Residential Design
SEPTEMBER
Suburban HomeS
T able of Contents Letter from the editor A look inside of what really inspires her about suburban design
Information Center What will you get from Residential Design Suburban Living?
Elements Lines (p.6), Texture (p.10), Light (p.14), Color (p.18), Shape (p.22), Space(p.26), Form (p.30)
Principles of Design Balance (p.34), Harmony (p.38), Emphasis (p.42), Rhythm (p.45), Scale (p.49), Massing (p.52), Proportion (p.55)
Letter From the Editor Dear Readers, I am a New Jersey native with big dreams of one day establishing my own Interior Design Firm in Hoboken. Living only about forty minutes away from New York City I was fortunate enough to grow up in a beautiful area filled with many opportunities. I grew up in the suburbs of a small town called Bernardsville. Suburban living makes me feel like home which is why I’m drawn to the style. The coziness of my own home inspires me to design spaces with wood floors and soft walls. I’ve gotten a taste of the elements and principles of design through growing up in the suburbs and taking countless trips to New York City and because of the knowledge I have gained, I am able to apply it to my design and gain inspiration simply by recalling those memories.
~Rachel DiGiovanni
Who We Are
RDSL
is a magazine inspired by everyday suburban living. We take our inspiration from cozy pieces of furniture and warm paint colors to design all purpose spaces for every occasion. T he main goal is to motivate our readers to create a cozy and relaxed space where their families can come together
Elements
Lines
H orizontal
Horizontal lines provide a space with warmth and coziness.
Along with creating boundaries, horizontal lines also build character and dimension in any room despite the shape or size.
Vertical Vertical lines can change the overall visual perspective of a room. By drawing the eye up to the ceiling, the stripes make the room feel taller and larger. Stripes have the power to reshape a room, depending on how they are used.
Tightly Cur ved Lines Busy patterns placed on solid pieces make the space fun and draw the eye to the item. A simple pattern on a pillow or curtain can cause the space to become more exciting.
Textures
Tactile Textures Texture can be represented in many ways in one room. Knit materials create a soft touch to the room as well as woven textures which give off a cozy feel.
Reflective Texture Rooms that display reflective texture are usually very bright and airy. When light hits the reflective surface, it spreads throughout the room and creates an open and inviting feel.
Marble is a perfect example of a material that can be used to create a bright space!
Non-reflective Texture Carpet can add warmth to any space and create coziness instantly. There are many options to choose from when picking out carpet or rugs which makes it an easy fix for any room!
Light
Task Lighting
It is important for task lighting to be useful in the space it is be utilized.
Kitchen: Lighting above the island will allow for the home owners to eat meals, complete work, and many other activities and tasks.
A ll N atural L ighting
Natural lighting can be achieved with the usage of large windows in a space. The natural light created by sunlight can easily brighten up any space at no cost.
Floor & Table Lamps Lamps are a great way to add personal taste to a space as well as providing light to a specific section of the room.
Color
Neutral Colors
Neutral colors are a great way to add warmth to your space as well as incorporate earth tones!
The light colors are calming as well as being very versatile and can be used in many rooms.
Monochromatic Colors Adding a simply splash of color is a great way to incorporate bright colors while maintaining a neutral color palette. These fun & bright pillows are inexpen sive and look great in any neutral room!
Direct Complementary Colors are colors located at the opposite end of the color wheel. When placed together they create beautiful spaces!
D irect C omplementary C olors
Shape
Abstract Shapes Abstract furniture pieces add character to a dull room. Although suburban homes tend to be more traditional, abstract pieces can be incorporated into a space in the right ways.
eometric Shape
The outline of a room creates a geometric shape as well as the arrangement of picture frames.
Geometric shapes can be found within furniture pieces, paintings on the wall, and even flooring.
Natural & Organic Shapes The natural elements displayed in this room are both natural and organic. The earth toned color scheme used in this room gives off a cozy and natural feel.
Space
Positive Space The cabinets, ottoman, and chair are all positive space that can be found in this room.
