The stunning Moen bathroom in our feature photograph has all of the bells and whistles of a stylish, modern space.
Dual wall-mounted vanities topped with sumptuous vessel sinks and European-inspired faucets exude luxury. Each station is topped with stylish vanity lighting in matching finishes.
This is all grand and eye-catching, but what I really wanted to focus on today is what is behind this lovely vignette. You can see that there is a vertical ribbon of decorative tile that runs from floor to ceiling behind each vanity. This is the understated touch that gives this focal wall tons of drama and makes each station cohesive.
The use of height to create drama is a great decorating element to keep in mind for adding that unexpected panache to your project. Adding height doesn't have to be as permanent or expensive as installing decorative tiles either. This simple technique can be utilized in many affordable and interesting ways.
PAINT
Paint is an easy and inexpensive way to create drama through height. The drama of the vertical band of decorative tile in our feature photograph could easily be achieved with a band of paint colour. Paint is also a less permanent and less expensive way to go. With paint, the strip of colour can be changed to update the look every few years as well.
A vertical strip (or two) of paint colour can be used to create height and drama at the head of the bed, behind the sofa, near a dining table or to create drama at the head of a stairwell. To make a window appear larger, paint bands of colour on each side of the window in a contrasting colour to the window trim. In a low-ceilinged basement rec-room, vertical bands of colour can provide visual height. Beef up a diminutive fireplace by adding a band of colour to the focal area from floor to ceiling. When using paint techniques such as this you'll want to use a good painter's tape to achieve a crisp edge to your project.
FABRIC AND TEXTILES
Lengths of fabric can be used in a similar fashion. Using vertical lengths of fabric on the walls will not only provide colour but also can also add patterns and textures to your dramatic vignette depending upon the fabric you use. From vintage prints to wild psychedelics, the choice is yours and the options are endless and changeable. Other textiles, like area rugs, can also be hung to create vertical drama. Hanging fabric versus painting directly onto the wall is a great option if you're renting.
WALLPAPER
Remnant rolls of wallpaper can be relatively inexpensive and are great for projects like this. You can either apply the paper directly to the wall in a vertical band or attach wooden dowels to each end and hang it like a scroll. Create a dramatic vertical display behind a dining table, behind a desk or table in an entryway, behind the headboard in a bedroom and so on. Wallpaper, like fabric, can add patterns and textures. A woven grass pattern can create subtle ambience, while a colourful, sculpted paper can provide richness and elegance. Other similar products that can be used in this fashion are decorative wall murals, wall transfers or even large self-adhesive letters that spell out a favourite word or quote. Wall art is becoming very popular and affordable, so even places like a dollar store may have something that will work well.
OTHER VERTICAL DRAMA METHODS
Height in many forms adds interest to the décor. Floor vases filled with tall arrangements work well in a corner, a foyer or a stairway landing. Hanging your formal draperies closer to the ceiling and allowing the fabric to brush the floor can add height and drama. In the basement, install window treatments from ceiling to floor wider than the actual window to make the small basement window appear larger. Consider creating an instant bed canopy by hanging mosquito netting or similar fabric over the bed and let the fabric cascade down each side of the head of the bed. Hang artwork or photographs in a vertical display. Choose artwork that supports your efforts, like a print of the Eiffel Tower, for example. Introduce items like a decorative ladder or vertical photo screen to create visual height.
Adding height to create drama can add that final panache that you're looking for. Don't overdo it. This technique is meant to create focus when needed and is just another idea to keep in mind for your decorating bag of tricks.
connieoliver@shaw.ca
