To find or create that dramatic feature that can inspire your design is the the theory behind the Wow Factor. Achieving balance in a design creates a space that you want to spend time in and enjoy. When clients hire me to “fix” a design they already started, many times the room is filled with several wow factors (because they are the unique  pieces that we love to buy) and your eye is bouncing from piece to piece. Start with one, build the design from there and add additional wow as needed.

This dramatic window is the wow factor with carved moldings and intricate iron work. Because this wow factor is so tremendous in scale and “wow”  it needs some of the design decisions around it to be bold to create  balance. The radiant turquoise creates the perfect backdrop for the window combined with the clean lines of the modern furniture, resulting in a perfectly balanced space.

Here the art  is the wow factor although some would debate why not the coffered ceiling ? The ceiling is a beautiful architectural design element but the strength in scale and color of the painting draw me right in. The decisions that came after needed to incorporate pattern, color and texture to achieve a balanced design. The height of the lamp statues are what I call subtle wow in a soft taupe.

Achieving balance in a monochromatic space is much easier but I still like to incorporate some subtle wow into the space.The height of the sofa provides just the right amount of wow without taking away from the peaceful feeling of the room.

Wow doesn’t have to mean color. In this room it is absolutely the coffered ceiling. The moldings are exquisite in strength and depth creating beautiful architectural wow.

Here is an example of how there can be more than one wow factor in a space. This fabulous wood beam ceiling coupled with the bright bold chair fabrics creates a wow love affair.

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