At the Intersection of Art, Architecture & Design

Proper rhythm and proportion help a home “feel right”.  I’m sure you’ve walked into spaces that instinctively felt right — with each part in the right place and in relationship to the whole.  You can also probably remember walking into a tract home that
felt awkward and unbalanced.  One of the important building blocks to spaces that “feel good” is rhythm and repetition.

Notice in the picture above:
 - The 3-part crown molding is repeated room to room; it’s in proportion to the tall ceilings. 
 - The wide moldings are substantial and are reflected in baseboard and French doors. 
 - Through each doorway there is a focal point that beckons you in.
 - The long runner helps move the eye further through the house
 - You’re always looking toward a lighter space at the peripheries.

In this kitchen, the glass lites in the doors of the wall cabinets echo the lites in the casement windows and gives the kitchen a rhythm as well as a greater sense of spaciousness.  In addition the “shadow-line” at the
ceiling created by holding the cabinets away from the ceiling and the “feet” of the base cabinets, create further rhythm that adds to the sense of airiness and
to the vintage charm.

Notice how in the master bath, above, the absence of detail leads to a calming rhythm.  Instead of using intricate borders or different size tile, all surfaces use the same large format stone tile — including the  vanity countertop (not shown).  The outside edges have a custom bullnose edge fabricated by a marble fabricator.  The feeling of serenity is reinforced by the monochrome limestone color of the stone and the wall paint. The white tub and shower pan are echoed by the color of the molding, the window treatments, and light fixtures.  Further, the soft curve of the oval tub creates a soothing compliment to the other linear details of the bath.

And while I concentrate on creating rhythm in the architectural details, I also
appreciate the ability to reinforce the rhythm in accessories. Notice the
pleasing effect of the row of pillows that echo the colors of the window seat
cushion.  The 5 pillows create a tempo that you can’t create with 2 or 4
pillows arranged symmetrically. 

All images courtesy of Braitman
Design/Build

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