Years ago, when I was designing the dining room in my previous home, I kept picking modern furniture and lighting for the space. I liked the juxtaposition of it stylistically against the 1920s Mediterranean architecture of my building. Once I put up my chandelier, sconces, gallery wall, and brought in my wall-to-wall credenza with chunky contemporary brass hardware, I realized it was all too…one note. It was missing something. Sure, I had the contrast between styles but I still craved something else. Something to “funk” it up, or bring a bit more contrast.
It turns out, what I was missing was my vintage brown wood bar cabinet and Rococo-style Venetian gilded mirror. I needed the push and pull of “now” and “old” to satisfy my eye. Make it feel real, lived in, and not like a catalog.
This, my friends, is called tension, and in my opinion, every interesting room needs it in small doses. Now, I say “interesting” because not every space requires tension. There are plenty of beautiful homes and rooms without any noticeable tension; in fact, not having it can really create a sense of placidity, and that’s some people’s preference.
But if your space feels flat, expected and not as elevated as some of the ones you spot in designer profiles or magazines, adding a touch of tension is going to be transformative to you. Tension in design is like picking the pair of ruby-red heels for your all-black outfit. Black heels would have been just fine, even chic, but the red? Well…now you’re standing out.
Before walking through the different ways you can build tension in your design schemes, I just want to explore the word some more, because just saying “add tension!” as advice isn’t exactly clear. Tension brings in a little “conflict.” It’s opposing things that shouldn’t work together but do. Like adding salt to your baked goods to bring out the sweetness. Acid to your rich dishes to cut through the fat. It’s contrast in materials, scale, differing volumes, juxtaposing polar opposite styles, and even colors. It can be as subtle as picking a polished brass chandelier in a room with rough-hewn wood floors and furnishings, or as drastic as putting a modern addition on a centuries-old brick building.
It’s kind of like a decorative surprise, flipping the script on what you *think* you should be doing. Let’s go through some examples of tension in the rooms I’ve designed recently, because visuals always speak louder than words.
Between my old dining room and living room, you can see I went with modern lighting to contrast the 100-year-old architectural style of the spaces. This is one of my favorite tricks for adding tension without having to think too much. That’s not to say that picking lighting fixtures that are appropriate to the era of your home or within its style isn’t good; it totally is! But it certainly adds a bit of a cool factor when they contrast.
In my bedroom, I went with a similar tension treatment of opposing styles: a modern low-slung velvet bed, modern nightstands, sconces, and a modern rug all balanced by a large vintage armoire. To me, this adds so much soul and visual interest. Without it, I think it would have been perfectly lovely, but perhaps a bit expected. I also thought everything was too shiny, so some natural materials like rattan and linen balanced that out. (For anyone getting to this point saying “Isn’t tension just…balance?” I’d tell you, yes…yes it is, but it’s important to understand all the different ways to do it, so let’s keep reading/writing.)
Tension can also come in in terms of shapes: curves vs. angles. I’m fairly certain I didn’t create intentional tension between the curve of my coved ceiling and all the straight angles of my gallery wall, but it certainly applies, so I’m calling it out for you. Something that was on purpose was the punch of cool-toned blue in my otherwise warm kitchen. That’s tension via contrast, and it works every time as long as you are light-handed with it.
What Kinds Of Design Tension Can You Use? Let’s Explore
Alright, let’s dive deeper and see more examples of tension in other peoples’ rooms and designs. This list is not exhaustive, of course, but it’s a great starting point to work from for anyone interested in exploring tension. First up…
Opposing Scales: Big Furniture In A Small Room
A common mistake I see people make in small rooms (or really, any room) is picking furniture that’s simply too small. While there is a limit to the size you can go without totally consuming the space or feeling overly commanding, I do love to see a large, low-slung sofa in a small living space. It’s okay to let it go across half the wall space, I promise. It’s functional and actually can make the room appear larger than it is. You do want to be sure the scale works in at least one way, so even if it’s long/wide, it should still work with the ceiling heights so it doesn’t visually eat the space.
This is another example I love: having just one imposing piece in a room with lower ceilings. That green wood pantry/cabinet thing is enormous, and while I don’t really have a sense of the full layout of the kitchen, I know that that ceiling is likely only about 8 feet (standard counter height is 36 inches, and that space above the green cabinet in the second image is not even three times its height). The cupboard-armoire is kind of hulking, but it works to add interest and a touch of “maybe that shouldn’t be there…wait…maybe it should??”
