Layering gives your interior design that professional look. Most of us innately understand the art of layering in fashion – even if we think we don’t. We do it unconsciously every day. We add a sweater over a shirt and then add a scarf with a similar color scheme. We add jewelry in the same color family…plus shoes, a purse, and other accessories that blend. But, when it comes to our rooms, we either err on the side of blandness – or we go overboard with too much stuff. Successful interior design is all about getting each of the elements in a room to work well together while still standing out and making an individual impact. This is done through a process called layering. Though it is not an official principle of design, many of the pros consider it the secret ingredient that makes a room stand out. We hope this post will show you how to incorporate layering into your home space.
Layering Adds Depth to a Room
When you think about layering, interior designers use layering to make a room more dynamic. Think of it the same as adding a sweater, a scarf or a few pieces of jewelry. That personalizes a look and takes it from utilitarian to special. The same with interior design. Take a second to consider all of the separate elements that go into pulling a room together. While each of these things plays its own role, your design only comes into being once they all work together. It is the special ingredient that adds depth to a space and makes it extraordinary.
Elements Needed to Make the Layering Work
There are just certain rooms that look incredibly rich, full, and interesting. They tell a story with every turn of your head and with every glance in another room. They’re the kind of rooms you want to be in — and the kind of spaces you aspire your house to look like. The design secret that is playing a big part in these rooms is layering — the conscious effort of stacking design element on top of design element in such a way that an entire room feels very textured and unique. You can use these ideas in super small spaces to really enhance the feel of coziness, or you can use these ideas in very large spaces where it feels too empty.
Tricks Used to Pull Off the Appearance of Layering
Once you know what layering is, the next step is knowing how to make it happen. In order to start layering effectively, you need to be aware of each component in a room. All components in the room must be considered. Each of the following is its own separate layer: the walls, the flooring, the furniture, the lighting, and all the decor. Focus on building the room by adding each layer, one at a time.
Use Plenty of Contrast
Layers are most effective when you can clearly differentiate between them. The best way to make that separation apparent is through incorporating plenty of contrast. Contrast isn’t one-size-fits-all. Giving a room a complementary color scheme or one that utilizes two shades on opposite ends of the color wheel — will create the strongest impact. Pair a bold design with a solid color. Where textures are concerned, use a soft piece or smooth one with a rough one. Use big and small items together. Do your best to actively search out opportunities to play up contrast.
Use a Few Common Elements to Tie the Room Together
As you create your design, think about the areas where you’ve focused on contrast. Then put the others toward adding harmony. If, for example, you’ve chosen to contrast solid and patterned fabrics, use a similar color so they work well together. Layering in interior design may seem complicated, but that’s not the case. All this process really means is making a commitment to consider each of your design elements separately before making an effort to bring them together.
If you want to experiment with layering start small and create layers on display shelves. Or, perhaps, you can find a spot that already doesn’t have a lot going on, like a hallway, to experiment with layering. Even next to a doorway. Layering is a way to create unexpected moments of richness in a space — and take your home to the next level of sophistication.
Looking to remodel your bathroom, kitchen, mudroom, basement, bar, or some other part of your home?… W.Stephens can help you!
Contact us (859-331-8100) today to make an appointment!
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- Initial Client consultation – The design process begins with a consultation at our showroom or in your home to obtain the necessary information needed to design your dream kitchen, bath, or space.
- Design – We carefully design the space, keeping your desires as the foundation of our creativity.
- Feedback / Design Approval – Working with you, using your feedback to get final design approval.
- Installation Meeting – We meet with the installers, prior to installation, to go over ALL the details.
- Post Installation Follow-up – We follow-up with you to make sure everything went well during installation.
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