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Portfolio
Define, Design & Declutter: Part 2
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Lighting? Or a work of art? Why not both. | | | [ click thumbnails to open in a larger window ] |
Part 2 of 2: Okay, I'm back. Happy New Year. Just so you know, I am fully aware that this particualr topic is limitless and can be difficult to digest. I am also aware that the large brush strokes in Part 1 are in need of some serious detailing. So here we go. These are some important design steps I take when determining the functional and visual requirements for a well edited interior. 1.) COLOR SCHEME. I tend to analyze the percentage of individual colors I intend to use in a room or suite. I usually select no more than 3-5 main coordinating colors for the interior. When I think color, I never think paint first. I also look to have my scheme emminate from something. A rug, a fabric or a great piece of art for example. In my opinion, arbitrary color selection is reckless and can be a huge waste of time. How many of you have painted a room and then dragged a friend all over God's green earth to find the right rug? PLAN YOUR SCHEME. Then, look for ways to reinvent the color scheme throughout the room, and thoughout the rest of the home or floor. Look for the best walls to "punch" the stronger colors in your scheme. And remember, not all walls are created equally. A sound and well-balanced scheme holds your look together no matter what the style. 2.) LAYOUT. I always start with scale vs. functional need. I make a list of the items I need as they relate to seating, storage and flow. The scale of your furniture has a direct impact on whether the room functions properly. Avoiding over or undersized furniture sounds like a no brainer, but you'd be amazed how often people push beyond the limits of a space. Or, under utilize their interiors to the point of minimalist madness, and then complain that they have no place to put stuff. Be very aware of the physical limits of a room and decorate to scale. This applies to accessories and artwork as well as furniture. Use decorative shelving to maximize your vertical space and add height to the room. However, I try not make a space do more than it's capable. And keep in mind, sometimes it's physically impossible for you to get everything you want out of a room. 3.) LIGHTEN UP. I can't design what I can't see. This applies to poorly lit new construction homes/condos as well as older homes or apartments. I always look for multiple ways to light a room. Usually, it's a combination of recessed or accent fixtures flushing the ceiling/perimeter and task oriented lamps and lighting. The more options you have, the better the space will serve the inhabitant. I know that sounds very clinical, but lighting can be both utilitarian and sexy if you do it right. Select your lighting with as much care as you might artwork. I've seen so many people pick the most ordinary of lighting just because it was convenient. Lighting is one of the best examples of the relationship between function and style. SO THINK IT THROUGH. I don't care if your builder needs the fixtures by Monday. Do you know how many bad, last minute "builder" fixtures I've replaced in ten years? Too many. And just to fair to the builders, I know your client probably dragged their feet. These key design notes may be obvious to some, so apply what you think you can use. I rely on them every time I start a new project and they've worked for me. Thanks for the curious click. - Philip Sassano (Comments: info@refinedrustic.com) Note: February 7th, 2009 Seminar Topic. See the "Events" page for more information.
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