We've always relied on repetition in our design work — it's one of the easiest ways to make an impact. Creative groupings of similar objects, whether it's books or a collection of clip-on ties, work together to form visual harmony. For the Big Window Challenge, all the designers used repetition in various, successful ways...
• 1 Patrick used repetition to great affect. His many frames and similar-style portraits fill the space visually — without taking over.
• 2 Jane used repetition in her flock of blown-glass birds and her grouping of framed artwork over the fireplace.
• 3 On the opposite side of her window, Jane uses repetition with the many white ceramic gnomes from artist Alyssa Zygmunt.
• 4 Curtis's use of repetition is more evident in repeated colors and shapes rather than repeated objects — circles are the dominant shape and repeated multiple times — chair, teapot, bridge arches, shelving brackets, etc.
• 5 In his much smaller window space, Maxwell used a lot of pairs to create repetition and visual harmony — two of the same chair, two of the same tables, two bowls, etc.
How do you use repetition as a design element in your own space?
Window Pics: Kristy May
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Aaron,
This is off topic, but I have a (self-serving) suggestion. I was wondering whether P2, Jane, and/or Curtis would be willing to write a little primer on arranging decorative items (like vases, small peices of artwork, tchotchkes) in a way that is pleasing to the eye. Each of their spaces was so wonderfully arranged and balanced in that respect.
I suspect that this is mostly about having a good eye, but maybe there are some general tips or tricks that can be passed along? In my own space, I feel like it often it looks as though someone just threw a bunch of stuff randomly or haphazardly on top of my dresser/shelves/whatever...even when I try to group like things, etc. I don't know why I just can't seem to get it right.
Anyways, just a thought.
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J - this is a good question. While I think a lot of it has to do with "a good eye" - I think it can also be broken down into some simple ideas. I'll give this more thought and come back with something soon. Thanks!
view Aaron's profile
J - Leah from DC just posted something similar to what you were asking about: How To: Create a Visual Vignette.
view Aaron's profile