Expert Design

INSPIRATION | design with an expert Why size matters: The ImporTance of scale

by Trisha isabey • photos Trevor Cooper

In my professional opinion, a well-designed home must meet two key criteria: the home (and everything in it) must be practical and aesthetically pleasing. These are two areas that I focus on when kicking off a new design project for my clients. Now, you might be thinking, “Just two criteria?” Don’t be fooled by your perceived simplicity of a number. A lot of planning goes into achieving fashion and function. One of them is scale.

The rules of scale apply to everything in the space, in relation to the space itself. Furniture, light fixtures, art and accessories all have to work within the proportions of a room to achieve the perfect fit. When everything is scaled to the space, your home will feel like a well-tailored suit.

Pieces that are too large or too small can create visual awkwardness and physical inefficiencies. Here are three common victims of measuring missteps.

Area Rugs

Area rugs don’t get the attention they deserve, and they’re certainly not a first focus for measureminded folks. Big mistake! Area rugs are important because they define “zones” and anchor everything in them.

Oftentimes people will look at their space, complete with furniture in place, and “estimate” the size of their rug requirements based on the empty area between the furnishings. The result is an ill-fitting rug that floats aimlessly between the sofa and chairs.

When choosing the rightsized rug, the furnishings of your zone–be it a conversation area in the living room or a small reading nook in the bedroom–should be large enough to accommodate at least the front legs of the furniture of that “zone.” For example, in the sitting area this might include a sofa and some chairs, a coffee table, a side table and maybe an ottoman. Ensure the rug isn’t butting up against the walls, leaving a gap or a few inches to create a border.

tip Have you heard of “tablescaping?” Try arranging accessories and collections in odd numbers–threes, fives or sevens. Place the tallest piece at the centre and work your way out.

Light Fixtures

Light fixtures are often measured incorrectly, in more ways than one. When choosing a light fixture, ensure it is not too small. Remember, lighting should be a focal point, so choose something that stands out, both in terms of style and scale. Like area rugs, light fixtures help to define a living area, enhance a room’s function, and highlight its focal points. Choosing an appropriately sized fixture brings balance to the room–and yes, there’s simple a formula for that! Measure the length and width of the room in feet, add the two numbers and the result, expressed in inches, is the ideal size of your light fixture. For example, a room that is 10 ft. wide by 20 ft. long would be best suited to a fixture that measures 30 inches in diameter. If you’re choosing a fixture to hang over a table, measure the table in inches and subtract 12, which gives you the ideal diameter for your chandelier or pendant.

The second scale slip-up occurs when determining the height of suspension. As a general rule, the fixture should hang three ft. above a tabletop or six ft. from the floor.

Decor

Last but not least, art and accessories are often over- or underestimated, leaving them looking inadequate and ineffectual.

In an effort to achieve a clean and uncluttered space, people often “go small” when it comes to their decor. The result is decor that falls short on size and visual effect. The secret to success is to be selective in your decor. Limit the number of pieces and ensure they’re big enough to make an impression.

Buyer Beware

When visiting a furniture showroom, be mindful that these spaces typically have high ceilings and vast floor area can be deceiving, so don’t trust yourself to “just eyeball it.” Advanced planning is essential, and a tape measure your best friend.

Sketch out the room, making note of room dimensions, ceiling height, doorways, windows, focal points, and paths of traffic. While you’re at it, be sure to measure hallways, doorways, and elevators to ensure your furniture will fit through when it is delivered. Then, get some tape and delineate where your furniture will be placed and how big each piece should realistically be. Then, shop with measurements in hand.

Work with a professional designer to ensure all your selections “measure up” in every regard. When it comes to your home, make no compromises.

Trisha Isabey is the Creative Director and Principal Designer for award winning Isabey Interiors. Her much sought-after design team offers a diverse range of design services throughout Western Canada and nationally. Isabeyinteriors.com @isabeyinteriors @furnishbyisabey