The Secret Language of Interior Design Continued.....
However, as demonstrated in the Brenner home, form can be incorporated with a little forethought and ingenuity. While researching and selecting furnishings and other items for this client, Peggy carefully considered the lifestyle needs of the family. It was important to Mary that every piece be purposeful in addition to stylish.
- The family room sectional was chosen in order to accommodate the entire family with plenty of space for relaxing. It was constructed with fabrics that are high in durability for this young, active family.
- The copper top iron based coffee table was selected for its stability, unique appearance, and resiliency to endure the various cups, feet, and bottoms that end up resting on it.
- The small wooden box on the coffee table was a simple way to deal with the unsightly necessity of electronic remotes, and the large colorful trunk against the wall was able to serve as storage for games and toys.
As Mary gazed around her family room, she commented, “I think it is very important that you feel comfortable with your designer. It’s about creating in your home something that will work for you and make you happy, not your designer. I never felt like Peggy was trying to put something in my home that I did not want.”
Scale and Proportion –
How do they affect the end result? Scale is defined as the relative size of an item as a part of the whole. Proportion is the relationship of size or quantity between items within the whole. This simply means that everything should work together and fit the space appropriately. Therefore, large rooms tend to look better with large furniture and more of it. On the other hand, small rooms are typically more pleasing with smaller pieces that may serve multiple purposes. When the Brenners moved into their new home, they brought with them a dining set that they wanted to keep; however, it did not look right in the space. Soaring ceilings, wood floors, and the open floor plan contributed to the “empty” feeling of the room even though it had furnishings in it. Wanting to maintain the use of sentimental pieces, the design team worked together to find a solution. Several things were done to create warmth and minimize the vast appearance of the room:
- The coordinating buffet was moved to another room and was replaced with an oversized iron and glass china cabinet. The curved top mimics the room’s structural arches, and its height produces the illusion of lower ceilings.
- On either side, carved wood pedestals embellished with rich gold detailing were topped with unique ceramic and brass urns to bring a punch of color to that side of the room.
- New host and hostess chairs were added to the ensemble. Painted in a distressed black finish and upholstered in a vibrant fabric, they provide greater visual impact.
- An expansive area rug was selected for its interesting pattern and ability to fill the space appropriately
A cancer survivor, Mary Brenner has founded “jewelry for Hope” as a way to raise funds for cancer research. She often hosts events in her home and is delighted with how well her dining room accommodates her efforts. “I have a custom jewelry business, and I use the dining room to display my pieces because they really sparkle in there. That room is spectacular, and it makes my jewelry look ...well ...exquisite.”
