Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Olivia Craftsman model home in Ravenna, Ohio, effortlessly balances classic architectural character with contemporary modern design elements. True to the philosophy that the kitchen is the heart of the home, this open-concept culinary space integrates the latest high-end residential design trends, anchored by a huge central kitchen island featuring comfortable seating on two sides. Thoughtfully designed for family lifestyle connectivity, the kitchen sink offers clear, sweeping views directly out into the backyard. Maximizing daily efficiency, the smart floor plan includes a massive, multi-functional combined walk-in pantry and laundry room utility zone right off the main living area. Tucked away for ultimate privacy, the luxury primary suite serves as an absolute sanctuary, highlighted by a dramatic beamed cathedral ceiling that adds striking height and unique architectural detail to the master bedroom. The oasis is complete with an enhanced six-foot owner's bath addition, creating an expansive, private spa-like retreat featuring dual vanities and an upscale layout. Upstairs, an oversized 18' x 12' second-story loft serves as a versatile bonus room and a terrific secondary gathering place for family and friends. The upper level also includes a highly functional Jack and Jill bathroom connecting the secondary bedrooms, ensuring a smooth, conflict-free morning routine for a busy household. Seamlessly blending high-demand Craftsman curb appeal, rustic timber details, and a spacious, light-filled interior, this customizable floor plan provides exceptional custom home inspiration for modern family living.

The playroom was thoughtfully designed to be a space that appeals to both kids and adults. It offers a dedicated area for the kids to collaborate on homework and a cozy spot to relax and watch movies or play video games. A standout feature of this room is a custom velvet sofa bed, which pulls out to a queen-sized bed for hosting overnight guests. We also added custom cabinetry beneath the screen to house games and electronics. This multi-functional space balances practicality with comfort and fun, making it a favorite retreat for the whole family.

This newly designed lower-level entertainment space draws inspiration from geometric forms, blending modern sophistication with inviting warmth. The centerpiece is a sleek new wet bar featuring premium appliances, granite countertops, and fluted wood paneling that add depth and texture beneath polished nickel pendant lights. Rich leather brown bar stools complete the bar’s refined aesthetic, while bright white walls, custom angled moldings, and geometric wallpaper surrounding the 85” television create a crisp, airy backdrop that highlights the room’s architectural intent. Balancing luxury with comfort, the space introduces a striking gaming table with a concrete base, stone top, and protective custom glass cover, echoing the marble-like textures throughout. The luxury vinyl plank flooring grounds the room with warmth, while an 8-foot billiards table invites casual entertainment. A plush leather grey sofa paired with a swivel white chair anchors a cozy lounge area perfect for conversation or movie nights, making this geometry-inspired design both visually dynamic and functionally elegant.

Housed in a beautifully converted carriage house, this family living space blends historic charm with modern comfort. Designed for connection and relaxation, it’s the perfect spot for game nights and game days alike. Deep-seated sofas and tailored lounge chairs invite gathering, while a central ottoman doubles as the perfect surface for drinks and snacks. Exposed beams and rich wood tones pay homage to the home’s storied past, while layered textiles and ambient lighting create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Thoughtfully designed for both style and function, this space seamlessly balances history with everyday living.

This inviting lower level was designed as the ultimate gathering space—where family comes together to play, relax, and reconnect. Thoughtfully planned with both function and style in mind, the space balances warmth and sophistication with a rich palette of natural greens and layered textures. A standout feature of the design is the seamless integration of storage solutions, ensuring that games, media, and everyday essentials are neatly tucked away yet always within reach. Custom built-ins and hidden compartments maintain a clean, organized aesthetic while maximizing usability.