Scale doesn’t have to just relate to the size of a room compared to furniture; you can use it to play with dimensions of other things, like frames. This eclectic space by Reath Design has tall, voluminous vaulted ceilings, and I love the juxtaposition of that against the gathering of teenie little frames. It’s easy to think “big ceiling, big art” but *this* is how you create character. After all, what’s a story without an antagonist, right? Tension in your design is the conflict point in a plot; without it, it’s just a nice, sweet little tale without any twists or turns or heart-pumping moments. And I don’t know about you, but I love a bit of a nail-biter.
Conflicting Textures: Rough & Organic vs. Luxe
I LOVE creating tension with materials. Let’s take the room of gallerist Almine Rech above, for example. It’s fully enveloped in wood, and anyone wanting to create harmony would have likely picked a sofa covering more in line with something natural, perhaps a Belgian linen. But nope, this room stopped me in my tracks for the sole purpose that it was unexpected. The stress between the earthy paneling and the luscious, luxe, and fringed velvet is a shock to the system, and that is exactly why it’s interesting.
I know that last room wasn’t for everyone (I’m not even saying it was for me, tbh), but tension in material can be a little more subtle. Take for instance the matte terracotta(ish) floor and the organic dining furniture against the glossy fireplace tile. That sheen goes a long way of cutting through all the lusterless materials in this very cute kitchen by Studio Eric Schmitt.
Juxtaposed Styles: Modern Meets Antique
I’ve never run into someone who hates a Parisian apartment. They have tension fully mastered. The ridiculously good architectural details many come with certainly help, and setting anything against it would look good. A dented can of chickpeas from Aldi in the room above would look good, surely. Here, we have lots of very ornate, traditional millwork and plasterwork married with sleek, streamlined mid-century-style furniture. The work of Véronique Cotrel Agency, it’s an interesting match of eras that works beautifully because the seating is fairly minimalist while the walls and ceiling aren’t.
This beautiful space by Fayette Studio illustrates the same thing as the image prior but in a more subtle manner. The ceiling detailing juxtaposes the contemporary furniture beautifully.
This is just so fun (thanks for the visual treat Studio DB!). I’d never expect to see that modern chair and ottoman with the charming wallpaper, molding and sconce chosen here, but it’s a sharp pairing that feels super fresh and interesting. It makes me want to keep looking at it to see if I missed something, even though it’s simple.
There’s almost nothing I love more than a house mullet: business up front, party in the back. Especially when that party is a totally different style than the original structure. The arches, the stucco, and the combo of soft pastels against the serious brick facade is serious tension that pays off if you’re going for “fun” and “quite unexpected.”
Dark Paint In Small Spaces
This way to build tension has been a go-to for so many of us in the design world lately, especially since color drenching became more of a common thing. Sara’s TV room is a great example of this. She took a very compact transitional space (it actually used to be a bedroom) and made it a jewel box by slathering it head to ankle in a moody, dreamy green. A lower ceiling line and a limited square footage might make most people want to make it appear larger but painting it a light or bright color, which you could totally do, but it’s a great opportunity for cognitive conflict!
We see this treatment most often implemented in powder bathrooms. People LOVE drama-filled powder baths, but really they’re just responding to the tension that is created either by an unexpected color choice, a bold wallpaper, an interesting mirror, a luxe lighting pick…you get me.
I say “color” but this can also apply to wallpaper. Sara used the visually chaotic (I mean that in the best way because I love it) Strawberry Thief print from William Morris in her compact walk-in closet. It’s a feast for the eyes in a small space.
Curvy Furniture In An Angular Room
Straight furniture in a boxy room = good. Curvy furniture in a curvy room = good. Curvy furniture in a boxy room = HELL YES. Especially when done just right like in the above room by David Lucido. What makes it even more tenuous is how many straight lines there are between the framing of the wall, the framing of the wall inset, the artwork, the tile flooring, and the grid pattern of the rug. It’s practically screaming for a curvy moment to slice through.
For anyone who isn’t in the custom furniture game (::raises hand::), the curvy-meets-angular tension type can also be satisfied by a piece like the loveseat in the above office. I love it next to the super angled desk, the 90-degree-angle-heavy Greek key rug design, and even the lines running through the paneling on the ceiling.
