Creating Contrast, it's more than just my business

Contrast in the dictionary is explained as 'a distinction or emphasis of difference by comparison of opposite or dissimilar things'.  The most popular and often thought of way to create contrast is by using strong colour contrasts such as 'black and white'.  

To me, this image stirs up emotion that is both calming and complex at the same time

The lighting in this photo (above) really emphasises the contrast between the light skin and dark tattoos.  Now let's take a look at black and white contrast within Interior  Design.

Black painted doors give strong form to this space

Creating elements of contrast within a design adds visual stimulation as well as 'interest' to a space.  Rather than the usual black and white, there are many colours and tones that can be used to create contrast that mustn't be overlooked.  Accent walls are a popular way of doing this but don't limit your imagination to just painted walls.

Your eye is immediately drawn to the sexy lipstick red coloured cooker.

By injecting an unexpected element such as the bright red coloured stove above, there is a suggestion of playfulness in this rustic farm kitchen.  Notice how the red is also repeated a few times throughout the room : - the numbers on the clock; the wall tiles and various accessories.  This helps give flow to the space and support the otherwise 'out of the norm' colourful appliance.

Another way to create juxtaposition is by mixing Interior Design styles.

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In the above picture, a traditional tufted and skirted camel back sofa has been paired successfully with more modern elements such as - the contemporary patterns on the throw cushions; a wild zebra area rug and small ghost tables.  This type of contrast within designs work well when the pieces have been balanced and styles have been repeated.

More contrast between design styles are displayed in the picture above.

Re-upholstering antique furniture in bold, modern fabrics is quite the trend these days in upcycling.  

Pyschidelic bergere chair in a black and white chevron pattern

Designer Geoffrey Bradfield designed these chairs in honour of the late Alexander McQueen.

In the photo above the classic fauteuil chair has 2 different patterns that are no reflection of the actual period piece itself, but no one could argue that they would definitely make quite the conversation piece!

What about Creating Contrast by using various shapes?  This room below is a great example of how different shapes, forms and lines can all be used to create contrast.  Again, opposing textures such as the shiny satin bedding, crushed velvety head board and sparkly crystals are all contributing to this mix of contrasting elements.

In my opinion the lamps don't seem right in this space 

Next time you are decorating a space, why not get creative and use contrast in more ways than one?

Also, this MAY just be the month for you!  For all subscribers of ~delicious decor~ I will be sending out my 'DECOR TIPS FOR CREATING A BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED SPACE'.  If you are not yet subscribed to ~delicious decor~ but would like these fantastic tips list, please sign up to my blog before May 31st and I will be sure to send you this exclusive offer you don't want to miss!

If you want help in Creating Contrast Designs, then please contact me and I can help you fall in love with your home again!  e-mail: claire@creatingcontrastdesigns.com

Is Re-upholstering worth your while?

In light of 'The Custom Chairity Competition' that Urban Barn is holding, I chose to dedicate a post to reupholstering furniture.  If you've ever considered  giving a face lift to a tired piece of furniture by way of re-upholstery, you'll know that it's not something to be entered into lightly.  Here are some helpful hints I've learned along the way and always consider before undergoing this type of upcycling project whether it be for myself or for a client.

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Reupholstering furniture is a great way to re-invent an item and give it new life, however it can come with a fairly high price tag.  Therefore, it's important to consider whether the piece is actually worthy of being transformed prior to committing yourself and your wallet.  The cost is dependent on the size of the furnishing and how much intricate work, material and detail is required.

These Chippendale side chairs are easy enough to do on your own if you have the time

 The type of material you use is a major consideration, as some fabrics are more suited to certain applications.  The double rub count (surface abrasion) refers to how many times a fabric can be sat on until it gets worn out.  The higher the double rub count, the more durable the material.  Most fabric manufacturers should provide you with information on durability, washability, pilling & more.

This week I viewed the latest releases from Joanne Fabrics. The striking Othello Collection is shown above.

Where possible 'try before you buy' and order fabric samples to see how the material stands up to red wine spills,  pet hair or childrens' sticky fingers.   There's no escaping it, life is full of surprises and accidents can happen.  Being prepared on how to take care of your furnishings is wise, especially when investing hard earned money in your homes' delicious decor.

