Contrast = Drama

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguub-kwM8rb1n_mDY0ysjnf9E51RhVrSnB3wlugVnSajk_UenhfsrSAE9jLxlVxSBv8i-J7KCBxtZuW86rbLhljCaIIH8NJ8cY_LLxFyaTwBXgZyM0mv5wN4kaY7QNHJZTxz-TZl4CQVY/s1600/Melanie+Elston+TH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Contrast is one of my favorite tools in design and one I feel makes the biggest impact visually in a space.  This photo above from<em><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/"> Traditional Home</a></em>, designer - Melanie Elston, demonstrates the drama created by the high contrast between the lights and darks in the space.  The curves and beautiful shapes of the chair and sconce really pop off that dark color.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIjbwubymSGeD0rgZigIq9IQwkK4Jk2X1yqTIE3ek04frGLiNMSeKU9S4l9Khy8oYqjfoLneluKt_7Jjhvdrxn21DpDOguQQ6Vw7IcqKxSbX7Nw4x7m8LtF3-c5FpXjfqj0Rfv87SUZse/s1600/Beth+Gross+ED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>image from <a href="http://www.elledecor.com/">Elle Decor's website</a></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You often see drama in foyers or entrance halls. People like to wow their guests when they come into their home, so high contrast is often used here.  The dark railing and dark wood treads on the stairs highlight that graceful curve and really add drama in this space.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJaZ5JzvF0czOeYMxw2uBFdPBrO-bDxSmXOwh3W7iMBQK56tL3a8baIcvZC_uWUkMNlErvDxRqj6ShQx8oyzR8llgbpxaMLWw54DD_K-DstzWMzPCf_iLGR5D2iQqVhFlGZs_kyBQMs4Zm/s1600/ED+Hortensia+Vitale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Hortenisa Vitale - Elle Decor</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Those fabulous light fixtures really stand out against the dark chocolate walls.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTkTmIM9llM5d3MOMGypWhyKOuA4JgZjxhqNSyUHQ1lbV3C9QwSYn_JEvPJmZEQ93CJPvWk2b8wgtxQnJSsk6yE6cJnNzfH4NCh7kUini5KBWSfjjS9n5w0MDo7Oy79QHEPcUHdyPfUUsX/s1600/Courtnay+Daniels+Haden+ED+Victorian+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Courtnay Daniels Haden - Elle Decor</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The dark rich, lacquered doors and newel post in the light environment really make for a dramatic foyer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19gQsjZvFn-8qNKBlUNw7d9kPfVStD1xpOLy5YVE3Io9mXX3gFFTX8SIArvHdC1dTPxDPh7gs5Biv7XbtB41yNL7VVKuVYWTC7gG3wbB0mHLKDXwvfdELBcMPbC9ydqhKpEx55DHi-qF6/s1600/ED+Kerry+Joyce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Kerry Joyce - Elle Decor</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Contrast is best used when you want something to stand out and other elements in the room to take a back seat.  These beautiful balusters and the art really stand out in the light environment.  In a wood paneled space, they would have all blended in and been hardly noticeable.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgjCzbmHHcftgSXqu3CUQ8BZHfaYaaJuxOPE0iDe5hgFLv6W0zxDpcTer-W6J1H3ypefEuEADMy-pkmph34nMX_l8_JtK0Z2p3byMktcTtijH5LVMtmR-pMGrJV6EfNXUD-TttkHvqr0h/s1600/Vicente+Wolf+ED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" /></a></div><br /><div align="center"><em>Vicente Wolf - Elle Decor</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCYDJhE_IKKrkM5QUalew4dKcO9e0jm5-R2jWNZaLfHa53PD_XHCY3JSnYYr2BOvAc8741c6eE-TwNsfcl5mJT64WLJ7kHDZiQzeTmXw-Ra6CZSi84l4pVD_L7668cEmCKE4FvsThAvNP/s1600/ver-Saladino-AD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>John Saladino - <a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/">Architectural Digest</a></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love the simplicity of this stairwell.  He used the same material on the stair and the wall beyond to add drama and make that stairwell go on forever.  