DESIGN PROBLEM – HOW TO ADD ARCHITECTURAL INTEREST FOR CURB APPEAL
Scouring for inspiration and features that I needed to keep in mind when designing our house, I came upon a real gem. I had already chosen fundamental architectural features for the exterior in keeping with the Prairie/Craftsman/Mission aesthetic. But I knew I had a great opportunity to add architectural interest to the interior as well. I just wasn’t sure where to start. Sarah Susanka’s book Home by Design provided the answer I needed – to repeat patterns in home design for both your interior and exterior.
DESIGN PRINICIPAL – REPEAT PATTERNS INSIDE AND OUT
Form is one of the key elements in design. Distinct architectural components are a type of form that can be added to your home design. Repeating a form in both the exterior and interior does a few different things. It adds character (who doesn’t want their space to say “me”). As well, it helps the living space feel larger by visually unifying the interior and exterior. Obviously, the architectural form should be in keeping with the overall design aesthetic you are looking to achieve.
HOW I APPLIED REPEATING PATTERNS THROUGHOUT MY HOME
Square columns are something you will see quite often in Prairie, Craftsman, or Mission home styles. I already knew we were incorporating columns on the exterior on the front porch. In addition, I was using columns on the interior to delineate the living room from the kitchen. However, for a truly cohesive look repeating pattern needs to be incorporated in multiple areas. Further, I wanted the house to be a blend of styles. Since the front porch columns are more Craftsman (tapered shape), I wanted the interior columns to just be square. However, square needed a little more character.
The solution to both problems – adding another layer of repeat pattern (triple ‘rings’). Consequently, I added these to the exterior and interior columns themselves as well as the stair newel posts at each landing. In this way, the newel posts mimicked the columns without taking up the same amount of visual space. In addition, they were carrying the pattern to each level of the house. The backyard patio support columns continue the repeat pattern as well to help with extending the living space. Notice too that the pattern is what is most important – the color or materials can vary as long as colors are cohesive throughout the space as well!
DIY INSPIRATION ADAPTED FOR A MORE ORNATE STYLE
This pattern can easily be added to any square column that already exists. “But what if I don’t have or want columns” you say? Look no farther than a decorative trim piece. In the examples below, I have adapted the repeat pattern inspiration from a Simple to more Ornate style with a delicate square rosette. This rosette can be added to items that are likely to already exist on or in just about any house. Remember, color can vary while still keeping the look unified.
Architectural Depot (not an affiliate) has a lot of great options if you aren’t finding what you want in the big box stores. Likewise, you can even DIY your own architectural details with silicon decor molds available on Amazon (nope, not an affiliate either).
Personalize your existing space with a well-planned approach for adding architectural elements inside and out and get access to the Style Library for more ideas!
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