As a designer I get called a lot to style a space. Homes, events, weddings, parties, and outdoor spaces. It’s so much fun to be creative with a purpose and I want to share that with you. Here’s the 101 on styling… Let’s talk about large spaces. Large spaces are prob the easiest space to style but also can be the most intimidating. That big, oversized room that has no definition, those amazing tall ceilings that seem to reach to the stars, or that large outdoor space that has no boundaries can be overwhelming…but its easy using the 3 P’s.
1. Prepare – Clear the clutter, less is more
2. Placement – Pick 1 large item to stand out and take center stage when possible
3. Pieces – Use the right scale items, go up, and layer
Let’s look at this, gorgeous barn space from www.mountainliving.com credit: John Heaney. …which I just happen to be in love with!! This is a big open frame that needs a large-scale item to take center stage, this table and chairs did just that.
TIP: Make sure the chairs match the scale of your table
Large areas are usually defined by a focus area or by using repeated groupings which you will need to use if you need more seating for a larger group.
TIP: If you need multiple seating groups you can still style each table in the same manor, keeping it light and airy as you go up.
First, start with your next largest items…the tall height of the arrangements that fill in the empty space between the table and the high ceiling are perfect down the center of the table. As you can see when you have the perfect pieces…less is more!
Second, layer with various lower pieces in between to fill space and create interest but keep it light and don’t fill every inch. Congrats you just made a group that connects space!
TIP: With ceilings this high you still have a little more space to fill in between your tabletop design and ceiling to keep everything connected…this is where you want to add a large-scale chandelier or hanging pieces if there isn’t already one in your space.
Once you’ve created your center stage then move to other areas of the room, but remember the rest is background décor, so stay with your larger scale but go down a size or two. If the outer pieces are too big, they will fight with your center stage.
TIP: When you have a large space, you tend to want to fill it up with as much as you can…DO NOT do this…do the opposite and select a few choice pieces and style it up! This not only allows your guests and pieces to BREATHE, but it allows you to take experience every bit of the design and architecture of the space!
I hope your already thinking about your next design…email me for questions, ideas and inspo!
Remember the 3 P’s for easy styling success!
Prepare – Clear the clutter, less is more
Placement – Pick 1 large item to stand out and take center stage when possible
Pieces – Use the right scale items, go up, and layer
Carrie
XOXO
