Last week, I was recovering from a simple laparoscopy.
Described as simple because, well, it wasn’t brain surgery & I didn’t want to come across as a whiney hiney, but I think we’re starting to get into our groove again… it took a while to feel back in touch with reality and we’re so thankful everything went smoothly!
So, Jamin forced me to sit my grumpy britches on the sofa for a bit and actually rest, as I was feeling a bit loopy from pain meds. And grumpy. Did I mention grumpy? {I’m kind of the world’s worst patient., because I don’t like to sit still for long. Surprise!} Back from thought derailment: I started perusing Etsy, because I was bored. And a little dizzy. And before I knew it, I went all Hank Schrader with his mineral collection, except mine was a sudden obsession with vintage goblets.
If I’m being really honest, I’d searched for vintage goblins for a while {see: pain meds} and I had absolutely no idea why I couldn’t find what I was looking for. Eventually I figured it out after complaining and drooling a bit, and ordered an ungodly amount of different bejeweled colors. Like, four different shades, y’all.
Hashtag calmdown. Hashtag Iregretnothing.
No shame. I told Jamin it was like my push present except there was no baby, only endometriosis, so I still got a present. The common denominator is that the surgery was done by my Dr. who delivered all three kiddos, therefore… present.
I needed something to cope with all of the bloating. No judging.
It’s how I roll in the rationale department, y’all. He loves me anyway.
But I realized I was craving something vintage for our table, to contrast with all of our modern plates. And then I started thinking about the art of contrast in the home because Duh. That’s obviously what I would think about next whilst careening through happy land on loopy pills. Interiors fantasyland. Wheeeeee!
And today, coming back to normal person land, I thought it would be a fun topic. Because it’s something I do in a space without even realizing it, and chances are, you do, too. It’s a basic design principle that can rock your world. The key is, however, paying attention to the choices we make and why. The process of intentional choices is the best way to create a home you really love.
So, contrast. It’s your best friend in small doses for each space in your home. The surprising part, is that you can find your home feeling a bit more harmonious and balanced, all in the name of contrast.
The beauty of it all, is that you can literally apply it to anything. Just like knowing your dislikes, it’s another design super power to have in your arsenal of awesome tools to use.
I think when it comes to contrast, people tend to look at it in terms of style. Which is a great place to start. But breaking it down a little more, here’s three of our very favorite ways to start simple in your own home:
1. Contrast in materials.
Contrast is such a versatile topic, it’s hard to put a finger on the exact ways that it can work. You’ll even see the subject matter we discuss here as interrelated. But a great place to begin is with materials in your home. The beauty of it, is that you can use this in any way you like. Here’s a few of our faves:
• In our studio, we used it in a touch of metallics with stained wood and a rustic feel. The subtle polish and sheen of the metal paired with classic finishes (and shapes) in the chair, crates and even the memo board made it playfully interact for us, and gave it a little bit of an unexpected vibe.
• Thinking simple: In our living room: an old crate paired with a new chesterfield sofa. Old vs. New, Plush vs. wood, but in the end… both brought a touch of classic to the room with their tried and true lines, along with the feeling they bring to the space.
We love using contrast with materials in ways that work together, but also offer a little interest in their juxtaposition and uses.
When we redid our mantel this summer, we loved the idea of carrara tile against the wood floors and simple white walls. Their materials played in a fun way for us, while bringing in some interest and depth. {Read: No more plain jane builder’s beige entourage of stuff – it was all beige all the time before we painted those walls.}
Plush velvet with a rustic barn door, is another example of contrasting simple materials that wouldn’t necessarily be paired together in a space. Alongside a bathroom that holds bright whites and clean tile, with a few wood accents were a fun contrast that tied the room together for us.
We loved the idea of contrast and the variety it brought by choosing something a little different to change up the vibe. We think it’s a great way to express who you are by using a touch of the unexpected.
2. Contrast in fabrics.
When you’re choosing something for your home and trying to find fabrics that work together, always look for an organic pattern to pair with a geometric one. Stick to that basic idea as your springboard, and you can never go wrong.
Too many wavy lines can muddy up the feel of a space, and too many straight and blocky ones can distract the eye. But it can be balanced nicely with contrasting patterns, and help you hone in on the way a space communicates.
For the playroom, We used simple stripes with organic pairings. It was a great way to use some fun versatile patterns. And for Emerson’s space, her bedding consisted of bold colorful stripes and equally bold, colorful organic pieces. We used one big pillow to anchor it all, in a darker color. {See her polkadot pillow} Sometimes it only takes one little singular element to bring it all together.
Which brings me to…
3. Contrast in color.
It can be as basic as black and white, or a touch of softer colors paired together to bring in interest. This can both unify, and add depth, especially when it comes to the two elements we just covered. Light vs. Dark. Jeweled tones with Pastels. The possibilities are kind of endless.
I guess color is one of our favorite go-to tools to use, and I always look at contrast as a weighted relationship. Think of the old brass justice balances you’ll find in any law office. Two contrasting things on each scale, in the right proportions can bring harmony to a space.
I tend to look at it that way, anyway. Metaphor/Dork alert.
So a shot of color to balance out the white, or a nice stained natural element to hone in the color are all ways that we use contrast. So many fun ways to use it in your home!
The beauty of contrast. What are your favorite ways to use it in your spaces? We would love to hear other angles you love that we didn’t even cover – have an inspired day!
Jenna says
LOL! I love your rationale! Thanks for the laugh today!
Layla K says
Great post! I needed that reminder. So glad you’re feeling better and thank you for making me smile daily. Hilarious!
Anna says
I feel like you nailed it with this post. All too often spaces take a one direction approach and the results can be a real snooze. Contrast is something people don’t consider and it’s great to think about! Your examples are great- and thanks for the laugh!!!
ashley @ the handmade home says
HAHA thanks, Anna!
Jamie says
Thank you for the chuckles today. That made my day! Glad you’re feeling better! 🙂
Desi says
I love your sense of humor and your home. Glad you are on the mend!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks so much, Desi! ;}
Carolyn says
Love the post and thanks for sharing about your procedure. I had that done this summer and was not myself for a while. It’s nice to know I’m not the only one who didn’t feel like bouncing back the next day like it was portrayed. Hope you are feeling better.
ashley @ the handmade home says
It’s so good to hear from someone else who had it done! How are you feeling now? I still have little issues like bloating, etc. almost daily {TMI?} I think my body is just trying to heal. But I feel like it’s already totally worth it! ;} Wishing you the very best and hope you’re feeling better!