TIPS AND TRICKS OF THE TRADE: {CARPETING}

To make a space look larger and more balanced, lay wall-to-wall carpeting down throughout the room.  If there is an adjoining space, like a closet or dressing room, the area will appear even bigger if the carpeting is extended into those areas, as well.   Think the wall-to-wall look too boring?  Do as the Europeans do - place an area rug upon the wall-to-wall carpet.  This look achieves distinguishing the highlighted area, while maintaining an even, smooth look all around.  Here, the softness of the floor is maintained along with a definition of space.  It is a most elegant look.   By itself, wall-to-wall carpeting opens up the breadth of a room, widening its boundaries and creating the illusion of infinity.  In a small room, this type of carpeting is highly beneficial in that it opens up and enlarges a space.  Best kind of carpeting to use, in these instances, is a cut and knot style carpet.  As opposed to plush solid cut carpeting that reflects all footprints, a cut and knot is flatter and  thus less impressionable.  It also reflects the light in an interesting way, giving a tone on tone effect.  Very chic, very cool - wall-to-wall cleans up a lot of unnecessary fuss on the floor.

{Abby’s Footnotes}

Wall to wall carpeting creates a tailored and cozy look to a space. If you are a minimalist, but you want to maintain a warm feeling throughout your space, carpeting is a great option. If  you are indecisive about choosing carpeting, modular carpeting is always a great option. The German company Vorek creates modular tiles that you can create many compositions and you have the option to cover the entire floor or just a section. Very useful!

TIPS AND TRICKS OF THE TRADE: {SOFFITS}

In addition to casting light in a consistent, yet focused stream, SOFFITS create the illusion of an all-over light dispersion.  This is because the light looks mostly hidden within the dropped ceiling cavity.  This directional downward light is recessed into the ceiling, beaming a light cone over the affected surface.  Also, SOFFITS are a clever way of cleaning up a messy ceiling juncture, with a side wall cleanly meeting the ceiling.  While unobtrusively casting light over a countertop, SOFFITS are a particularly useful tool for housing art lighting. 

{Abby’s Footnotes}

Using soffits in a creative way, can add dimension and elegance to a plain ceiling. When soffits are recesssed in a tray ceiling, the ceiling appears to have two layers and float in space. The photo below is the penthouse of The Hard Rock Cafe Hotel. Notice how the flat ceiling becomes multidimensional from the use of  soffits.  Also, the soft glow of a soffit creates a romantic and soothing ambience.  

TIPS AND TRICKS OF THE TRADE: {THE HALF WALL}

A most effective space enlarger is the half-wall.  While it conveniently defines a space, it simultaneously creates a light airy feeling through its openness.  It is a wall that rises up, but not all the way.  This typical sheet rock partition, though firmly rooted, seemingly floats in space, giving a sculptural feel to the room.  It may be curved, straight, tall, short; in fact, any number of configurations in any number of materials may be effectively used here.  Oftentimes, this type of bridge consists of a piece of cabinetry built up three quarters way to the ceiling to visually separate two areas.  Not a full wall, it gives a modern feel to space and is an extraordinarily successful treatment in apartments or lofts, where a more open, airy feeling is desired.  So, to maintain the open, airy-like feel of a room, while maintaining definition of space, create a half wall - out of cabinetry, sheetrock, glass block, metal or furniture. 

{Abby’s Footnotes} 

Half walls create illusions and provide an additional window to a room.  The living room below is painted black and enclosed, but the half wall provides an outlet into the sunny and airy patio room. The horse sculpture behind the wall appears to float, which creates a sense of illusion and focus to the room. Half walls can also be used in bathrooms. The half wall in this bathroom creates a privacy screen in the glass shower, but still allows for light to enter. 

TRICKS OF THE TRADE: {wainscoting)

Wainscoting:  Big isn’t always better.  Ask your pet!  They know it feels much better to nestle up to a corner or wall.  People like points of reference.  Large rooms can make a person feel uncomfortable, feeling almost lost in space.  The humanist architects had an intuitive trick for making an inhabitant feel more comfortable in a room: wainscoting. By applying a layer of wood, fabric, or other surface material below the chair rail height, it broke up the wall mass, letting the eye rest at a level more scaled to the human.  But, here’s the tip to gain full effectiveness of this trick.  If in a bedroom, the wainscoting needs to be placed at the level of the bed height.  Why?  Because when is person is lying in bed, they will feel enclosed.  In effect, wrapping the space with a soft layer of fabric or wood will make the inhabit feel warm and safe, much in the same way we naturally gravitate to the corners of sofas, when we sit down. 

{Abby’s Footnotes}

Along with creating a cozy and defined space, wainscoting can also provide texture in a vast space. In an all white foyer, the wainscoting treatment provides texture and breaks up the monotony of plain white walls. Also, in small spaces, such as a bathroom, wainscoting can provide a canvas for a pop of strong color. The red walls in the bathroom  works well because the walls were not painted completely red. The wainscoting allows for a bold decoration statement in a small dose.