Hello and Welcome to DOCENT - your guide to design intelligence, creative solutions and earthly beauty.
Today’s DOCENT Briefing takes a look at two useful decorating strategies: LAYERS vs. ELEMENTS. Underlying most contemporary interior decorating styles is one of these two schemes. In the LAYERS approach, the decorator masterfully creates a complex palette from a mix of color, pattern, texture and shape.The layers created by this multi-faceted palette cover the surfaces and forms of the room. This approach is often used in traditional decorating styles and creates a cohesive, harmonious interior. With the ELEMENTS strategy the architecture of the space is highlighted by the careful selection of the many elements that fill the space. This working style has also come to be known as a "curated" approach. The elements consist of objects such as furniture, art, accessories, decorative light fixtures and window treatments and can extend to other less obvious components of the room such as the walls themselves. While each of the elements or objects in the room may have their own distinct color and pattern, they generally each appear as individual objects in the space. This approach is often used in contemporary modernist styles and can create a bold, artistic interior. I reviewed 1st Dibs "Rooms of Distinction" along with a few other favorites to select these example rooms for further discussion...
DELTA WRIGHT INTERIOR DESIGN | ELEMENTS
I'll begin with a project of my own. In this collaboration with architect Michael Kovac we transformed the interior architecture of this 1920's Tudor into a warm minimal home. I carefully placed our client's art collection to introduce bold color and graphic elements - each holding their own space and integrity. Each element offers its own character to the environment - the live edge of the dining table floats over the polished stainless rockers alongside the tete-a-tete sofa and undulating polished stainless coffee table. The lighted fireplace volume is made from nordic onyx with canted bronze and is poised as a featured element. My favorite find was this pair of vintage crystal luminaires which I placed over the walnut slab dining table. Made from rings of tiny modeled glass cylinders, they are quite mesmerizing! In this simple yet elegant interior, even the sheers provide a strong element of symmetry. More images here...
Lounge Chairs and Sofa | Minotti. Snake Coffee Table | The Future Perfect
TOM STRINGER DESIGN PARTNERS | LAYERS
I'm taken by the depth of layering in this dark and dreamy dining room and foyer by Tom Stringer Design Partners. My eye is drawn to the layering which begins with the modeled wall finishes and graphic patterns on the carpet and drapery trims which then moves to even the abstraction of the selected art works. The texture of the chandelier made from gnarled rope and glass suspended above the spotted pony ottoman adds an additional layer of complexity to the interior. Working with a darker palette can be challenging. A feeling of heaviness can quickly ensue, yet here, the designer's highlighting layers bring balance with well placed injections of color to create a welcomed warmth.
SUMMER THORNTON DESIGN | ELEMENTS
I love this example because it offers a twist. At first look, it appears traditional in style. The layered approach would be a natural fit, however, the brilliant and daring Summer Thornton surprised me! In this elemental decorative expression, by painting the elaborate moldings, panels and trims one playful color, she makes the enclosure of the room itself appear as a freestanding element. She has cleverly done the same with the white lacquered ceiling. The seemingly mirrored surface becomes an element unto itself. This technique carries right through to the art and decorative objects. Each piece assertive on its own, yet gathered together in this fantastical living room. Summer Thornton says "Use colors and patterns recklessly". This could apply to either of the design strategies. As shown here, color itself becomes a highly purposeful element. l love this playful advice!
MARMOL RADZINER | LAYERS
Leo Marmol and Ron Radziner are known for their warm modern architecture and interiors. I selected this interior as an example because it too offers an unexpected turn. As contemporary modernist interiors so often do use the elements approach - I would contend that in this example, they have surprised us with rich layers. The interior beautifully utilizes the surrounding greenery as a foundational layer in the palette. Juxtapose this beside the textured fireplace material and the grain of the dark wood floor. In this room even the soft upholstered blocks of black leather create a matrix of shadows and floating forms on the cocoa colored floor. Of course, the select and intentional color placements add a big and bold layer of expression.
Extrasoft Multi-directional Sofa by Piero Lissoni | GRAYE
STUDIO SHAMSHIRI | ELEMENTS
The elemental nature of these rooms by Studio Shamshiri embody an uber chic charm. The choice of furnishings and forms are deftly selected and placed. The multicolored tile wall at the base of the kitchen becomes a soft backdrop for the space. This very particular shade of gold chosen for the wood work is a bold element even as it encompasses the stylized room dividers which make "windows" into the kitchen. The pair of Finn Juhl sofas in forest green across from a monastic dark stained dining set all hover gracefully above the wide-plank bleached floor which features an unusually large cathedral grain. The Cloud pendant by Apparatus looms lightly above. In the living room example below, I am beyond enamored with how each element placed in the room is singularly a quiet feast for the eyes yet each one floats effortlessly together on a blush and plush sea of silk on the floor.
FRAMPTON CO | LAYERS
Saving the best for last, my most favorite decorator and former business partner, Elena Frampton of FRAMPTON CO does layers like Helen Frankenthaler does paint. In this dining room Elena created a decidedly monochromatic environment that upon closer study is teaming with subtle layers. The layers permeate the space from the gold luster and ecru cream of the traditional motif on the wallcovering to the canvas wrap on the hyper-modern "Mummy Chairs" by Edra. Look closely to see the alternating stripes in matte and gloss on the ultramarine dining table. The gentle ombre of the rug lightens the room and slightly shifts away from the saturation of the room's walls and ceiling. The cascading crystal sconces and the silver foil chandelier highlight the scheme. By the way, are those dangling paint tubes?! Genius.
Elena's elegant work is captured by the watchful eye of photographer Joshua McHugh.
When beginning a new project, I want my clients to know the desired FEELING we will create together. Having a perspective on how to utilize LAYERS vs. ELEMENTS is one way to determine what will be the preferred decorating style for each client. Whether we build a complex and varied palette or curate an elaborate set of objects to be placed thoughtfully within the architecture, understanding these strategies gives us a point from which to launch. Happy Decorating!
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Until Next time -
