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Good Quotes: On Scale
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"Consider: Big can always be bigger and Small smaller, and when in doubt, they ought to be." - Chip Kidd The Cheese Monkeys
There's something fascinating about accessories that are unexpectedly scaled: we loved the oversize task / floor lamp used on the set of Ugly Betty, and we also love the tiny proportions of Vitra's miniature chair collection. But how do you use it effectively?

 
 

We often talk about color combinations or pattern matching, but equally important is the scale factor: an oversize lamp can overpower a space, making the rest of the surroundings cower in fear. At the same token, too many miniatures can look cluttered (not to mention difficult to dust. Or keep on a shelf during an earthquake).

Some tips for your oddly scaled objects:

The Big Friendly Giant (The BFG): Create relationships between the supersized and the normal for a sense of harmony. For example: the oversized silver lamps in this bedroom pictured above picks up the color and shape of the silver bowl and the hint of the metal bed frame.
Small Things, Strong Statement: If you group your small things, give them a little extra space. For example: the quiet elegance of a group of small vases alone on a shelf. Space gives it importance, drawing the eye towards it.

Share your own scale tips in the comments...

[ Photo from Living Etc ]

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Good Quotes, miniature, scale, good quotes, oversize

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Comments (3)

I just scored a white Panton chair that came from the set of Ugly Betty this week - Yay! http://dwr.typepad.com/designnotes/2006/12/index.html

posted by modernmecca on August 29th 2008 at 3:42pm
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well..I just see a beautiful room..I have a large amoire that I painted this color..and use a dark raspberry in the room for accent..It's in a small living room..diagonally across from sand colored couch..the armoir is the height of the paned french doors leading into bedroom (railroad style apt.)..at the other end of living room..so it does seem to balance it out and give a larger look to the room..the pretty and light colors...I didn't know what I was going to be able to do with my living room..but AT kept me motivated..Thank you! ( I know I spelled armoire wrong..at first..and please God..let me be spelling it the right way now)

posted by keeks on August 30th 2008 at 3:54pm
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Where is the blanket in this picture from? I want it!

posted by BeccaJane22 on August 30th 2008 at 8:31pm
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