Variety, design
principle number 8, is defined as “the use of several elements of design to hold the
viewer’s attention and to guide the viewer’s eye.” It is your use of lines, shapes, forms,
space, colors, and textures that adds those dashes of variety to your living
area that creates visual interest aplenty.
Variety can be enhanced by the art of the
unexpected. Think you need to stick to
one pattern or print in an area? Not
necessary, actually. You can mix a
shower curtain with a curvy geometric print with clean-lined striped towels and
solid colored bath mats. Zig zag curtain
panels can be paired with a multicolored, flecked rug and upholstered
occasional chairs with a floral twist or a solid leather sofa with throw
pillows of varying designs. Layer
different patterns to slather on the variety.
When hanging a grouping on a wall, mix the
shapes, sizes, and materials to create an eclectic blend with art gallery flair
versus a streamlined grid of the same frames.
Hang round or sunburst mirrors with square and rectangular framed art or
photos alongside unframed canvases or retro ceiling tiles. When setting up a general season table
centerpiece, vary the heights of candle holders, combine clear glass vases with
solid ceramics, and blend wispy grasses and florals with smooth rocks or
stones. When you take in the complete
scene, it is the melding of the different pieces together that makes it an appealing
collection.
Variety is also displayed through a mixed bag of
furniture pieces. You can buy a set
right off a showroom floor. Or you can
pick and choose a slew of pieces from different lines or sources to add a
different flourish to the space. A clean
line couch next to a small, round end table, along with a loveseat or side
chairs with feminine, curvy lines and nail head details gives a room
personality. In a bedroom, an
upholstered headboard with a wavy shape to the top, plush, mini ottomans at the
foot of the bed, and a masculine, blocky dresser keep the room from being one
sided, but is diversified instead.
Variety can be the spice of your home life when
you boldly mix and match and layer different shapes and colors and textures to
ensure each area of your home expresses parts of your style in unique, creative
ways.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star June 3rd.
