Design Notes
Contrast is a design element that is used often since it makes a statement, creates visual interest, and provides a touch of elegance to the space. White and Black, dark mixed with warm metals like gold, copper, and brass. Many interior designers are choosing to use this tool and these color combinations more in their creations, and it seems that this trend is only increasing in popularity. Let’s explore the different ways you can add dark colors to your space, balanced with enough light to make a beautiful presentation in your home that both you and your guests will enjoy.
Why Contrast?
The purpose of contrast is to draw attention to certain features and highlight special areas in the design. Contrast also has the ability to organize the area and develop a design hierarchy by guiding the eye to certain items or focal points. The stronger the contrast, the greater the emphasis. Here are a few additional tips.
A Balancing Act
While contrast is a beautiful thing, it still requires a correct balance. If it leans heavily in either direction, it produces the opposite effect. Too much dark color and the space can become too heavy, and a lean toward light can leave the room feeling empty. Here are some tips for creating a unified design:
- Dividing the wall color: Painting the upper wall and lower wall two different colors, with the darker color on the bottom, can create a stunning effect for the room.
- Mix materials: Dark metal lamps with light shades, a dark couch with bright pillows rich in texture, art pieces with a darker palette against a white wall, or wood accents.
- Include light: This is good because it adds warmth to the space, especially in the evening.
- Little things: Hardware and plumbing are an easy way to add a pop without overdoing it.
Contrast, when done right, creates a design that captivates the eye. See how we accomplished this goal in this design project. Explore places like Pinterest to find inspirational photos you can bring to your design meeting.
The Benefits
There are many benefits to using contrast in your design. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Size control: By using the colors correctly, you can add or condense the feel of a room. Painting a ceiling and even the walls dark tends to make it feel cozier, while light walls open up a small space.
- Focal points: Do you want to highlight specific items in the home? Placing them against a strong contrast immediately draws the eye to them.
- Visual interest: Natural wood floating shelves set against a dark or light backsplash create amazing visual interest in the design.
- Bold: Bright patterns can make a strong statement and create a fun touch to the space.
The possibilities are endless and the choices abundant. There are many ways to design a space using contrast, meaning that whatever your style, it can be accomplished.
In our final part of the selection tips series, we want to focus our attention on lighting. Good lighting can make a difference in the room; no one enjoys struggling to see around the shadows cast by insufficient light or the glare of one placed too low. Here’s what should be on your list of things to look for when selecting your lighting.
There’s no denying the appeal of HGTV’s popular renovation shows such as Fixer Upper, Love It or List It, and Property Brothers. These programs consistently deliver impressive home transformations, turning outdated properties into stylish, modern living spaces—all within the span of a neatly packaged, one-hour episode.
While unexpected challenges and budget concerns occasionally arise, the hosts reliably navigate these obstacles, keeping projects on track and showcasing the kind of resilience and problem-solving that resonates with homeowners and renovation professionals alike.
What was once just space to check your email quickly or jot down your to-do list, the home office is now essential for many who work from home. This shift from the nice bonus feature to the necessary has caused many homeowners to reevaluate their current condition, with many finding it lacking. Productivity and efficiency are linked to a functional space that gives you exactly what you need to get the job done. Here we share some tips on designing the perfect office away from the office.
You have been dreaming of a new kitchen for a while, and now the decision has been made to finally bring it to life. Cabinets, lights, faucets, tile, and flooring are all on your to-do list, but what about the kitchen appliances? Have you thought about whether you want a double oven? Two dishwashers? Maybe you want a wide refrigerator, a separate beverage cooler, or a wine fridge? The choice of kitchen appliance you need depends on what is important to you and what will suit your lifestyle. We will share some of our best tips on which appliances are best for your specific needs.
Greenbrook DesignYou need to understand the difference between style, class, and function. Although a house’s style may become outdated, it does not have to lose its class. Every home can remain functional regardless of its style and age.
An old-style home is one thing, but an obsolete home is an entirely different matter. In this article, we outline simple things you can do to pull your outdated home out of the past and into the modern period. You will be able to restore its appeal without giving up the quiet dignity that’s associated with old homes.
Greenbrook Design