Contradictory Volume: Low Profile Against High Ceilings
And finally, to satisfy our world of opposites here: when your ceiling goes high, you go low. Of course, this works best when the ceiling looks like THAT, and there’s beautifully ornate molding three-quarters up the wall, but if your budgets are as sky-high as your roofline, consider some low-slung pieces to break from the expected.
***
As we come to the end of my dissertation on building tension, I want to reiterate that not every good room needs such contrast/conflict/juxtaposition. Tension is a useful tool to employ when you want to create intrigue. But it also doesn’t have to be as obvious as a fuschia velvet sofa in a wood-paneled room. I challenge you to look at the spaces in your home that maybe you’re not totally sold on, or don’t feel quite finished, that you wish you could give just a bit more of a designer touch, and see if one of these tension techniques might help you out. A little goes a really long way.
Until next time…
Opening Image Credits: Design & Styling by Emily Henderson | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: My Best Friend’s Basement Remodel – On Finding Their Perfect U-Shaped Comfortable Sectional
I’ve probably said this before, but I say it again – I love Arlyn’s articles. Informative, eye-opening and fun! Thank you!
Thank you Veronika! That made my day.
Brilliant post! Thank you!
I find painting a small room in dark colours, whilst counterintuitive helps to create a sense of cosiness and warmth. Adding warm tones through furniture and splashes of colour through accessories helps to lighten the moodd of the room.
This is such an excellent explanation of the concept, however, I think you’re overlooking one, which is contrast of formality. For me, in the Almine Rech room, formal old-world paneling + velvet sofa is completely expected and the linen sofa would have been more surprising. (The room does have tension, but IMO it comes from the modern lines of the sofa and modern accessories.) Your dining room, with the rococo mirror + casual modern dining table, would be a formality tension.
Oh yes this is a good one. I think formality can also fall under stylistic tension but this is more underlined and specific. Thank you!
I’m starting to be able to identify Arlyn posts by title/topic alone (complimentary!!!!!)
Ha! Love it!
This is an amazing post. I know will return to this resource many times — so much food for thought. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Arlyn!
You’re very welcome!
I LOVE this!
My favorite, easy way to add tension is a big pop of graphic black and white. My rooms are generally kind of soft–muted colors, pastels, velvet and linen–but a contrasty black and white pillow or a huge black and white photograph always makes them so much more interesting.
Also! Highly recommend following Jason Saft @stagedtosell home. He’s a master at this…really historic, classic homes with these incredible pops of modern art or furniture. I’ve learned so much from him.
Yes agreed! Graphic black & white just about anywhere works to bring in some tension. I think in and of itself, graphic black and white IS contrast, so it doesn’t even need to “conflict” visually with anything else to check that box.
Such a good post! I LOVE your contributions to EHD, Arlyn.
I appreciate it. 🙂
This post is incredible and I am sure I will be returning to it again and again.
Best post this year!! Love this so much! Im going to go create tension and Im so excited!
Do it! Then come back and let us know what you do!
Thank you Arlyn! There is so much great information in this post!
Arlyn you always have the most interesting posts. Visually complex and creative. I can usually take a lesson from your content and apply it to my space to create something more interesting than I had before.
I’m so glad to hear that Susan. I’m a big believer in working with and from what you have to get a home that you love/are excited about.
Great article. I think it is also a better way of explaining why ‘the unexpected red’ theory works, although I think it’s true of many colours. I love tension in a room, particularly old and new but also a balance of colours.
Highly enjoyable article!!
Oh totally. I actually meant to bring that up but then didn’t, so thank you.
Thanks, Arlyn. Makes me feel better about my huge red 1970’s table lamp in my otherwise contemporary family room. I appreciate all the education and tutorials from you all on this blog. I think that a majority of the people who read this are already conscious of and probably decent at design. Sadly, as I visit more and more houses in my new neighborhood, I realize that many people have neither the ability nor the desire, apparently, to create wonderful spaces. And yet, some of these same folks insist on only the most luxurious accommodations when in a hotel. I guess they are missing something and don’t really even know they are. Anyway- I love design and love reading all the posts here! Gives me something to daydream about and sometimes, act on!
Okay, a huge red 1970s table lamp in a contemporary room sounds AWESOME!
