Front Porch Today

There are so many elements to good design that make it a challenge to achieve that “designer” look on our own.  There’s the first mistake.  Instead of creating a “look”, what we really want to create is an environment.  What’s the difference you may ask?  When we create a certain “look” in our homes we only experience a space by what we see  but when we create an environment we engage all of our senses.  Since our senses are our bodies method of perception, a space where all of our senses are being utilized will be perceived as a complete space.

• Hearing

Lets not limit using sound in a design to adding a water feature or having music play in the background.  Although these can be great solutions for creating ambiance, there are other factors of sound that can be addressed.  Acoustics play a large role in our comfort level within a space.  Echoes are a result of sound waves being bounced off of  hard surfaces (empty wall space, wood/tile floors, wood furniture) and can create a sense of emptiness.  Soft materials are used to counterbalance this effect.  By adding window treatments, upholstery pieces, decorative pillows and throws, and artwork/photos on walls the sound waves will be absorbed producing less echoes and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

• Sight

Our first impression is made based on what we see.  Just as incorporating sound is not limited to water features and music, sight is not limited to patterns and colors, etc.   It’s easy to visualize a room as four walls, a ceiling, and a floor but the best way to visualize a room is as a 3-dimensional shape.  The walls, ceiling, and floor are the planes of the shape making six planes in total.  A great solution to tie these planes together is to finish your ceiling  with a lighter shade of your wall color and when choosing flooring, select shades that compliment your wall and ceiling colors.  With each plane being complemented by the others, a cohesive space or “shape” is created.

• Touch

We have to be careful not to fall into the trap of purchasing “eye candy” for our homes.  For instance, don’t settle for that sofa that’s the perfect shape visually but won’t allow for you sit comfortably or that carpet that’s the perfect color but you dread having to walk on it for fear you might end up with a brush burn.  What we purchase for our home must not only be pleasing to look at but it should be pleasing to touch.  Do you love the look of hardwood floors but find them uncomfortable to walk on in colder months?  Try adding an area rug.  It can easily be stored in warmer months.  If you are shopping for new upholstery, take home fabric samples but not just to look at.  Touch them periodically and get a sense for if it will allow you to enjoy that furniture even more.

• Smell

What do the patterns, colors, and textures in your room remind you of?  A room filled with bright bold colors decorated with seashells may not feel complete with a scent of pine trees just as a log cabin may not feel complete paired with a tropical scent.  It’s important to select scents that are pleasing to you but they should reflect your design choices as well.  Unpleasant odors can be a stumbling block in creating that perfect environment.  Keep the air fresh, pleasant, and clean.

• Taste

Taste may not seem like a sense that has anything to do with home design or decorating but it can add that perfect finishing touch.  Did you know that certain colors induce hunger?  Reds and yellows  are commonly used in restaurants for this reason.  Ever wonder why one of the largest fast food chains in the world chose these two colors?  If you are looking to make a kitchen more inviting, look to natural foods for color inspiration.  Accessorize with fresh fruits/vegetables, candy, etc.  in any room to add that pop of color.  Think of it as the garnish of the room.  Having these in a room is a sign of hospitality which is sure to help any guest feel right at home.

Tags: Designing, Designing For Our Senses, elements to good design, patterns and colors, wall color

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