Size Does Matter! Scale and Proportion.

In Interior Design, there are many keywords which we'll use often to describe or apply a design.  Words like scale, proportion, size, balance, harmony, cohesive, flow, etc.  These words play a huge role in how a design comes together.  If you can't use these words to describe a design, then it's probably lacking and therefore, needs to be corrected.

There are fundamentals in the design process which need to be a part of the design in order for the design to feel complete.  A well-executed design will have such fundamentals.     

Today we'll go over a few example of how these words come to play in the design process, and we'll also see how the lack of or the elimination of affects the final design.

Here's a perfect example of how the scale of two pieces can complement each other when considering the space they are in.  Why does it work so well?  The length of the bench complements the width of the mirror creating balance.  Also, they are in a room that is bright and airy and clutter free.  

Picture: Amber Interiors

Here's an example of a space where the balance and proportion are thrown off creating an awkward look.  

If you're going to have a coffee table it should be the same height as the sofa.  In this case, I'm not sure this is a sofa - it appears to be a multipurpose sofa/daybed.  However, the coffee table is too low and you have to bend too far down to place something on it.  

Here's an example of the complete opposite.  Beautiful doesn't always mean perfect.

Coffee table is way too tall for the setting.

What a gorgeous room!  It is almost perfect in every aspect except for the big eyesore in the middle.  That table is way too tall for the setting.  Although it complements the design and the setting and is styled beautifully, it interferes making it difficult for the people in this conversation area to see each other.  A lower height cocktail table would perfect the space.

Here is a conversation area executed perfectly.  

Perfect conversation area!
static.squarespace.com

I can't take credit for this, but I am in love with everything in this picture.  The scale of the ottoman-style coffee table is perfectly proportioned to the size of the chairs.  Notice,  although the chairs vary in height and style, the dimensions and width and the complementing fabrics and color harmonize so well that it does not take away from the design and setting.

Tell me what is wrong with this next one?

A cute room for sure, but, Oh!  That thing in the middle!  While I think it's great to find a new purpose for old things to bring charm to a room, I believe they also need to be functional.  Okay, so it's sort of functional.  The scale of this "thing in the middle" is absurdly too small.  Now, I'm not here to criticize, I'm here to help you make your space functional and stylish without the absurdity of repurposing (formerly known as improvising) incorrectly.  And don't get me started on the scattered chairs and random things.  Extra seating is always great but make sure they are equal in "weight" to the other furniture and also, well placed to create a cohesive space.  

Scale and proportion also play a role not only in design but also in function.  

This table is really nice and appears to go great with the design of the room and the colors.  However, the height is too small.  Imagine trying to reach over to put your drink on the table.  There's a good chance that if you're not paying attention you're going to spill it.  The same is possible when trying to retrieve it as you're likely to bump it on the arm of the sofa.  And because the table is too small the lamp also looks disproportioned.  You won't benefit from the light of the lamp since it's too low.  If the table was taller then the lamp will look well proportioned too.

Finally, here is a wonderful example of scale and proportion.

A well-executed vignette

Everything in this vignette is perfect.  The mirrors fill out in the same width as the desk (proportion); the tall lamp is well balanced by the small flower vase and is a perfect size for the desk (proportion); the camera stacked on the books is well-balanced by the frame behind it, which also serves as an additional layer (I love layers!); and finally, the white rocks (displayed in odd numbers - always use odd numbers) contrast the color of the desk, frames, and lamp, but coordinate perfectly with the books, flowers, and mats on the frames.  Everything harmonizes so beautifully!

So many wonderful design elements were used in this vignette alone.  And, that's how a well-designed space should be.  Everything in the room should have a fundamental design element to it.  That doesn't mean that you have to be strategic about every item in the room, but when you use your fundamentals you will execute a design just like the pros.

Don't let yourself be too impulsive when putting a room together.  As much as you may love a piece of furniture or artwork, if it doesn't harmonize with everything else, if it isn't cohesive, if the scale or proportion is absurdly in contrast to the other pieces in the room, stay away from it.  Sometimes we're in such a rush to put a space together that we overlook details and let our impulses take over.  The best designed spaces aren't put together in one day or in one shopping trip.  A good space evolves over time.  

Now that you understand some of the design elements a little better, go ahead and find a space in your home that you can apply what you have learned.  Take a before and after shot and compare them.  In fact, feel free to comment and share them with me.

P.S. A little secret of mine is to look at a room through the camera lens.  I may think it looks wonderful but once I look at it through the camera lens, I can see what needs to be changed.  If it looks good through the camera then it's probably right.

Here's a little extra eye candy.  Look at the way these rooms use balance, proportion, scale, flow, etc.

Picture: buyerselect.com 

Picture: bassettfurniture.com

Picture: Pinterest (couldn't find original source)

Picture: Pinterest

               

*Disclaimer: none of these images are my own.  Opinions are all mine.  I have done my best to give credit to the image sources as I have found them.