Decorating Guides
Opposites Attract: Creating Dynamic Spaces
See How Striking Contrasts Can Charge Up a Room
Many of us are already familiar with the different styles that describe rooms: modern, traditional, rustic, French country, etc. When designing a room, these styles will dictate which colors and furnishings we select. The same is true with creating a mood, which can be less obvious than a design style.
A mood speaks to how the space feels: warm, happy, earthy, refreshing. But what about an unexpected mood — let's say, dynamic? What is that all about? Dynamic spaces are defined by opposing or contrasting elements that create tension in a room, but not in a negative way. Dynamic rooms are interesting, eye-catching and memorable, even if you can't figure out why.
A mood speaks to how the space feels: warm, happy, earthy, refreshing. But what about an unexpected mood — let's say, dynamic? What is that all about? Dynamic spaces are defined by opposing or contrasting elements that create tension in a room, but not in a negative way. Dynamic rooms are interesting, eye-catching and memorable, even if you can't figure out why.
In this dining space, the round clean lines of the white Saarinen table are in stark contrast to the hard edges of the black chairs. In addition, the geometric pattern of the wallpaper greatly differs from the painted wall.
Pairing black and white in a room will always create a dynamic space because the contrast is so striking. In this space, the pop of red accents also adds to the excitement of the room.
Traditional Bathroom Vanities And Sink Consoles
Here, the modern Barcelona chair is an unlikely match to the more traditional lighting fixture and vanity. This space also showcases a sharp difference in colors: black, white, gray and fuchsia.
There isn't a dramatic color palette in this space; rather, it's the use of shapes that make this dining area dynamic. The tile flooring and the woven material on the dining chairs all create a pattern of squares and rectangles. The presence of the large circular window (and perhaps even the round table) is what brings the drama.
In this dining area, the dark, rustic flooring contrasts with the lighter tones of the contemporary chairs. The periwinkle-purple wall color and tree mural also make for a dynamic, eye-catching backdrop.
To create a lively room with maximum impact, double-up the drama. Here, contrasting hues of red and blue are the anchor for opposing shapes — most notably, the long stripes in the table and round bubbles in the lighting fixture.
Here, the fur throw is in contrast with the black leather sofa which makes for a very dynamic (and comfy) seating area.
Three different patterns co-exist in this dynamic space. The wall, flooring and vanity all have different motifs. Together they create a bathroom that is anything but boring.
This room exemplifies how two very different styles can come together to create the visual tension that is so key in a dynamic space. We see a very rustic, organic-stone fireplace surround in a room with draperies, accessories and a chandelier that are all elegant, opulent and traditional.
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