It is my goal for this blog to not only be a place to find beautiful images and inspiring before and afters, but also a place for knowledge. Some people make the right design decisions naturally, they have an eye for design. Others really need rules to follow. So, today I am offering up a tip/rule to help take your room to the next level.
Designer Tip- REPEAT SIMILAR ELEMENTS THROUGHOUT YOUR ROOM
To serve as an example I am using photos from my guest bedroom (one of my favorites!).
In this room I was going for a rustic, yet glamorous feel. Immediately I knew I would be using wood to bring in the rustic warm texture. So, you will notice in the photo above that I have: a striped wooden focal wall behind the bed, a driftwood mirror (on the left side of the room), and a limb lamp (on the dresser).
I like to have some pops of color in every room and yellow was the one I chose for this space. You can see the dots of marigold in the photos above and below.
I not only like to repeat colors and textures throughout a space, but also shapes. Can you see how the lines of the mirror mimic the lines of the headboard?
Do you also notice the touches of metallic through the bedroom? The ceiling, the headboard, the silver leafed dresser, a few frames, and multiple accessories are adorned with a silver sheen. This coupled with silk drapes and the headboard/mirror shape bring all sorts of glamour into this guest retreat.
See the little framed photo nestled in the serving tray? Well, not only is it’s color palette perfect for the room, but it’s scene is similar to the one of the painting over by the dresser.
And I kind of love that the negative sky space in the painting of the mountains mimics the shape of the headboard and the mirror! PERFECTION! 🙂
A lot of these elements and repetition are things that people won’t pick out or realize right away (or maybe ever) but they serve to create a space that is beautifully unified and has depth. I kind of like to think of my rooms/designs as pieces of art- there are MANY layers to them. You can appreciate the entire scene at first sight (hopefully) but the longer you look the more you notice and appreciate the space.
So you probably think I am a loon with all the artsy fartsy talk, but hopefully you found this somewhat helpful for creating a room you will love in your own home!
‘Til Monday!
Hi Kara! I absolutely love, love, love this room! It’s definitely my favorite (although your re-do of the music lesson space is a super close #2).
I would really like to recreate this for my daughter’s room, ugh, not sure I could pull it off, but I’d love to try!
You’re awesome, love your vision, keep doing what you do best!
Liz
Kara, thanks for the lesson! I can use it for sure. I knew I liked this room – and now I know why I like it. I can definitely put these tips to use. You helped me a while back on a paint color (eclectic apt), which I used today in my Living Room and love! I appreciate your help!
Hollie
I think what you said here is so true, especialy this part: “You can appreciate the entire scene at first sight (hopefully) but the longer you look the more you notice and appreciate the space.”
And the tip about repeating similar elements is great! I try to do this, but seeing a post with it layed out so well is a great refresher on how to make a room be more cohesive and flow well.
i adore this room. if only i could paint a room that color!:) i love pops of color, and i love the detailing in this room.
I love this room! Do you have a how-to for that wall? And just out of curiosity, what is that paint color(the blue)? It wouldn’t go in my room for now unless I re-did my bedding, etc but they’re fairly new…maybe in the future though! Thanks!
I love that headboard can you tell me how you cut it into that shape ?Thanks!
Hey Maddie!
I used a jigsaw with a metal blade to cut the corrugated tin. Thanks for asking!