Transform Your Space: How to Choose the Perfect Statement Piece

Creating an inviting and visually appealing space often hinges on the inclusion of a statement piece. This focal point not only establishes the room’s atmosphere but also encapsulates the tastes and identities of those who inhabit it. Interior designers emphasize the importance of selecting a standout element that resonates with personal style while harmonizing with the overall design.

Defining the Statement Piece

According to Tanya Ali, founder and creative director at Tali + Roche Designs, a statement piece can manifest in various forms, including furniture, artwork, or even the arrangement of items in a room. “It should introduce an unexpected or thoughtful element into the space,” she explains. Art remains a popular choice for many homeowners. Ali cites her admiration for local artist Lisa Ochowycz and highlights her preference for a monochromatic palette, using texture and color through artwork and decorative pillows to create interest.

For those on a budget, Ali suggests exploring works by local or emerging artists at events like Vancouver’s Eastside Culture Crawl. Renting art or sourcing items from thrift shops can also serve as economical alternatives. Ultimately, she insists that the statement piece should reflect the homeowner’s individual style rather than merely adhering to current trends.

Creating Cohesion with Design

Interior designer Stephanie Hilton, owner of Stephanie Hilton Design, underscores the necessity for statement pieces to complement rather than clash with existing decor. She points out that elements such as scale, color, and material are crucial in achieving a cohesive look. “If you have a transitional home, adding something that’s not aligned with the rest of the design wouldn’t make sense,” Hilton notes. A disjointed design can leave guests puzzled rather than impressed.

Scale is particularly vital in smaller spaces, such as condominiums. Hilton warns that while large items can overwhelm a room, pieces that are too small may appear insignificant. “You don’t want something that looks like an afterthought,” she advises. Proper scale considers both the room’s size and the existing furnishings.

Color also plays a significant role in making a statement. Hilton is currently working on a project featuring a vibrant yellow velvet couch and burnt orange ottomans, appealing to clients who embrace bold palettes. In contrast, she notes that a more neutral environment can benefit from statement furniture, like a mid-century sideboard or distinctive lighting fixtures.

Leveraging Natural Elements

For designers like Nicole Begrand-Fast, principal at Begrand Fast Design Inc., the view is often the primary statement piece in a space. Begrand-Fast focuses on creating interiors that enhance rather than overshadow stunning vistas, such as lakes, within developments like the Movala mixed-use project in Kelowna. “A great view is definitely a statement that no one gets tired of,” she affirms.

To maximize the impact of such views, she recommends incorporating flexible seating options, like swivel chairs, allowing residents to enjoy the scenery during the day and switch focus to a television or fireplace in the evening. Begrand-Fast also suggests drawing inspiration from the surrounding environment when selecting colors for statement pieces, advising a more subdued palette to create harmony.

Texture is another avenue for introducing a standout element. At the Movala project, Begrand-Fast utilized ribbed natural oak on a bedroom wall, creating a striking visual impact. Similarly, Ali believes that varied textures—such as velvet or diverse fabrics—can elevate a room. “At its core, a statement piece is something a bit unexpected,” she concludes, highlighting that whether it’s an heirloom or a unique coffee table, the essence lies in its ability to draw attention.

As homeowners seek to personalize their spaces, understanding how to choose and implement statement pieces can transform an ordinary room into an extraordinary living environment. By carefully considering factors such as design coherence, scale, color, and texture, individuals can create a home that reflects their distinctive style and personality.