How to Use Contrast to Create Depth in Interior Design by Renowned Expert Sarah Peake

By Sarah Peake

Interiors are often perceived purely on a superficial level, but they should also evoke emotions when experienced firsthand. In my opinion, the true goal of design is to create depth and authenticity.

The key to achieving depth in design is through contrast – a juxtaposition of form and color, texture and pattern, old and new. Every room has a story to tell, and contrast drives the narrative. As you explore the room, your eyes are drawn to the intricate details: a fringe on a cushion, a modern desk lamp on an antique desk. The best rooms captivate our gaze, allowing us to focus on both major themes and minor details, where the most compelling stories reside.

Here, I will share my tips on how to effectively employ contrast and tell stories using this charming four-bedroom apartment situated in a 19th-century building near the Jardins du Luxembourg, Paris, which is currently on the market for €4.5mn. With its high ceilings and traditional features, it serves as an ideal blank canvas.

Introduce a Modern Twist

I often commence my design process with rugs as they unify the space and provide a foundation upon which to build the rest of the design scheme. Gideon Hatch’s rugs, such as the large abstract Boulder rug with its thick pile and vibrant colors, create a striking contrast against the Versailles parquet floor and traditional architecture.

Seek Out the Little Details

Details are the heart of design. When it comes to curtains, the choices regarding headings, poles, length, and linings can make a significant impact. For this room, I would opt for a simple, light-colored linen or wool fabric from renowned suppliers like Rogers and Goffigon or Rose Uniacke. The use of a euro-heading – where pleats are pinched at the top but open on the bottom – keeps the style clean and uncluttered, avoiding competition with the architecture. To add an eye-catching contrast to the soft curtains, I would incorporate a beautiful metal and ebonized wood curtain pole from Tilly’s Interiors.

Embrace the Handmade

Handmade, or even homemade, objects add depth and a personal touch to any space. These objects often possess a unique story and showcase the artist’s craftsmanship. Imperfections become part of their beauty, whether it’s a vase picked up on a memorable vacation or a meticulously crafted milk jug made by a beloved family member. Caitriona Manoury’s earthenware side tables, fired twice to achieve a beautifully textured glaze, provide a tactile and inviting element to the room.

Have Fun with Contrasting Fabrics

Contrast is essential, not just within the overall design scheme but also in the smaller details. When you sit on the sofa, you notice the various fabrics used for the upholstery seat, back cushions, braid, or piping. The interplay between these fabrics creates an authentic and comfortable sofa. Vanderhurd offers beautiful embroideries, and their latest design, Wakame Shadows, exudes an irreverent and playful quality that would complement a plain-hued sofa perfectly as a vibrant cushion.

Expect the Unexpected

In most of my designs, I include elements that slightly deviate from the overall aesthetic, adding an intriguing contrast without disrupting the harmonious atmosphere. Oversized items often work well in this aspect, such as the bronze lamp from Marianne Kennedy featured here. With its nearly 1m height, it becomes a striking presence on a table that it is slightly too big for. The lampshade made of horsehair adds an intriguing texture and draws attention.

Photography: Alexander James; Isabela-Mayer/Knight Frank