Patricia Altschul is an American socialite, art collector, interior decorator and personality of the TV series, Southern Charm. With an interior décor line on the Home Shopping Network, Patricia Altschul discusses the art of transforming any space with audacious furniture selections.
Furniture is the spinal column of the interior design world, but not every piece needs to match. In fact, statement items elevate the overall look, capturing attention and injecting personality into the space.
While many homeowners shy away from incorporating statement-making furniture into their rooms, Bunny Williams’ words ring true, “If you love something, it will work, that’s the only real rule.” By following expert advice, both hobbyist and professional designers can achieve eye-catching aesthetics that withstand the test of time.
Patricia Altschul Embraces Artistic Designs
People often stumble upon their statement pieces in antique centers, thrift stores, or on Facebook Marketplace. However, individuals who are actively seeking such items should consider those that pass as art and functional, like sculptural chairs or unconventionally shaped coffee tables.
Patricia Altschul of Southern Charm says that abstract aesthetics or handcrafted pieces scatter creativity and uniqueness throughout the space, effortlessly becoming conversation starters that give guests something to admire and appreciate while they socialize.
The Rule of Three
Individuals transforming their own homes often get caught up in matching everything from the throws and pillows to the rugs to the tables and chairs.
Patricia Altschul of Southern Charm recommends homeowners pick up a statement color in three distinct accent spots. A bunch of color isn’t needed to make a piece stand out. Too much or too many colors and it’s difficult to work with.
Mixing Things Up for Dramatic Results
Combining opposites is a fun way to elevate the space.
Patricia Altschul of Southern Charm says that for this to work, designers must have solid knowledge of the statement piece — is it new, old, vintage, painted, metallic, complex, or simple? The answer dictates how they’ll style other items in the room. If the statement piece is busy, decorators should juxtapose it will simplicity. The same goes for light with dark, organic with geometric, and so on.
Creativity rises from the less ordinary. And taking the “opposites attract” notion to the extreme when using statement pieces guarantees a unique, arty aesthetic.
Stripping it Back to the Basics
Everybody needs an Art 101 refresher at one point or another, and designers who are yet to style statement pieces may feel like they’ve reached such a time. Luckily, a color wheel is never far away.
Patricia Altschul of Southern Charm explains that rooms should contain accent colors that complement each other. But sometimes, pairings can be hard to come by when working with truly exotic statement pieces. Therefore, Altschul recommends taking note of the aspect of the color wheel. It’s a design-saver, simplifying the palette-creation process and ensuring all colors complement each other or remain in an analogous scheme.
Daring to Super Size
While not always the case, bigger is better in some scenarios. Oversized furniture offers a powerful statement, dominating the space’s focal point for all the right reasons.
Patricia Altschul of Southern Charm notes that typically, this super-size technique is seen in mirrors, bookcases, and lighting. Applying one of the above in a living room, for instance, can spark expansiveness, grandiosity, or sophistication in the eye of the beholder.
That said, experts note that oversized furniture shouldn’t overwhelm other elements in the room, complementing the dimensions instead.
Ensuring It’s Noticed
Only picking statement pieces won’t have the desired effect; nothing makes an impact if everything is special. Allowing attention to go on just one item by keeping other pieces smaller and less ornate is key to achieving the desired effect.
Stepping Back for the Full Picture
Patricia Altschul of Southern Charm explains that after placing the statement furniture and finalizing the rest of the elements, looking back is essential to see what blends in, what sticks out, and how the space is balanced. Professional designers emphasize that overthinking the smaller details can give the entire room a less-than-desired atmosphere.
Patricia Altschul also notes that when approached correctly, statement furniture, its placement, and the room it’s in can bring joy to the homeowners. Following the tips above gives everybody a chance to create the home of their dreams with unique features they’ve picked up along the way.
Conclusion
In the world of interior design, bold furniture stands as a testament to the art of self-expression. These commanding pieces not only anchor a space but also infuse it with character, vitality, and a touch of audacity. By daring to incorporate such statement-making elements into your home decor, can open the door to a realm of limitless creativity and personal style. So, whether it’s an avant-garde sofa, a vibrant accent chair, or a striking coffee table, let bold furniture be the exclamation point in a personal design narrative. Each piece etches a unique signature onto your living spaces, turning them into dynamic canvases that reflect your distinct taste and vision. Embrace the bold, and watch as your home transforms into an unforgettable testament to individuality and design prowess.
