Comments
Decorating: 8 Ways to Supersize in Style
Adding a giant light or blown-up photo to an ordinary room can take it from alright to awesome, as these ideas for playing with scale prove
Joanna Thornhill
18 May 2014
Going giant with one key decorating element can be a great way to add drama and humour to a space, instantly lifting it out of the ordinary. Although decorating rules often decree everything should be scaled in line with your space, frankly, sometimes rules were made to be broken! Everything from flooring to artworks to lighting can benefit from going bold. So throw away that tape measure and get supersizing to add some oomph to your interior.
Upscale your boards
Period fixtures, such as parquet, take on a far more modern aesthetic when shown in a larger-than-usual format. These beautifully laid giant chevrons are painted a slick grey to add to the contemporary twist.
Period fixtures, such as parquet, take on a far more modern aesthetic when shown in a larger-than-usual format. These beautifully laid giant chevrons are painted a slick grey to add to the contemporary twist.
Tap into the trend with accessories
Accessories can be a clever way to create a supersize statement without making too big a commitment. This throw elevates the humble cable knit and creates a striking graphic effect.
Accessories can be a clever way to create a supersize statement without making too big a commitment. This throw elevates the humble cable knit and creates a striking graphic effect.
Big up the everyday
Vintage photographs are usually seen on a pretty small scale. But when drastically upscaled to billboard size, they take on a new power. This giant letter F also plays perfectly to the supersize rules, transforming a humble character into a eye-catching piece of art.
Vintage photographs are usually seen on a pretty small scale. But when drastically upscaled to billboard size, they take on a new power. This giant letter F also plays perfectly to the supersize rules, transforming a humble character into a eye-catching piece of art.
Supersize a shade
Don’t think you can’t hang a big statement light if your ceiling isn’t that high. Positioning this pendant over a large item of furniture, so no one will walk into it, makes it a feature rather than an obstacle, and by keeping the rest of the room’s décor very simple, this stunning shade is able to shine.
Don’t think you can’t hang a big statement light if your ceiling isn’t that high. Positioning this pendant over a large item of furniture, so no one will walk into it, makes it a feature rather than an obstacle, and by keeping the rest of the room’s décor very simple, this stunning shade is able to shine.
Hang it high
Forget the rules about hanging artwork at eye level — if you’re lucky enough to have a space that sprawls upwards like this one, play on those proportions with large-scale pieces. Big prints make maximum impact, drawing the eye upwards to really showcase the height of the room.
Forget the rules about hanging artwork at eye level — if you’re lucky enough to have a space that sprawls upwards like this one, play on those proportions with large-scale pieces. Big prints make maximum impact, drawing the eye upwards to really showcase the height of the room.
Get graphic with flooring
If your space is quite small and you’re tiling the floor, resist the urge to use small-scale tiles and go for a larger format, emphasising their size with contrasting grout. Thanks to fewer grout lines, this actually tricks the eye into thinking the space is bigger than it is. These large lovelies are juxtaposed with tiny wall tiles to boost the effect.
If your space is quite small and you’re tiling the floor, resist the urge to use small-scale tiles and go for a larger format, emphasising their size with contrasting grout. Thanks to fewer grout lines, this actually tricks the eye into thinking the space is bigger than it is. These large lovelies are juxtaposed with tiny wall tiles to boost the effect.
Create a huge headboard
An oversized headboard makes a great feature in any bedroom, particularly if no other architectural features are present in the space. It’s also a budget-friendly way to upgrade an existing bed base, with its extra height and width adding status and helping to visually anchor any bedside tables.
Browse 10 supersized headboards
An oversized headboard makes a great feature in any bedroom, particularly if no other architectural features are present in the space. It’s also a budget-friendly way to upgrade an existing bed base, with its extra height and width adding status and helping to visually anchor any bedside tables.
Browse 10 supersized headboards
Embrace the whole world
Dedicating an entire wall to a mural creates a real focal point in any space. Here, a giant world map lifts this playroom out of the ordinary, as well as giving the young residents a fun geography lesson.
See how to use maps in your decorating scheme
TELL US...
Do you like incorporating oversized elements in your home? Share your favourite ways in the Comments below.
Dedicating an entire wall to a mural creates a real focal point in any space. Here, a giant world map lifts this playroom out of the ordinary, as well as giving the young residents a fun geography lesson.
See how to use maps in your decorating scheme
TELL US...
Do you like incorporating oversized elements in your home? Share your favourite ways in the Comments below.
Related Stories
More Rooms
The 5 Most Popular Laundry Rooms on Houzz Right Now
Get decorating ideas for your laundry or utility room from these most-saved photos on Houzz
Full Story
Dining Rooms
The 5 Most Popular Dining Rooms on Houzz Right Now
By Kate Burt
Vintage furniture, great lighting and top tables – feast your eyes on dining room ideas collated from your own clicks
Full Story
Colour
8 Clever Ways to Use Strategic Colour Blocking in Your Home
By Kate Burt
Paint can do so much more than refresh your walls. Explore ways to highlight features, zone areas and trick the eye
Full Story
Utility Rooms
15 Richly Coloured Utility Rooms
The trend for strong, earthy tones has reached the utility room, with hues from plum to ochre to deep green adding depth
Full Story
Kitchens
Which Kitchen Worktop Colour Should You Choose?
By tidgboutique
Consider these popular colours and styles to get the look you want, no matter which material you use
Full Story
Colour
8 Ways to Work a Rust Red and Blue Palette in the Bedroom
By Kate Burt
We’re seeing variations of this combination all over Houzz right now. Check out these tips for trying it yourself
Full Story
Colour
Creative Ways to Make a Feature of Structural Beams
Turn your RSJ into something more than just functional with these clever ideas from our Houzz Tours
Full Story
Gardens
9 Ways to Enjoy Colour in Your Garden All Year Round
By Kate Burt
However your garden grows, you can add colour with hardscaping, furniture and accessories
Full Story
Gardens
What Will We Want in Our Gardens in 2024?
Discover the gardening trends homeowners will be bringing into their outdoor spaces this spring and summer
Full Story
Kitchens
What to Expect at the Biggest Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Show
Plan ahead with our rundown of what’s in store at the kbb Birmingham event this March
Full Story