Large Opens Spaces Need Big Furniture
We recently bought a 1-1/2 story house with a two-story foyer and great room. While we love the openness of it, we’re not too sure how to decorate the expansive walls that come with the high ceilings.
Rose Responds…
Two-story foyers and great rooms are common in most new home construction and can often be challenging.
In large spaces with tall windows and high ceilings-- which can sometimes measure up to 20 feet-- small furnishings can look insignificant and will fail to contribute to the overall composition. So you need to think big!
First, to achieve balance, you should always look for pieces of furniture that are larger and taller than what you might be used to. Avoid sofas, chairs and tables that are too small and too low.
Sofas and chairs with higher backs work well in these large spaces, and will look even better if they are curved or rounded at the top. The furniture arms should also be well-rounded and cushions should be oversized and fluffy.
Arrange the furniture in a grouping around the fireplace, or if you don’t have a fireplace, create another focal point in the room. For instance, you could use a large cocktail table to connect the grouping.
In addition to large furniture pieces, accessories such as lamps and artwork must also be bold and used abundantly around the room.
Built-in bookcases on either side of the fireplace are a great architectural feature and another way to contribute to additional height in the room. When those are decorated with a beautiful collection of plates, books and family pictures, they instantly become another point of interest.
Draperies can and should be lavish if you really want to give your windows a “wow” factor. Use trims and luxurious silks, as well as fancy hardware and large, detailed finials. Make the drapery appear full and important. Or, if you prefer something simple, use panels on either side of the window, but keep the hardware large so these finishing touches do not disappear from a distance.
Some might say good things come in small packages, but not when you’re dealing with a large space. So step out of your little box, and get into something bigger! If you follow these simple tips, you’ll realize that bigger is better in no time—and the look of your home will benefit.