Interior Design 101 "Scale"
There are many ways to approach interior design and decorating. We see many details and variations on scale, but it's important to understand what works for a "human" perspective and what makes us feel comfortable.
Most people start with pictures and ideas of styles that they like and begin to think of how that look would work within their homes. The may like the idea of a certain look, but the size and layout of a home will dictate what will be appropriate for the space, as well as style.
While traveling in Europe, I've noticed a great difference in the way Westerners and other people from around the world view the scale of their interiors. There is a tendency in Europe to furnish with minimal furnishings and accessories. It's surprising to see a very large vintage home with small scale furnishings or sparse rooms in Europe. It takes a bit of getting used to the look to understand the style and the sophistication involved in these rooms. As well, in Asia there is a sparseness that prevails in the decoration, but of course their rooms are normally much smaller than what Americans are accustomed to. So in most other countries there is a very different mind-set as to the size and scale of their interior furnishings.
Americans of course see the world in a different way. We are comfortable with larger scale furnishings and construction, especially some of the mountain homes that we have in the Eastern Sierra.
As well as the geographic location, current trends will influence the scale of furniture and home decor. Over the past ten years or so, there has been a trend for a very simple and straight line approach to interiors. I call it a "return to basics" idea, where people want to simplify their homes and streamline their lifestyles. Still the scale is a primary part in creating this look and having it make the impact that is desired.
When i first visit a home and look at each room, I visualize the space and begin to envision pieces of furniture and accessories in the room.
The height of the ceiling is one of the most critical aspects in making the room in proportion to the furnishings.
The floor space is the next detail that will dictate what will work within the room.
The next important detail is to find out what the lifestyle of the client is, so that the concept can be developed to create the best use of the space for the people who live in and use the home.
Additionally important is, what type and size of light fixtures will hang from the ceiling and also the size and location of the windows as well as the views.
All of these features help to make the room feel balanced and must be taken into consideration in order to not fail in the design process.
When we walk into a room and we feel comfortable, sometimes we don't know the reason why. A room that has the right size furniture and the correct amount of pieces in a logical layout will unknowingly give our mind's eye the balance that it seeks.
The pieces that are chosen and the colors or patterns will cause the eye to travel in the room to see other aspects and lead the eye to balance or confusion.
In addition to the furniture, lighting and windows, other features such as a fireplace or a large expanse of floor space will also affect how we feel in the room.
These features can be calculated in a logical or intuitive fashion or with a combination of both.
One of my observations is in certain large homes with vaulted high ceilings, the height of the furnishings must be correct to help the furniture not look too small or out of proportion to the room. It's difficult to find the balance in a room with a high ceiling.
Too much furniture can also be disturbing to the eye in a large or small room.
Occasionally oversized furniture used in a small room can "trick" the mind into thinking "it's cozy" not "too big". It's another look that suits certain homes.
Of course, it's always a personal preference, but when working with a design professional, there should be an understanding with the client as to what the desired end result will be and how it will be achieved.
So remember, one of the challenging aspect to design is a subtle one of 'scale'. Not everyone can create a sense of balance and harmony within a space, as a professional or not.
Always think that it's not only the style and color of the pieces and how they will fit into a room, but most importantly for the best result, is the scale.
