neutral wall of off white, tan or ivory. If we resist adding no other color but instead create distinction in the form of texture in a similar color we achieve a high level of contrast. Perhaps a soft shaggy rug, a velvety smooth drape, a colorless glass table on a natural wood grain frame. A creamy smooth leather sofa and a buttery suede chair. Add woven linen or luxurious silk and cashmere pillows, all from the same monochromatic color family. How dreamy… can’t you just “feel” this room through its mix of contrasting materials? Create even more contrasting textures with color on color stripes on the wall in alternating flat and high gloss paint or by introducing similar shades of the same color on alternating walls or the ceiling. The effect becomes ever so subtle -visual elements versus bold tactile excitement. Contrast presents itself in many ways in creating welcoming eclectic rooms. Consider a tribal design versus that of civilized formality. Experiment with the counterpoints found in antiques (intricate) and mid century modern (plain) or Asian inspired pieces (delicate pattern) with ultra contemporary pieces (no pattern ). Wood versus metal or silhouettes of soft and round against sleek and rigid. Test this technique in your rooms by introducing materials, textures or colors that “highlight dissimilarities” – or, simple contrast - and you’ve learned another basic design principal. Terri Lovelace, Allied Member ASID, is the owner of Periwinkle Interiors, LLC. Questions or inquiries may be directed to periwinkle@fewpb.net. A home featured in Elle Décor
illustrates the use of a single color palette and contrasting textures and
themes. Modern furniture,
classically detail architectural features, tribal animal print pillows and
organic elements projected through the tree stump occasional table.
Photo submitted. |
