3 Easy Ways to Play with Proportion

It was the work of French interior and product designer, Philippe Starck, that first introduced me to the power of playing with proportion. In nearly all of his interiors there is always some object whose scale is significantly larger than life.

Can you spot it? Saint Martin's Lane, London.  Photo Credit.

Art. Katsuya Restaurant. Brentwood, CA. Photo Credit.

Light. Mama Shelter Istanbul. Photo Credit.

These larger than life proportions are one way Starck adds a bit of whimsy to his interiors.

While it is always safe to air on the side of balanced proportions within a space, increasing the scale of a single object adds visual interest, a bit of quirk, and conversation to any room.

So how do those of us who live in not-so-custom homes and on meager budgets play with proportion?

ART
Taking a cue from Starck, amp up the size of the canvas. The number five takes on new significance in this interior when it consumes most of the wall it is hung on.

Photo Credit.

My walls are in desperate need of art. Blowing up family photos or even a letter or number of personal significance is one way to play with proportion (I see a DIY in my future...)

LIGHT
The light fixtures we hang from our ceilings, mount on our walls, and set on our tables and floors often take on focal point status, so why not go big?!

Photo Credit.

This DIY drum chandelier was my attempt to play with proportion in my dining room.

PATTERN
This is something I need more of in my home. Window treatments, wall paper, throw pillows, rugs, or a bedspread with a pattern on steroids are just more fun!

Large scale stripe. Photo Credit.

Large scale Splitleaf by Cavern. Photo Credit.

While it is the American way is to go big or go home for just about every aspect of life. Proportion play is most successful when it is left to a single object or detail in a space. Let the furniture maintain balanced proportions with the room and amp up the art, lighting or pattern.

-Grif