When people think of interior decoration they typically think of wallpaper, window treatments, throw rugs and the like, and that’s all well and good because those things are incredibly important tools in the decorator’s arsenal. What many don’t think of (beyond perhaps a passing thought about upholstery) is furniture. But if you make your living as an interior decorator in Hamilton, Burlington or anywhere else you know furniture is your bread and butter.
How the Interior Decorator Uses Furniture to Create Magic
You could make a very convincing argument that, when it comes to interior decoration, furniture is the most important element. While we’re not going to make that specific argument here we are going to try and demonstrate just how important furniture is to the interior decorator.
- Creating rhythm: Furniture is notoriously static by nature but at the same time a talented decorator will know how to use the forms, volumes, colours and textures of furniture to create visual rhythm. When all the ‘active’ elements of furniture are properly deployed they’ll guide your eye from one part of the room to another effortlessly and create the impression of movement.
- Balance: Every interior decorator knows balance is not always as simple as placing matching end tables on each side of the couch yet all successful design and decoration is predicated on the notion of balance. Balance is a classical idea that establishes a sense of ease and comfort and makes the experience of a space a pleasant one. By virtue of its sheer mass furniture can play a central role in the establishment of balance within a decor or it can be used as a counterweight to other elements like artwork, lighting and area rugs.
- Scale: Furniture needs to respond to the scale of the room in which it’s set. To give it context. It should never overwhelm or be overwhelmed by the setting. By finding just the right scale of furnishings you also comment on the overall experience of the space in subtle ways that enliven and inform the decor. Scale can be used to create intimacy, promote socialization or to create a sense of awe and wonder.
- Focus: If you have a treasured antique or a piece of custom made furniture you’re particularly proud of your interior decorator may suggest you use it as anchor for the room. Conversely, furniture can also be used to draw attention to another point of interest; say a painting or fireplace. Furniture can also be arranged to direct traffic to a particular spot where a desired focal point comes into view.
- Texture: If you have several large pieces of furniture in a particular room the upholstery can be used to provide primary or complementary textures that other elements – like window treatments – play off of. The colours that accompany these textures can also play an important role in setting the temperature and feel of the space. And if you have a throw rug with a particularly strong pattern some of the bite can be smoothed over by neutralizing patterns and textures in the furniture.
Before you pick out the furniture that will occupy your new or renovated space call Isabelle Tremblay at Decor Isabelle. She’ll help you make wise choices that will dovetail perfectly with the other elements in your Burlington or Hamilton home. Furniture means more than just a comfortable place to sit or a convenient place to set your glass or plate. Furniture is the indispensable tool of the interior decorator who will use it to unlock a room’s full potential. Call Isabelle today to find out more.
