I built this mantel and wall unit for a friend and now he’d like me to do another wall unit for the opposite end of the room. Here’s the thing. With the original project I was given little to go on, as he was pretty unsure himself. He had some ideas but nothing solid. So I ended up spending an inordinate amount of time fussing over style with him until i was confident enough that I had a good idea of what he was looking for. He’s very pleased with outcome, and now he has a very clear idea of the style he likes, which is, a step or two more ornate than what I built for him.
So the question is whether to go with something more ornate than the first unit, build a matching unit or, pull elements from the first while making the second unit more ornate. For comparison, the first pic is what i built for him and the second exemplifies what he’s liking now. How important, or preferential is it that the style in the room matches exactly? Is it mostly a matter of preference, or are there some style rules you should stick with. It’s a 26′ living room, and I’m just worried that down the road he may end up being unhappy with such a difference between the units. My thinking, is to adapt elements from the first unit to the second (the fluting on the bookcases) and blend the two by installing matching baseboard and crown molding. I would give him some of the extras he likes, like the circle arches with the pretty molding and a more built up (additional level of molding)shelf top for the cabinets. I would do away with the corbels. So really the big difference would be with the half rounds and the elliptical vs. the straight tops.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Replies
It looks to me as though you have enough room on some of the plinths and maybe on the stiles above the mantel to add some plant on carvings like the second picture. that way you could upgrade the first unit and design the second one to fit his evolving sense of style. It seems to me as though that would be a win/win situation. Pre-finish them and then mount them with screws from the back or use finish screws and fill and touch up the holes.
Bigfoot,
the half rounds on the second unit bookcases with the straight tops of the first would not be an issue for you?Edited 1/13/2008 2:20 pm ET by dperfe
Edited 1/13/2008 2:25 pm ET by dperfe
If it were strictly my choice I would do the new unit without the arches. I don't think it is a serious gaffe to do it with the arches though. Similar finishes, colors, overall style would be adequate to make them dynamically paired. Some designers would have a fit... others regularly do stuff that makes this seem really tame. The owners satisfaction is paramount!
People will unconsciously select the areas of varied decor that please them as a focus for their attention. This factor paired with natural variations in, even the same individuals, tastes (which can vary with mood, season, weather, lighting, time of day, etc., etc.) is part of the reason for the popularity of broken color and natural finishes (such as wood, granite, marble, etc.). Thus the most pleasing sights are viewed in much higher proportion as compared to their percentage of the total finish. This way we can have variations enough to please several individuals in various moods in one home or even one room and to keep them pleased through many of their varied moods.
Thanks Bigfoot.Anyone know how to move this thread to the general discussion?
I don't think you can move a thread. The sysops might be able to do it, but otherwise you just have to start a new one.
My personal belief is that you should either match the pieces very closely or very loosely. It's that "in between" situation where things start to look funny, like you made a mistake.
-Steve
Whatever you decide it needs to be smaller, and try to make it according to the Golden Mean.
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