Thursday, May 9, 2013

Right Angles

I want to sincerely thank everyone for the outpouring of support I received after my post on Tuesday.  Putting it out there was so uneasy for me (will I be judged, will they think I am fishing for compliments, self-doubt -  all of those things go through your mind).  You made me feel empowered and certainly energized to keep going.  Thank you.

After a recent trip to visit a client, I noticed a particular 'tip' that Mom and I often give that keeps emerging as we visit more and more homes.  We often tell our clients to soften all of the right angles in a room by adding oval or circular elements.


Unless you live in a turret, most rooms are comprised of right angles.  When you add in furniture and soft goods, it usually adds to more right angles.  A rectangular TV, rug or sofa, a square coffee table or side table, a blocky media console, and certainly frames and millwork on the walls... they are all so angular.  It can do a number on the eye when just following only angles through a room. Adding curvilinear or round elements can really give the eye a break and soften the feel of a square or rectangular room.

If your sofa is a big rectangle, flanked by square end tables - try an oval coffee table.  A drum shade or round light fixture on the ceiling will also soften the edges in a room.






If you have a lot of art on the walls and very straight-lined furniture, try a French-style settee or a demilune accent table. And certainly Reason 102 that gourd lamps are so popular - their organic shape can really accent a room.



You might think this is pointing out the obvious but you'd be amazed at how many pictures you'll now notice with only right angles!

Do you have a lot of right angles in your home?


17 comments:

  1. Great advice! I totally agree that a mix of shapes is the way to go.

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  2. Good advice. I think it is in my DNA to combine shapes. Pointy rooms bother me. :)

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  3. Totally Agree ... I always give this advice. But as I look around my home ... I need to act quickly!! xo

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  4. So true...I have to take a look around here now!...
    -Shelley

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  5. I totally agree. Which is why I've been on the hunt for the 'right' round ottoman coffee table for a client for almost 4 months now!

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  6. So, so agree. Great tips on how to soften the hard edges in a room.

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  7. p.s.
    how did I miss the new blog look! Love it ladies

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  8. Great tip, I just brought home a new coffee table and was thinking it might be a bit blocky (my word). Round is probably the way to go, but it's so unique...hmmm...

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  9. You are right...seems obvious but I hadn't thought about it before...lovely images. I pinned a couple!

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  10. Beautiful examples Bethany. I seem to do it naturally; however now I know why!

    I hope you visit soon!
    Xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  11. Gee I never thought about this! Good Gravy I will be moving things around ....again! Well maybe?

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  12. Oh yes Bethany, I try to 'soften' it with circular tables, stools and textures on my pillows! Hope you guys celebrate Mother's day happily!

    Advance Happy Mother's day to you NANCY!!!!Mwah!

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  13. Where the hell were you two (3 years ago) when I was buying everything in square/blocks? Blurgh! O'k great post, will now try to remove offending coffee table without husband noticing...but hey, I think he will be happier with soft ROUND! ottoman for his feet;) ps thanks for your kind words...what goes around comes around. All the best:)b

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  14. Thank you so much for sharing this. I just added a round side table to both ends of my sectional, hoping I'm right on track! LOL!

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