Creating Cohesion with Contrast

Contrast… what’s the big deal? I mean, look at all the beautiful homes that are monochromatic and provide an incredible zen feeling due to the lack of contrast. Why would we want to break up that peaceful aesthetic by introducing contrast?

CONTRAST FOR HEIERARCHY

Contrast helps draw our eye and develop a hierarchy in the design. It doesn’t have to disrupt our zen consistency and can be done in a way that feels cohesive, tying into other elements, much like the fireplace at our “Onmyodo Home” project. The floors were dark throughout the home, and everything on the walls was light with the warmth of wood millwork; carrying the dark color from the floor to the fireplace created an interruption in the light airy walls, providing a focal point while maintaining the cohesive scheme.

CONTRAST FOR SAFETY

Where eyesight is diminished (and yes, this applies to all of us who need midnight bathroom breaks), contrast can tell us where one finish ends and another begins. This is a great tool to use when floor levels change (stairs), at handrails, grab bar heights, and doorways. A white hall with dark doors will be much easier to navigate at night than if those doors were painted to match the walls.

Contrast at eye level can also offer orientation for someone who may have stood up too fast, resulting in a head rush or for someone who might experience vertigo. While it may appear decorative, that horizontal line in the shower at eye level serves a purpose!

__

One of the dangers we’ve seen is the liberal implementation of contrast with varying approaches, creating what some call the “patchwork home.” In these homes,  one space might feel entirely different than the next which provides no cohesion between rooms. We have a few tips to ensure that contrast may be provided while avoiding that feeling entirely out of place.

The black honed counter in this kitchen provides a visual stopping point between the whit base and upper cabinets. The honed finish prevents glare as well for an added visual bonus

This bathroom was designed for a woman who was visually impaired. Using contrast, we provided level changes for orientation. Doors contrast the trim, creating ease in locating them. We also used texture to draw attention to key functional items. The matte black faucets that sat in front of a dark backsplash were set apart with a chrome accent, ensuring our client could easily find her way around.

Contrast does not have to be black and white/light and dark. It can be a contrast in color and texture!

USE CONTRAST CONSISTENTLY

This beautiful shower was designed by our colleague, Carla Aston, and illustrates how that curb can provide interest as well as a visual cue of a flooring change.

One great place to use contrast is the shower curb. It’s a great idea to create contrast here because this can be a tripping hazard. While we may not want to draw attention to the utilitarianism of a shower curb, we can enhance the separation of space elegantly by introducing this contrast in adjacent locations. Perhaps all horizontal surfaces take on this contrast or maybe the wall tile contrasts the floor and continues onto the curb.

Provide consistency in the millwork throughout the home so there is a clear visual thread tying the home together. Light walls with dark millwork or vice versa can provide interest and charm consistently.

_

Contrast is a design element that, when planned well, can provide functionality, cohesiveness, and focal points throughout a home. A home can feel relaxed and fairly monochromatic and still have contrast.

Are you looking for more contrast and interest in your home? We’re happy to help!

---