Tricks to softening a hard space
Over the weekend, I spoke with a potential client about ways in which you could soften a minimalist concrete and wood space. It got me excited about the possibilities, and I discovered that there are a few sure-fire ways in my opinion to accomplish this:
* Soft textiles, rugs, drapery, throws and pillows (helps if they are casual and loose)
* FUR anything (or velvet…as long as it’s plush)
* Upholstered, leather or feminine seating
* A rustic or antique piece
* Hanging lighting fixtures that are either ornate (like a chandelier) or loosely gathered (like bulb pendants)
Oftentimes adding even one of these elements can entirely change the feeling of a space.
I think the point would be to add elements that make it feel effortless, pliable, relaxed, comfortable…less permanent and rigid; adding that extra layer to balance it out. (Reminds me a bit of the Boho Glam Recipe I threw together, but perhaps with less glam and more iconic pieces?) What would you do?
Loving this look? Great sites for more of it:
Vosgeparis
From the Right Bank
Desire to Inspire
Solid Frog
great and useful tips! specially for my home in which my husband has made sure to add lots of modern elements
yes! i’d say round/curvy shapes (lamps, vases, bowls) and delicate metallics (like the platner chairs above) work wonders as well!
Ah yes totally!!
That first room is absolutely gorgeous. Is that a pony in the far right corner?
That burnt sienna piece of art really adds a lot to the space.
These types of spaces are among my favorite. Maybe because the cement floors/walls are so often in lofts, and I LOVE lofts! Your tips are spot on, though! The other thing I love is bringing in some ethnic or global elements into the textiles. I like the look of a Turkish rug, a linear, modern sofa, pretty, flowing drapes and cement floors. Oh, and art work, lots of framed art work!
Yes definitely the ethnic textiles!
I completely agree on all points. I am a designer and I hate to do anything minimal without softening the hard lines. Furry-soft textiles are a favorite of mine.
most definitely loooving this look. When are you coming to NYC? I so terribly need an apt makeover, and someone to convince my hubs it needs some pizzaz!
I knew this post was coming based off my pinterest blowing up. Yes it would be quite a treat to live in any of these spaces. I definitely need big art to pop against my industrial walls. And OH! to enjoy a flokati rug! Not going to happen as long as I have the black pug.
These are all fabulous ideas and inspiration! I would definitely go with anything soft and furry and also throws and pillows. Soft accents are the way to go
Crystal chandi’s and old brick, or concrete, were meant to live happily ever after.
Oh I love this. Everything is stunning. xx
This is exactly my style!
Great tips. I love industrial lofts and the like but sometimes they can look a bit sterile and cold. I find that rugs, super duper large plush ones (or reg. ones) help not only anchor a space, but keeps it feeling like an actual home. For me, there CAN be too much of a good thing (ex: I love concrete painted floors but again…it can feel too factory like if there aren’t any rugs).
These are some of my fave pics of all time. That blue green glass chandelier in the concrete loft is crazy good. Why do you have such a talent for finding inspiration pics??
-e (modern24seven.blogspot.com)
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