We selected a few common design dilemmas that are often asked of us and thought we would share more of them with you……..
Q. How can I dress up a plain staircase ?
A. Paint the treads and the handrail high gloss black; paint the risers and ballisters white. If you add a carpet runner, leave 3” of stair on either side and install metal rods for extra punch
Q. How do you create a modern design without losing a sense of the past, especially in an area with older homes?
A. Reinterpret traditional design and elements with newer materials. The proportions of the exterior should be inspired by tradition rather than recreate it. By offering modern cues, such as the mailbox or front railing, you provide glimpses of the design inside without being too jarring. Sometimes the street can provide clues as to what to emphasize: the character of the house, openings like windows, and landscaping. Create a transition: the front, which belongs to the streetscape as much to you, should harmonize with its neighbors.
Q. How do you create points of interest or focal points in an open concept space?
A. Group furniture into conversation areas in larger spaces- place sofas and chairs facing one another for an intimate grouping or back to back to create two separate points of view. Anchor one or both ends of a large space with substantial or tall items such as an oversize painting, a mirror or a fireplace with art hung above it.
Have you ever wondered how high to hang a chandelier or what size of area rug to purchase? If so, our crash course on the rules of proportion and placement in interior design is for you…..
The rules are based on human ergonomics, so following them not only results in harmonious spaces but also helps avoid mishaps….. DINING ROOMPlace Settings
Optimize comfort and sociability by counting on at least 24" and up to 30" per person along the sides of the dining table and at least 15" between a place setting and the end of the table to accommodate the settings for each head of the table.
Dining Table and Chairs
New furniture generally comes standard sizes, but when pairing mismatched pieces or antiques, keep the following measurements in mind: comfortable dining table heights is 30”, and there should be at least eight inches between the bottom of the table top or table skirt and the top of the chair seats.
Chandelier
Getting chandelier placement right can make all the difference to the ambiance of your dining room. Hang a chandelier so that the bottom is centered 30-36”above the top of the table. Choose one with a diameter that’s at least half the total width of the table
Artwork
The rule of thumb for hanging works of art is that the centre of interest in the picture should be about 60-66 inches from the floor, which is average eye level. In the dining room, art will be appreciated by those seated, so works can be hung a few inches lower.
Area Rug
A dining room area rug should be at least 24” larger than the table on all sides, so that the chairs can be moved in and out without getting caught on the edge of the rug
Sconses
The placement of wall mounted fixtures can vary depending on the room, its furnishings and window placement. Here, the sconses are mounted 10” from the sides of the artwork so as to not crowd it and so that their centres are about 60” from the floor, which works well with the horizon line of the painting.
Centrepiece
A centerpiece should never be so tall that it impedes eye contact between your guests, keep it less than 12”
We selected a few common design dilemmas that are often asked of us and thought we would share more of them with you……..
