Basic Decorating Principles

Decorating a space is about rearranging room elements to create the most harmonious and stimulating environment possible. This is done by understanding the way objects with different properties relate to one another, and by using that knowledge to develop a space which is balanced. The following concepts describe some of the most basic object relationships, and how to use them to create the exact ambience you are trying to achieve.

Scale

Scale refers to the size of the furnishings in a space, as well as the stature of a room’s inherent architecture. It is important to pay attention to both when rearranging items in your design. Large rooms should generally be filled with grander furnishings, while smaller ones require petite objects in order to create a consistent feel. A failure to match the size of your architecture with appropriately sized decorative pieces can lead to spaces which feel either cramped, or empty.

Scale also refers to the relationship between objects themselves. Placing a cluster of large items at one end of a room will tend to make that area look like it is sinking. To restore balance you can try arranging things as if they were on a seesaw. Larger items should go more toward the center of a space, while smaller ones should hover closer to the walls. This keeps the room grounded, and reduces the chaos that a lack of balance can introduce.

Contrast

Contrast refers to the differences between colors. The more different two colors are, the more they will tend to make one another stick out. This can be used to make a space much more interesting, however you have to be careful; too much contrast can overwhelm a room making it uncomfortable and cluttered.

The best way to use contrast is to find a color which is complimentary to the rooms’ main theme. This can be done on a color wheel by finding the first color, and then tracing a line to its exact opposite. This contrasting tone should then be used in small amounts, in accent points throughout the space. The result will be that the second color will actually enhance and make the room’s primary tone stand out more.

Rhythm

Rhythm is what brings all of the elements together. It is the unifying factor that changes the space from a series of objects into a single concerted room. This is accomplished by using common elements which repeat throughout the design. You can use an interesting color, or a texture, or even a pattern, which is integrated into the space.

The rhythm of the room can be overt, with pictures of elephants everywhere, or a single dramatic color which pops up in all of your furnishings, or it can be subtle, with something as abstract as a series of complimentary patterns worked into pieces throughout the space.

Conclusion

Whenever you are decorating a space, it is important to consider the harmony you are trying to achieve. Balance objects with different properties, so that no one characteristic overwhelms the entire space. Most importantly, look within, and be willing to rework a design if it doesn’t inspire you. 

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