Don't settle for anything but the best when sourcing for a professional re-upholsterer.  If you can, find  someone that has been highly recommended and see their work - it could save you time and money.  Trust me, I speak from experience! 

This fateuil styled chair (below) had caning under the arms and tufted detail on the cushion when I  purchased it second hand.  The chair cushion was stained and the caning had been damaged but I  loved it anyway and immediately saw its' potential. 

First I sanded and repainted the chairs' frame with Benjamin Moores' CC130 - Ivory White in a satin finish.  As caning is almost impossible to repair I asked the upholsterer to remove it and cover the space between the arms and the seat cushion with my flocked floral fabric. 

I am very pleased with the final result,  but the first upholsterer I took the chair to did not do a good job.   Staples were visible from every angle so I took it to another upholsterer  to have this problem fixed.  I have since found some amazing craftspeople in this trade that I trust & regularly depend upon.  If you have a piece that needs doing contact me and I can obtain a quote for you.
 

For Sale

If you are looking for a specific style of furniture or a unique occasional chair, let me know and I may be able to help you find what your looking for. These antique shell back chairs (above) could do with a fantastic makeover and are currently for sale. Contact me if you are interested.  

Not my taste, but you get the idea of amazing transformations, right?!

To view more upholstered projects by Creating Contrast Designs, see this post on a client's living room makeover.  To Fall in Love with your home again, book a consultation with me and I can help make your dreams for your home a reality.  Visit my website at www.creatingcontrastdesigns.com where you can find all my contact information.

Living Room Makeover - Part 1

When I first meet with clients I ask them why their current space is not fulfilling their needs.  We discuss function, colour & style preferences as well as how they would like to 'feel' when they enter that particular room.  Like anything in life it is important to understand why you want to change something before you look at initiating that change. To see more about questions asked during the consulting stages,  click here to read my post about 'Where to Start'.  

When I first met with Dorothy and Geoffrey their living room was painted a dark green tone & there was no fixed lighting in the room.  They wanted the room to be brighter & wished to update the decor by using some of their  beautiful antique items and introducing modern furnishings as well.  

We discussed what furniture was staying, what could be re-worked and what was going to need replacing.

A large tree outside their window blocks a lot of natural light from entering the room.

We discussed how many people they typically entertain for so as to clarify what seating was required.  To address the lighting issue I suggested placing sconces on the wall by the fireplace and adding secondary lighting with floor and table lamps, as drilling into the ceiling was not an option. 

The fireplace had hand painted floral Portuguese tiles and if they were to stay, they would have limited and dictated the style and colours for the room.  It really was essential to replace these tiles to update this room and give it the face lift my client's desired.

Carrara Marble Tiles with the brass insert gives this fireplace a clean, classic and polished look. 

The floor had some damage to it so it was sanded down and re-stained with a natural look finish.  An area rug is a great way to add softness to a room and will help ground the space.  However, until one has been chosen, my client's are enjoying their gorgeous hardwood floors! 

Prior to finalising the paint colour I recommended painting 18" x 18" samples with the 2 colours that they liked best and place then on a larger white background on the wall for 48 hours.  It is important (and surprising) to see how colours change throughout the day and into the evening, so I always encourage this exercise prior to applying the paint.  I know people say 'It's only paint' but by doing this and getting it right in the first place saves a lot of time and headaches in the long run.

  Paint - Benjamin Moore- HC99 - Abingdon Putty.  Still to come -wall art, a rug, coffee table & accessories.

As you can see, the room has been totally transformed and looks stunning.  My client's are thrilled with the way it is coming along and so am I.  We started work on this project in September and were fortunate to have all of the upholstered pieces and draperies completed and recieved before Christmas. 

When ordering customised items it's important to be aware of  timelines for delivery in order to manage expectations (yours or your clients) thoughtfully and carefully.   As I've mentioned before, HGTV makes this business & the process of Interior Design look quick and easy -that just isn't the case.

To see the professional photos - which are stunning!! - head here to the portfolio page of my website.  

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