Creating a Cohesive Home
Three rooms joined together with the use of the “Red Thread”
I worked on a lovely client project earlier this year for a whole home design. This was a brilliant opportunity to create a cohesive home and in some ways more straightforward than designing rooms in isolation.
But finding that balance between cohesivity and it all feeling a bit “matchy-matchy” can be a difficult one to get right. So how do I go about it?
The Red Thread
A lot of interior designers use a tool called “the red thread”. This is a Scandinavian design concept that describes the idea of using a consistent theme, feeling or palette throughout the home to create cohesion.
By focussing on a few design elements and introducing a nod to that in every space, is a bit like intertwining a thread of cotton throughout the home which in turn, creates familiarity.
Accent Colours
There are a variety of ways to achieve this, with the most common being a core colour palette which can be echoed throughout the home.
This does not need to be restricted to the exact same colours, or indeed just used in paint. Various shades and tonal colours can be weaved in, and cohesivity can be added through accents in artwork, accessories, furnishings and wallpapers.
Image credit. 1. Canva, 2. Farrow and Ball, 3. Barker and Stonehouse 4.Dunelm, 5. Jan Skacelik Art
Repeating Similar Themes
Another effective way to create cohesivity is through the repetition of textures and materials. This could be as simple as always having plants in each room, the same type of panelling or using a particular style of furniture. It could also be more considered by using the same type of fabric for cushions, curtains and upholstery to help tie together different areas of the home. Similarly, using consistent materials such as nickel or a particular wood grain in different rooms can unify the different areas of your home, and consistent types of lighting, whether that be temperature or fixtures can add cohesivity.
Image credit. 1, 3 & 5. Canva, 2. Nature wall, 4.Harlequin
Additional considerations
In order for the shift between spaces to feel fluid and natural, try to focus on the transition between rooms to ensure each room’s design will compliment the next without an abrupt change. Often architectural features such as door frames and moldings can offer a natural opportunity to reinforce the design narrative.
And who knows - maybe this is something you’re already subconsciously doing? Do you spot your favourite colour in artwork, cushions and wall colour? Have you got stripes you’ve been painting or adding in fabrics? It could be that you’ve found your red thread without even realising it. But now you know about it, you won’t be able to unsee it.
Do you need help with your red thread? Well why not book your free discovery call to see how I can help you.
