Colour is great, but what if it's not for you? This stunning bathroom photograph, courtesy of Kohler, is a perfect example of a room that lacks colour but has tons of personality. A striking decor can be achieved through the clever use of scale and line and that's what I want to review with you today.
This example is at the far end of the spectrum but that is why I am using it today. Of course, colour can be added to our feature room with much success, but the use of scale and interesting shapes alone makes this a great example of how those two facets come into play in the overall scheme of any decor.
The amazing Kohler fixtures take centre stage in this bathroom. However, not everyone is able to run out and purchase designer bathroom pieces such as these. I'm more interested in the unusual shapes that come into play and how that can be utilized in other areas of the home. Luckily, there are clever ways to achieve similar visual interest. That unusual mirror, for instance, is a good start. Note how the highly reflective flooring reflects the awesome fixtures, effectively doubling their visual size. A neat effect. Another strong visual feature is the floor-to-ceiling ribbon windows, which produce powerful vertical lines and contrast.
With regard to scale, the oversized drum shade hanging over the tub is a fine example of how scale can create a dramatic effect, even in a room that lacks colour and accessories. It's the crowning glory, so to speak.
While this modern style of decor is not for everyone, it's really not the point. Let's look at the various aspects of the room that make it a great space and how one can use these techniques in other rooms with various decor styles.
Scale
As mentioned, the large drum shade is large and grand which makes it a focus in the room. A similar effect over a bed, dining table or conversational grouping in a living room could have a similar effect. Finding a specific, similar shade could be costly and difficult. So, how else can one create a similar look? While I haven't tried this idea, I can't see why a similar shade couldn't be made from flexible card stock and covered with your desired fabric. Suspend this lightweight creation from the ceiling using appropriate hardware. (Depending upon the weight with fabric, cup hooks or eyelets should work.) Use invisible wire (heavy gauge fishing line) to hang the shade a few centimetres from the ceiling around a stationary ceiling light fixture. Add beads, trim or other adornments to the shade to create your desired look. A large shade like this used in a small powder room could be very dramatic.
Other ways to use large scale to your advantage is through oversized mirrors, artwork and dramatic furniture, such as a bed with four high posters or a higher-than-normal headboard. One piece will usually do the trick. You don't want to have a room covered with oversized paintings and large mirrors because you'd be overwhelmed and the effect of scale would be lost. One or two large items at the most can be way more effective.
Line
The lines of the bathroom fixtures in our feature photograph are graphic and interesting. If all of these bathroom fixtures had square lines rather than flared shapes, the look would be totally different. I particularly like the effect the window strips add to the space. To recreate them, you could use mirror strips, strips of wallpaper or paint white vertical lines on a dark wall.
When choosing furniture or accessories for your decor, pay attention to line. A sofa with slightly flared arms might provide more visual interest than a perfectly square one, for example. The unique mirror in our feature room is a great example of how to shake things up a bit. The unusual shape is not for everyone but works in this particular scheme. Who knows, maybe that cracked bathroom mirror you've wanted to replace could be cut into a more interesting shape by a professional glass cutter and be turned into a feature piece.
In general, items with wavy or curvy lines will provide a softer, romantic decor while items with straight lines will tend to make a space feel modern and edgy. So, if your furniture grouping is very boxy you might want to consider adding in a round or oval coffee table to balance the look. If the bedroom is too feminine, add in some straight lines to provide a masculine balance. These changes don't necessarily require new furniture pieces. You can make these changes in a variety of affordable ways. Adding a masculine balance to a feminine bedroom may only require new linens containing a pattern of wide stripes to balance, say, draperies with a small floral pattern, for example. If you can't afford a new, oval or round coffee table, perhaps an oval or round area rug under the boxy sofa grouping would work.
Just a few more ideas to keep you on your toes! Keep me posted. I love hearing about your projects and getting your decor questions.
Connieoliver@shaw.ca
