Questions I have been asked.
1. What is the rule for having a end table next to the sofa? How should the height of the table compare to the arm height?
2. What are the rules for combining colors?
3. I have a small space so I have to have a small sofa, right?
Questions like this can go on for hours. Truthfully, there are rules about balance and portion, color theory and more but, honestly you won't see many breakout designers playing it by the books. Design has rules but, they are, for the most part, meant to be guidelines, loose guidelines. Design is rebellious in nature and maybe that's why it can seem so overwhelming to those in need of concrete answers. I'm sure it would surprise you the number of times I received a shocked look when I say there isn't a rule for one of the questions above. Plus, even if there was a rule for something I usually don't tell a client because not all rules apply to all situations.
Let's dive into the above questions.
Can't decide the height for your sofa side table? Ask yourself functional questions before you ask yourself design questions.
For example, if the table height and the arm height are the same will you always be knocking over your drink? Yes. Then the table height should be lower or higher then the arm height. BUT wait! You love a table that is the same height as the arm. Great! Get that table and understand you might knock over your drink. Maybe you have a super low modern sofa. This would be a great opportunity to play with heights taller then the arm. Another fun option is nesting tables.
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| Lower than arm. source - http://www.shelterness.com/25-simple-living-room-storage-ideas |
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| Same height as arm. source - http://www.chiclittlehouse.com/blog/iclittlehouse.com/2015/04/artful-addition.html |
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| Taller than arm. source - http://inmyownstyle.com/2015/12/tour-of-the-hgtv-dream-home-2016.html |
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| Nesting tables. source - http://www.architectureartdesigns.com/helpful-tips-for-creating-bright-living-space/ |
For each situation, the function of the space plays as much as of role if not more so then the design itself. Trust me I have seen amazing ideas thrown out the window because the design is great in theory but, doesn't function well. The most important part is to assess your needs and move forward from there.
Now apply this concept to color. What is a functional color for you space that you enjoy? I have seriously seen people have meltdowns over color (and pillows) and honestly they are the two easiest things to change. It is cheaper to repaint your room then it is to buy a new quality sofa. Plus you can test paint a large area for next to nothing. So why all the stress?
Color theory is simple. I grew up that navy and black shouldn't go together. That brown and black didn't match. These are silly notions. If you want black and navy together go for it. Just choose a black with a cool (blue) undertone. If you want brown and black together just choose a black with a warm (brown) undertone. Gray and brown? Use a gray with a warm (brown) undertone.
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| Warm grays with browns creates a calm atmosphere. source - http://www.linenandlavender.net/2014/01/source-sharing-i-gigi-general-store-uk.html |
Contrasting colors create high energy while complimenting undertones will subdue a space.
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| Contrasting colors, can you feel the energy? source - http://colorpalettes.net/category/contrasting-color/page/5/ |
What about space planning? "I have a small space so I need small furniture." I have heard this statement before too and it not necessarily true. Let's say you have a small condo. You get a small couch but, afterwards you realize there isn't enough seating. You decide to add a love seat or a couple of chairs but, you still need end tables and a coffee table. Now your small space is packed. Sometimes it is better to place a small sectional in a room instead of several small pieces. The sectional will take up more visual weight but, feel less cluttered. In a large space, smaller pieces are great for separating the space into a game area or a TV area instead of using one large sectional to eat up all the space. Again it will be circumstantial based on your needs for your space.
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| One simple piece in a small space. source - https://www.article.com/product/1547/sven-grass-green-left-sectional-sofa |
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| Small space with more pieces. source - https://www.flickr.com/photos/38110489@N08/6161194711/ |
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| Several seating areas in one large room. source - http://homedesignlover.com/living-room-designs/20-gorgeous-living-room-furniture-arrangements/ |
So what is my point?
Perception and function shape design. When you come to the table with your ideas you have a perceived concept and a specific function. There are rules in play but, really they are the rules that YOU have created. Your home is personal. It should be about what you need and love. If that means you are breaking design rules, good, go for it!
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| source - http://www.surya.com/rugs/zahra/zha-4001/ |
