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Creating Contrast in Design

Creating the perfect interior design scheme is a bit like science. There's always some experimenting involved, but there are also some fundamentals that always stay the same. Great contrast is one of those elements you need to nail, but how do you go about it? Our designers have some straightforward advice and tips to follow so you can end up with compelling contrast in any space.

Image of dark Designer Roller shades paired with light-colored walls

What is Contrast?

Contrast is the secret sauce that gives breathtaking rooms their initial appeal. Placing two or more items with opposing characteristics in the same space creates contrast. You can achieve this in a few ways:

  • Use colors on opposite sides of the color wheel
  • Combine sharp angles with rounded edges
  • Pair smooth textures, like marble, with linen or distressed wood
  • Use a mixture of materials, like glass and stone

Seeing the Light

Great lighting is vital to contrast and fantastic design in general. Get a feel for the natural light in a room and then work from there. If a space gets a lot of direct sunlight, consider using sheer shades to diffuse the light and reduce glare. Using sheer shades also adds a soft, feminine touch to a space. Try pairing Silhouette® Sheer Shades in a neutral hue with dark hardwood flooring. In rooms that don't get a lot of sunlight, sheer shades will also help prevent the space from feeling overly dark and drab.

Get Creative with Colors

Color is one of the easiest ways to add life to a room. You can choose complementary colors or go for a monochromatic look. For example, you could pair drapes in your favorite shade of green with Designer Roller Shades in a slightly lighter hue for a subtle contrast. It's essential to maintain a balance between colors. If you use stark black for your window treatments, use the same color fabric elsewhere, such as throw pillows. A dominant color should be paired with a secondary shade. If you'd like, you can also work in a third color for accenting.

Mixing Textures

Texture is a design element that tends to sit in the background but is vital to the overall aesthetic of a room. A space with solely smooth surfaces will feel dull, while an area with too many competing textures will look too busy and cluttered. Duette® Cellular Shades and woven wood shades are excellent choices for adding substantial texture to the window. If you prefer texture within the furnishings and other decor, you can use Vignette® Roman Shades in a flat fold to balance the texture of faux fur or nubby carpet without sacrificing color.

Size & Scale

Patterns and prints add visual interest and excitement to a room, but it's easy to go overboard. If you prefer rounded edges and organic shapes, consider a small, circular print on your window treatments and a large sofa with easy curves. Another fun option is to use a bold pattern on your window treatments and a large area rug with a more delicate pattern.

Contact Us

Geneva's Interiors is your premier Hunter Douglas dealer, and our designers are ready to help you create inspired spaces using contrast. Do you have furniture that has seen better days? We offer expert upholstery services and have an extensive fabric library. Contact us today to start your custom design adventure. We're proud to serve Federal Way, Tacoma, Kent, WA, and Des Moines, WA.

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