Bottoms up! Where to Start on a Design Project

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​As designers we are often asked, “Where do I begin?” Well, you've found Fringe, so that's great! When designing a space, we generally start from the bottom up. By considering the floor first, we can decide how other pieces will layer in. For this room, we began by selecting the area rug. An area rug will help you define your space, so being bold and daring with the size, shape, and color of the rug can help you create a look that is perfect for you. Selecting a neutral tone without a lot of pattern or color will allow you to add more when you choose upholstery and accents. A colorful, patterned design will allow you to pull colors from the area rug to formulate the room's color palette.

After finding the right rug we move on to which colors and textures we want to use on the sofa and chairs. Here, we chose a soft gray fabric for the sectional which compliments the darker shade in the area rug and helps balance the room. The plaid fabric on the settee adds dimension and movement while also playing off the pattern in the rug to create a fresh, up to date vibe.  ​

​Once the upholstery has been determined, it is time to add tables and/or consoles. These pieces provide functionality and storage options within the space. Be sure to consider the color, size, height and configuration of the tables in conjunction with your upholstery. Coffee tables are roughly about the same height (or just lower) as the cushions on your sofa and measure about 2/3 the length while end table height sits at or just below the arm of a sofa. Tables that nest allow for additional functionality when needed without leaving a large footprint. The wood and bronze finishes shown complement each other while bringing an overall warmth to the space.

Accessories are often the finishing touch in completing a design. Whether you choose artwork or accents that bring in pops of color or decide on a neutral palette, combining various heights, patterns and textures are key to keeping the room cohesive and harmonious. We used a monochromatic scheme: the patterns in the artwork and lamps create the illusion of movement; the height of the open candleholders and pair of ceramic vases create visual interest by adding scale and dimension and the mirrored wall sconces reflect light throughout. ​

Still overwhelmed? That's why we're here! When you're ready to start your next project, Fringe is here to answer all of your design questions and help you create something you will love. 

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