3 Tips for Understanding Scale in Your Home
One of the most common questions I get asked is what I notice first when I enter a space. The assumption is that it's the art or maybe the color on the walls or even the brand of the appliances. All of these things get noticed eventually, but the first thing I notice is how it feels and if that feeling is that of comfort.
One of the key things that affects us all in a space is the scale. Scale is tricky for some. It's that thing that you can't quite put your finger on but you know something is off. Scale is as much about the volume of the space as it is about the elements in the room. I could drone on for hours about all of this… just ask my poor husband when I get on a diatribe about weird scale… but I thought I'd focus on something that is more tangible in case it helps you with something that has been bugging you about your house. Because, I guarantee that if the scale is addressed and remedied, your space will feel better and you'll exhale and enjoy the space so much more.
When we are designing spaces, scale is everything. It seems to some that interior design and decorating is "easy". That we just push a button and everything falls into place. *Spoiler alert* — not true. From the size of the doorway to the tile to the lamp, it's all considered. Kim and I will place elements into the design and immediately know that it's not going to work. Sometimes it's more subtle and takes us a minute but once the scale is sorted, we lean back and say, "that's it!". We don't feel comfortable until we think our clients will.
So, if you are wondering if scale is the issue in your room, here are a few things to think about:
1. Bridging the Gap
When Kim and I planned the furniture for this space we instinctively knew that we needed to visually bridge the gap between the height of the doors and windows with the table. In a lot of cases we would've used a light fixture to do this but to keep the space clear and unencumbered we opted for a pair of benches with high backs and in a dark color. They add height and anchor the space against all of the white. The tall backs add balance to the space which makes it a more welcoming and comfortable place to hang out in. So, if you have high ceilings and low furniture and something feels off, think about how you can use furniture, light fixtures, art or even plants to help bridge the gap and create a scale that is more inviting and balanced.
2. Think of a Pyramid
Here's an example of how both the art and the branches help to balance the scale. One of the tricks of balance is to think of a pyramid. Narrow at the top, wider at the base. The art here is narrower than the bench. The twigs fill in what could have felt awkwardly empty but because they are so airy, they don't add too much volume, so they contribute to the balance. The lamp on the right also helps to add balance. Also note the darker tones used to anchor the art. That is a good thing to keep in mind to help you sort out how your space feels. This large, gorgeous piece of art needs little else around it but because it was placed on the right size of a wall, with balanced white space on either side. The furniture and accessories around it support the star of the show. This space is the entry to this home and so by setting the tone with a calm, balanced and inviting space, you and your guests feel good right when you cross the threshold. Think of it as a hug from your room... unless, of course, that makes you uncomfortable 😆
3. Symmetry Doesn't Always Mean Perfection
In this room we had a compendium of super unique pieces to work with and a couple of the main ones are long and horizontal. Horizontal lines or elements are very calming, especially in a bedroom. But these horizontal elements felt dwarfed by the window treatments on the right. To bring balance on the left, we came up with this color block that gave the headboard wall the height it needed as well as a fun burst of color that is unexpected while being very useful. These are details that made the room feel right. Symmetry and balance don't have to come from perfect pairs of things. This room is an example of that!
In my world, a big part of what I do comes down to observing comfort. Not just in myself but in others. It's a skill I've honed over time, especially in the spaces I create at home for myself and my inner circle. And when it came to design, that instinct followed suit. Sure there are "rules" for design but so much of what we do is instinct paired with a couple of decades of experience. When it feels right, it's right and that's not always easy to explain.
There is all sorts of information out there that can give you tips on scale but I really encourage you to break some rules and go with your gut because it all comes back to how you FEEL. If you need more help then these few examples here are some tips from one of my design heroes, Alexa Hampton: Everything to Know About Scale and Proportion.
Here's the thing, this isn't just a matter of feelings or pretty rooms — it's rooted in science. Aesthetics and good design are fundamental to your health. It's that Neuroaesthetics thing I mentioned a few newsletters back.
If this piques your interest, like it does mine, I highly recommend you have a listen to WorkLife with Adam Grant and Ten Percent Happier: "Neuroaesthetics: How Art Can Improve or Extend your Life"
So, interior design is about more than just aesthetics or luxury; it's about creating spaces that nurture, spaces where people can thrive. And while the world of interior design may often be painted with strokes of glamor, at its core, it's about something deeper—a profound understanding of how spaces make us feel.
Because in the end, a home isn't just a museum or an art gallery — it's a sanctuary, a place where you should feel comfortable and at ease.
I hope this has helped you in some small way!
'Til next time,
– Arlene