A house mullet!! 🤣🤣🤣
HAHAHA it’s exactly what these types of homes are! 🙂
Kate Watson-Smythe (British decor journalist and blogger) has a saying that’s something like ‘Something new, something old, something black, something gold’, which seems to speak to the idea of tension. (She says to treat ‘gold ‘ as basically a substitute for shiny/metallic). Her principle is that whatever your style and colour preferences, if you add these elements, you will make a room more interesting. It actually seems to fit pretty well with many of the rooms you show.
Thanks for the recommendation: https://katewatsonsmyth.substack.com/
This is why I love Arlyn’s posts so much–inspo galore in the form of just the absolute prettiest and most interesting interior design pictures to look at (crucially, ones I generally have not seen before), AND some good ideas to take away while putting together my home. Bravo.
Oh Arlyn, You inspire me so much! Absolutely everything you write, I hang onto every word. I learn so much from you or just feel confirmation and validation on some of my design choices. We are building a new home and this article along with many of yours will be saved. I look forward to the next one!!!
Bless you!
This is one of my all-time favorite posts. Every single room is stunning! Thank you!!
Great article. I have a question though, did I miss an announcement about the blog not posting every day? I only see posts on Tuesday and Thursday this week.
Hi Sona! Monday was a holiday, and the team usually does not put up a post those days, and yesterday’s post can be found here: https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/river-house-reveal-my-brothers-primary-bedroom-how-we-added-color-while-keeping-the-calm
Thanks!
Arlyn, I love your posts. So rapturing and informative!
This was the best and most comprehensive piece of design advice I’ve seen here- thank you!
Wowza!
I love this post as it reminded me that everything is better with a little poison, contrast, funk! TY
Poison! Ha!
I was at a school Book Fair today and a 4th grader asked me which poster she should get.
Me: where do you want to hang it, in your room?
her: yes, and i have lots of posters…. I have lots of stuffed animals
me: well this one on the right sounds like it could go with your theme but this one on the left might add some tension that could bring some depth to your room.
she went with the theme. 🤣
This made me laugh! HAHA
I dunno. The word tension stresses me out. I like to think of it as depth and richness. It’s layered. It’s storied. It becomes special
Thank you, Arlyn, for a thoughtfully developed post that is informative, inspiring, and actionable!
As always love that you take us on your current curiosity/deep dive.
Don’t many of us use contrast out of practicability, ahem budget, or because we can’t part with something we love?
Can you do something about pairing awesome historic less comfy sofas with comfy modern ones?
I live in a pretty historic house, wide white painted wood trim, arch with wood banister stairs peeking through, original wood floors..have a velvet dove gray gondola sofa just like Emily’s old navy one. Can I pair a modern (maybe even modular velvet ) sectional successfully to create a u shaped tv area in our more formal living room? Looked at Maurice from joybird.
If anyone wants to chime in about pairing a sectional with a gondola sofa let me know..thank you! I tried to post yesterday with a pic but I can’t figure out to make the file small enough.
Go to https://imageresizer.com/ and set the goal to be 2MB.
As always love that you take us on your current curiosity/deep dive.
Don’t many of us use contrast out of practicability, ahem budget, or because we can’t part with something we love?
Can you do something about pairing
Love this idea so much!
Thank you for the long, in-depth post! I’ve bookmarked this, I’ll be revisiting it for instruction and inspiration. Arlyn, you’ve really gone above and beyond the standard blog post with this one. I hope you are writing a book, you certainly have the talent. Cheers to you!!
This is great, I love these theory posts. I don’t have immediate plans to redecorate a room, but I will be returning to this post in the future (and thank you for making me feel like the big sectional stuffed into my narrow living room is not, in fact, a design disaster 🙂 ).
Love your very educational and descriptive articles, I learn and look forward to them.
Thank You
Love this! Feels like energy work (,former massage therapist here). There are times you want exhilaration and times you want smooth & calm. Thank you for explaining this design concept. I also loved the Persian rug article you wrote quite a few while ago. So educational & helpful. Forgot to thank you for that, then. Thank you, Arlyn 💋
Arlyn, Thank you for your way of thinking and writing. Your articles are so helpful and thought-provoking.
Also obviously a lot of research goes into your work; you pick great examples and explain why they work.
This is such a great read and so well said. While I intuitively have been going for tension (I’ve called it contrast in the past), I think this is an incredible and thorough way to identify all the ways it can be executed. As a more intuitive designer, it feels so magical to hear things actually be articulated and well communicated. Another excellent piece, Arlyn!