Negative Space
The negative space in this bathroom is simply where there is no furniture.
Crowding Territoriality Refers to the area where people come together in a restricted area. This could be the living room, dining room, kitchen or den.
It is important to maintain a flow in this place in order to maintain a comfort level and avoid crowded spaces.
Form
Geometric Geometric shapes can be found all over the home. In the entry way to the right, the circular mirrors and rectangular drawers represent geometric forms. Candles are an inexpensive way to add warmth to any space!
Abstract Using abstract furniture in a space can spice it up while adding a personal touch to any room. Lighting is an easy way to use abstract shapes in a living room, kitchen, and others spaces without changing the entire image of the room.
Principle s
Balance
Balance
Visual Symmetry Visual symmetry creates an evenness in a space and can be appealing to the eye. Each side of the entry way holds the same dresser and a large canvas above it. Two sculptures stand on either side to maintain the symmetry. In the coves on either side of the door, two tables holding the same planter complete the even sided room.
Visual asymmetry Despite the are not being symmetrical, it still displays a balance through the weight of the items on either side of the table.
Structural Symmetry The bookshelves on either side of the room form symmetry in the room as well as the floating countertop in the middle.
Harmony
Repetition Through COLOR Specific colors can be used several times in one space in different patterns and textures. The base color in this room is white with yellow and blue accents.
White walls make any space feel fresh & airy!
Unity Through Lines The unity in this space can be seen through the horizontal and vertical lines on the bookshelves, windows, picture frames, ceiling detail and coffee table.
Unity Through SHAPE Common shapes used in homes are rectangles, squares and circles. Picture frames are a perfect example of unity through shape because the frames are usually square or circular and add a personal touch to any space.
Emphasis
Focal Point: Structural The focal point is the place in a room where the eye is drawn too first. The focal point in this room is the fireplace because it stands out. Having a lightly patterned wallpaper in the background, the bright white fireplace sticks out and makes a statement.
Focal Point : Visual
Visual focal point’s can include artwork on the wall that stands out due to its pattern or size or even a mural on the ceiling that brings the eye upward.
Rhythm
Repetition The earthly pattern on the sofa creates repetition as well the pattern on the chair. Both pieces of furniture contribute to the repetition in the entire space through using similar color pallets.
Transitional Transitional rhythm moves the eyes around the room at an even pace without a focal point to draw the eye in a different direction.
Contrasting This space exhibits contrasting rhythm through the shapes of the furniture. The structured couch paired with the round coffee table contrast in terms of their overall form. Despite the contrast, the pieces work together and compliment each other.
Olive green is a trending color for Spring 2014!
Scale
Human Scale Human scale should be taken into account when selecting furnishing used for the home to ensure accessibility for the residents. The archway and dining room chairs establish this space as an area for average sized humans.
Symbolic Scale
This child’s room is a perfect example of symbolic scale as the small furniture caters to small children and allows them to access all of the furniture.
Massing
Optical Density While taking up space in the room, the bookshelves are not overpowerin g due to the emptiness on the shelves.
Bookshelves are a great way to display personal items!
Actual Density Any pieces that are solid volume can be categorized as actual density and does not display an empty areas. Ex. Headboard
Proportion
roportional Scale Can be described as the relationship between an object and its parts. In this space, the lamps are proportionate to the table as well as the mirror hanging on the wall.
Un-propor tional Scale This space is a perfect example of unproportional scale as it contains no balance. It lacks accessibility and an open flow. With so much furniture put in one room, it causes the space to become cluttered.
Taking out the table and re-arranging the furniture can open up the room while still maintaining the multi-functioning feel.
References • Pinterest • Barton Wyatt Blog • Decoist Architecture and Interior Design • Ciela Design • Woven Home • Home Design Gallery • The WDC Blog • Interior Design 4 • The Mustard Ceiling Blog • Design Sense Lighting • A Designers World • Chambers Interiors • Aspire Metro • Colour Works Interior Design • Your Home Only Better Blog • Chic Design Ideas • Design Bend • Art Cocktail
Rachel DiGiovanni