When I’m putting together a room, I like to mix things up. I love wooden pieces for their grounding qualities—think how relaxing it feels to walk through a forest. And when it comes to seating, I’m drawn to comfortable pieces in neutral colours, with simple, modern lines. Bringing those elements together in a space filled with natural light or strategically placed soothing light fixtures is my recipe for instant Zen.
Artemano recently extended their range to include a new line of seating. Their versatile sofas and armchairs are compatible with the different grains and shapes of wood lines found in Artemano’s tables, shelves and other furnishings. Here are three room ideas that bring these new pieces into the mix—whatever your decorating style:
Pared-Back Perfection: the minimalist’s way
Think Simple:When there are just a few beautiful pieces in a room, they get the full attention they deserve. Take the time to consider what’s superfluous to your life, then let go of the distracting knick-knacks. Straight or gently curved lines also communicate simplicity and nurture a sense of balance.
Nurture Vitality: Draw from nature’s palette for a space that feels harmonious and alive—here the warmth of acacia’s ruddy browns works beautifully with the colder tones of a slate-grey upholstered sofa and a glass-shaded pendant light that glows like amber. And when you choose pieces made with wood, the naturally curved markings, unique personality of the grain and rich texture help invigorate us and connect us powerfully with the present moment.
Play with Patterns: As humans, we find meaning and pleasure in repetition. By using the same vase, candle holder or decorative object within different sections of a wooden bookcase, we create an effect of fullness and joy.
Eclectic Taste: design for the daring
Go Wild:Bringing together different textures, shapes and materials adds depth to an interior design scheme. White ceramic ornaments combined with a rectangular hardwood coffee table; a warm brick wall; and soft, upholstered grey seating with gentle curves makes for variety, yet the look’s still tied together by earth tones. It’s a good idea to group pieces that resonate together, regardless of their form or fabric or style. And just remember: Pour too many types of liquor into your cocktail and you end up with an unpalatable muddle. It’s the same with furnishings and living rooms. Experiment by adding different objects one at a time to see whether you need to pull back.
Don’t Blow Things out of Proportion: Furniture pieces need to work size-wise both in relation to one another and in relation to the room to induce relaxation and aid flow, so plan with the big picture in mind. Things to consider: How is your room structured? Where and how big are the windows and doorways? What shapes are created by the walls and nooks?
Inject personality: Place carefully curated objects on a coffee table or bookcase to reflect what you value or tell stories about who you are. Reminding yourself of special trips or occasions will nurture happy daydreams.
Opposites Attract – balance through contrast
Create Dynamic Duos:To invigorate your space, bring together products with opposite qualities: a hard wooden end table with a soft cushioned sofa; a dark cabinet against a pale wood-panelled wall, or a leafy plant atop a hard-edged geometrical piece. Making statements with contrasting pieces highlights the unique qualities of each and gives a sense of abundance, even in a pared-down room.
Don’t Fear the Dark Side: Without darkness, we could not appreciate light. Bring a pale wooden piece into a sober-toned universe to throw it into the spotlight. By mixing up shades of dark and light, you’ll create incredible depth. And use softer lighting to create a soothing vibe or spots to highlight details or favourite pieces within a space.
Nurture Ambiance: In an inviting space, nothing is superfluous. The richness is created through contrasting shapes, colour, style and proportions that riff on one another to generate good vibes. Another great mood-setter: plant life. Plants are living, breathing things—use them to energize a room—and the people within it.