The contrast between the wood and walls focuses your eye and leads you up the stairs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wSNIitG5pmg8TOgKH9wUxsaV_H3GY2DzKMBkis5eilHkGFHJMk9OSJZBGu0jLV9VK5H06Ln8EyGxuB-sQmEmC9hy10-vJYImDhGRufGnGx0pbZzaGLQ18EJJZ_pgLoeu37O7xy7no2Pv/s1600/15_ozzy_sharon_osbourne_home+AD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Martin Lawrence Bullard - Architectural Digest</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lots of drama here in Ozzy and Sharon's home.  Of course!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBG6dLPpEh1tf4AtRELGR78z3eKauzcLGWjZs3R8R6_C8mnzJQubGL4dIjH4961VizELX10SDCKhxntUZNvKZUXrxa_KvEXrRJ9eZw1ZzzktbaOTbwcYwyYawQsY1hbuSXaoWLehRI_fEB/s1600/ED+Michael+Formica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Michael Formica - Elle Decor</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The chest and walls all blend together to make a nice backdrop for the objects and lamp base in this tablescape.  Not only the contrast in value, light/darkness, but the contrast in texture makes these pieces stand out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_txTHfsc06YWAauD50_itA1G5sPvbfSq2TC8DSAZw06gXOgFNpGlsg4o5QyCnAktQBqH5M4USMDoJ71Q4U-xCYn3CPQwa6g0_gd-6fx2zkHYcxlyx5qsWpXimavUkOxcHh6ooL9Phh7e/s1600/E.+Claudio+Modola+AD%252C+Kenyan+coast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>E. Claudio Modolo - Architectural Digest</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Drama in the bedroom.  Those fabulous carved headboards make such an interesting pattern against the light walls.  It really telegraphs the location of this property on an island off the coast of Kenya.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibndFtM774F7MLdLl9T1IrZ2zseEDlroj3wV4z_W6KCtLUolwSP34kYXQrNIKwiUNRQg520NeAsoihndlIPL38v62UoM6z3Aj7BymYC0QRLdHOM5WwcFU3KbnUPZFpQVPvbwzrq2ncWUwV/s1600/James+Radin+black+Windsors+HB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>James Radin - <a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/">House Beautiful</a></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The high contrast of the dark Windsors in this white kitchen calls attention to the traditional style of this home. They become sort of delicate sculptures in this space.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJg60jEO6oui3K1F7OJZxukssYwG2H7nqvC255-wi5eCkuUYAIqzq8Hb9GIVmNGCirRnBcdcH-gW1IYiTfqSbUMdy05kaVOkCarNZ4Fy52DJgaw2NJukBNsoyBMgIMWmLmv2wtzt9rvb4/s1600/Michael+Graves+TH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Michael Graves - Traditional Home</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love how the contrast of the dark window frame firmly establishes the grid pattern motif used in the cabinet fronts and really draws your attention to the view.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ldq84oGTiIjk-kUJmgvuUQv_ObZGAQv0xVR62Fep3u2raAfHHX5sexo1lb8Qu4PJKMXLFXXS19KDnrI7Bka7tifX1Uq7m1N5nyv7cGsdr7BlBSTyTyMgH-N3TkII9jvITcJOJhd2eLaz/s1600/suzanne+Kasler+HB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Suzane Kasler - House Beautiful</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Contrast doesn't have to be just black and white.  It's about the difference in value.  This vibrant red background helps this collection of pond yachts to stand out in their case.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rzrvFvMoN2OxVzxhUq-tSQ_9mcmv2pJYyeX8d4YbiBhJ-eC9wyn3qe50Y62mE69b3aIucY0A_4ZDvIl9ioZg1LEog8oNO6ZBfygYTuACwvyVgDawMOxydbgFl7SEM01cWYKdSUzwQMfF/s1600/Juan+Montoya+AD%252C+Dominican+Republic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Juan Montoya - Architectural Digest</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The distinct X pattern in the windows and the wood trim and furniture are highlighted by the use of high contrast here. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBL1rQ3i_kPnowOsngR5g8iDygIuQdBKdM5RHUmYhyphenhyphenIQdPn3DlQGWzrQjKUHQfyzozpifHcsNfq63SyxTvAjO1lqQYPMqT4bTataHv_MnkdjXesvEDPMiB48wt0ckKD1klsZo2no3Nr3u3/s1600/Gary+McBournie+HB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Gary McBournie - House Beautiful</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do you think this incredible ceiling would've been noticed as much if the cabinets and walls were a wood tone?  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcsV0INNLiXV1RQ5YVcVr9ISvPPBmUrYGO3vgqetKzfp8RdXhIsI8Qmb0ChR8xeqoAunXp4NaXQ9LZ8KKYiX-SI3IM3PznFG59EmmqSAAmZnIV2eHtorSYTWiaFGW7jH0mbjJ5gYwCbWW/s1600/Veranda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" /></a></div><br /><div align="center"><em>Veranda</em></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">The high contrast of the trim on the white bed linen highlights the detail.  Headboard and lamp are subtle repetitions of the trim detail's shape.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99w7HLVOdCGYEpco4ClrmXbNFyVbjwdbESAscfi6mDDz-bfWtTnI39qJ2nj4kYrJia4nbOITQeBAF5Qgks8WWj8-GtrH8AzEr2q4z1YlVsLzKgikV8IiF4Frfr_fCyF9nB4aHOGdJgmip/s1600/Veranda+McDonald.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Mary McDonald - Veranda</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've always thought of Mary McDonald as the queen of contrast.  Her interiors are always full of drama!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-qU8f3F3mTQ22qaqLLQi1gncJ_ZProlbuBUyYCtMpQZ2_dy_iIJxNxuj38AvmvXNvkwVaq5auFdE91pUX2nbKeyE00YG16R6jYVU-fqJ3VaEMPPO01DaerNGBt1lJNkjPEPQLk8floi7/s1600/VER-mcdonald++Veranda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Mary McDonald - Veranda</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnX0CVul1muw8yPoZRPnQ-v_ItUEtMt_wSFb-aMn6KDQMWkDVyqB8AlsZW7a7BI1hal-QCOkypyFitC2J8EajpGPAJaWEYAspVntuNlGkxqCbTut7r5xZDCWcfRZHTO2p3EXG3S7gWG0i/s1600/VER-mcdonald-+Veranda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Mary McDonald - Veranda</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEGiMYpXsmh4JgUGIXUvGgovKYB5f8PzBUeCOhLJikBW3w-ifZau9o3JLK0My9wGf9txHuNLt01yBGJaKoLWcXHAg2-_mewzWbMMDSUPoub_UqRtFtjJo4vH6cfNAJPdEznEZp1KUTBPF/s1600/Susan+Tully+HB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Susan Tully - House Beautiful</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love how the similar shape of these light fixtures and stools are highlighted by the contrast between them and the envelope.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2-dwaeDGAwc5QssxqIDAB9t1i0SHT3d7jKWDXz2MsLJk29c9icVGTGs9UZfBb4cbo0d9Z9i7SufHfLqRuE7XiQmrpwbtfh4nf-dyzYWmtraIpt4IyOpSlsKxMwiAZhUlCoLT3tO13o-B/s1600/healing+barsanti+hb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" /></a></div><br /><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Healing Barsanti - House Beautiful</em></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The beautiful wood finish on this island with it's curvy rope legs stand out in this creamy kitchen.  If the floor had been a dark wood, it would not have been such a strong visual.</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've been wanting to do this post for some time.  Contrast and other tools used to create the desired end result in a space always fascinate me.</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't forget to leave a comment on <a href="http://designinthewoods.blogspot.com/2011/07/flokati-give-away.html">THIS POST</a> for my Flokati give away!  Drawing will be done next Friday!</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Contrast = Drama

Contrast is one of my favorite tools in design and one I feel makes the biggest impact visually in a space.  This photo above from Traditio...

Read more »