When applying perfect Contrast in interior design will make you catch your breath, because of the visually striking elements that look amazing together. Other rooms without it almost seem as if something is missing and fall flat.
What is contrast in interior design? When you place two elements with opposing characteristics together you will contrast. It is what gives spaces to remember the impact. When correctly used, the design principle of the foundation adds a large dosage of visual interest to your space. At the same time, it pulls it together. your interior space in such a way as to have a “wow” factor.
Do you wanna know how to apply it to your interior? Keep on reading.
What Is Contrast In Interior Design?
When two elements with opposing characteristics are placed together, that is called contrast. It is not as simple as fine lines versus solid shapes or green versus red. Even with the combinations of geometric and organic shapes, contrast is more complicated than it sounds.
When you walk into a room and catch your breath at how well-designed it is, you may not be able to pinpoint exactly what makes a room stunning. The secret ingredient? Contrast.
There is no such thing as a “wow” factor without the use of contrast. Any successful interior designer knows how essential the use of contrast is in design.
Room can look very monotonous when contrast is not used in some way. Even in minimalism we apply it in form of bright accessorie or something similar. Knowing exactly the right balance of how to use contrasting elements is the secret to fabulous interiors.
How Do We Create Contrast In Interiors?
Contrast is the secret interior weapon designers use to ensure that the room draws in the eye while still being cohesive. The key is to know how and where to correctly use it. The importance cannot be emphasized enough. As a matter of fact, it is a design principle because the striking impact it makes on viewers can be remarkable.
Different type of Contrasts in Interior Design
- masculine versus feminine
- geometric versus organic
- plain versus ornate
- small versus big
- dull versus bright
- dark versus light
- old versus new
- textured versus smooth
- light versus heavy
- fragile versus sturdy
Think about contrasting elements as creating tension between two opposites. Designers create a breathtaking focal point in designed composition as well as an interesting, thoughtful convergence point.
Lets see some examples how to use contrast in interior.
Contrast Using Color
This is probably the easiest and the most obvious use of contrasts. Giving rooms a complementing color scheme using two opposing shades on the color wheel creates the most impact. White and black will never go out of style. However, if you prefer more color, you can also use color combinations like yellow and purple or orange and blue.
Keep in mind that just as with any design, one color needs to be the accent and the other color needs to be dominant. Example of popular dominant color in kitchen layout is backsplash. You might see lot of times light minimalistic color tone for kitchen cabinets and bold color for backsplash to pop.
When you have high-contrasting space and want to tone things Down, add extra neutral colors inside. Doing this gives the onlookers areas to rest their eyes. It also provides a serene background for your color contrast to begin popping out against.
Using Shapes For Contrast
To add contrast to space, using form and shape are also excellent methods. When you consider how angled, sharp corners seem different from rounded, smooth edges, it is not hard to see how easily contrast can be achieved. Furniture most frequently uses this method.
When you rely heavily on Scandinavian or mid-century modern geometric shapes, this guideline should help you. Eclectic designs that favor matching and mixing varied styles will also fit well together.
No matter what look you are going for, balance is the key. Learn more about it in my blog post on link above.
Contrast Through Mixing And Matching
Because of all the design elements put together creating final look, every space will inherently include some varying materials. When mixing and matching, however, designers need to choose items that are distinctive from each other purposefully.
This contrast refers to how the product looks or how the product are made and with what material.
Think about mixing chrome and steel metals with natural materials like stone and wood. When you are focused on fabrics, select a solid color and mix this with patterns.
Using Texture For Contrast
Texture‘s importance cannot be stressed enough. In the parlance of interior design, texture refers to the method in which we perceive the way elements of design feel.
Space gets visual weight added to it when you put two textures together that contrast each other.
This means that your design components will be able to draw the eyes in better. It works best when two textures contrast, smooth and rough are used in close proximity.
What Is The Purpose Of Contrast?
The purpose of contrast is to create a dynamic composition in a room. It is the design principle that creates a striking visual impact. It evokes the power of good design and makes an impression on the occupants of a space. The purpose of contrast can also be to cause enjoyment or joie de vivre upon the room occupants.When correctly used, contrast creates a spot in which the eyes are drawn naturally. It is where your eyes naturally go to in the room. Contrasts are not between equals. Instead, one element has more visibility than the opposite contrasting element. It attracts the eyes and gives it more weight visually. Because it creates a visual hierarchy, contrast produces a sense of harmony and balance. This ensures that items of varying visual weight are distributed throughout the room in a way that is pleasant and impactful.
What is the solution to a monotonous room?
Contrast is the solution to a room’s monotony. A room’s monotony is resolved very successfully by the change in darker and lighter shades. This applies to the surface of the accessories, furniture, and walls. Changes create contrast. Also, there is no risk of breaking harmony when the hues are almost the side. The reason for this is that hues that are not too different from each other coincide.
Is Contrast Only Used For Aesthetics?
The main goal of using contrast in an interior is to satisfy the needs of aesthetics and functionality of the owners. Not only can a room be more visually impactful by using contrasting elements, but there is also a utilitarian or functional aspect as well. For example, in a small room, you can add contrast to separate zones. This is especially useful for condominiums and tiny spaces.
What Is The Secret To Success When Using Contrast?
Balance is the secret to success when you apply the elements of contrast in interior design. Selecting the right contrasting variations is how to contrast is achieved. A lot of people attempt to create home accents reflecting their distinctiveness and individually. However, simply adding drastic colors against bright accents won’t immediately create harmony. An interior’s success depends on harmony as a whole.The balance between the contrasts and the accents and the general style. Contrast creates exclusivity. It is also edgy, risky and can reflect pretentiousness and tastelessness when not done right. Contrasts can be inappropriate when using too much lighting, accessories, materials, forms, furniture, and decor. The whole design needs to be harmonious but with a bit of personality. Not overdone and pretentious.
Hope you like this post. When starting your Design is essential to start with base – choosing symmetrical or asymmetrical Balance, than think about emphasis and focal Points before moving on to contrast.
Interior design principles are really important playing factor of your overall design. You can make of brake it easily if not carefull.