This newly designed lower-level entertainment space draws inspiration from geometric forms, blending modern sophistication with inviting warmth. The centerpiece is a sleek new wet bar featuring premium appliances, granite countertops, and fluted wood paneling that add depth and texture beneath polished nickel pendant lights. Rich leather brown bar stools complete the bar’s refined aesthetic, while bright white walls, custom angled moldings, and geometric wallpaper surrounding the 85” television create a crisp, airy backdrop that highlights the room’s architectural intent. Balancing luxury with comfort, the space introduces a striking gaming table with a concrete base, stone top, and protective custom glass cover, echoing the marble-like textures throughout. The luxury vinyl plank flooring grounds the room with warmth, while an 8-foot billiards table invites casual entertainment. A plush leather grey sofa paired with a swivel white chair anchors a cozy lounge area perfect for conversation or movie nights, making this geometry-inspired design both visually dynamic and functionally elegant.

The playroom was thoughtfully designed to be a space that appeals to both kids and adults. It offers a dedicated area for the kids to collaborate on homework and a cozy spot to relax and watch movies or play video games. A standout feature of this room is a custom velvet sofa bed, which pulls out to a queen-sized bed for hosting overnight guests. We also added custom cabinetry beneath the screen to house games and electronics. This multi-functional space balances practicality with comfort and fun, making it a favorite retreat for the whole family.

This newly designed lower-level entertainment space draws inspiration from geometric forms, blending modern sophistication with inviting warmth. The centerpiece is a sleek new wet bar featuring premium appliances, granite countertops, and fluted wood paneling that add depth and texture beneath polished nickel pendant lights. Rich leather brown bar stools complete the bar’s refined aesthetic, while bright white walls, custom angled moldings, and geometric wallpaper surrounding the 85” television create a crisp, airy backdrop that highlights the room’s architectural intent. Balancing luxury with comfort, the space introduces a striking gaming table with a concrete base, stone top, and protective custom glass cover, echoing the marble-like textures throughout. The luxury vinyl plank flooring grounds the room with warmth, while an 8-foot billiards table invites casual entertainment. A plush leather grey sofa paired with a swivel white chair anchors a cozy lounge area perfect for conversation or movie nights, making this geometry-inspired design both visually dynamic and functionally elegant.

With Pinterest, Houzz and HGTV, homeowners have more sources for inspiration than ever before. You may have found, however, that replicating what you see online or on TV isn’t always that simple. Mastering proportion and scale can be especially challenging. Let’s say you fall in love with an oversized vase which looks like it will fit with the colors and textures in your living room. But once it’s there, the vase doesn’t look the way you expected and you don’t know now to make it work. Fortunately, designers are experienced not only in dealing with proportion and scale, but in handling multiple elements at once. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you understand some of the considerations regarding size. Proportion Tips 1. Less is more In the home shown here, the rooms are on the smaller side, where it would seem counterintuitive to use oversized pieces. But using smaller pieces can look busy—and can actually make the rooms feel smaller, especially when you add personal belongings to the space. 2. Keep it simple Several oversized pieces can create clean, simple lines. We put this principle to work using oversized items as anchors on both sides of the fireplace in the living room. On one side, we have two oversized blown-glass vases with amber, silver and purple tones. The irregular shapes in these beautiful pieces create interest and contrast; you can see through them and you can see the room reflected in them. On the other side of the fireplace sit two oversized brass lanterns filled with driftwood and greenery; the contents can be switched out seasonally, as well. The vases on one side and lanterns on the other side establish pattern (two of each, in descending order), balance and simplicity. 3. Embrace the unexpected On the mantle above the fireplace rests another oversized piece—a painting of a barn. Its neutral colors pick up the tones in the stone behind it and again, it works to bring simplicity to the space, rather than overly fussy detail. Nearby, just up the stairs, is an unusually spacious landing. A bench and pillows transform it into a special reading or conversation spot. The pair of hammered nickel vases on the window sill repeats the pattern established on either side of the fireplace. Using oversized vases in lieu of a window treatment is unexpected—as is incorporating sleek, modern-shaped vases like these in a farmhouse-style home. Yet because of the other oversized objects nearby, the vases feel distinctive and delightful. 4. Coordinate pattern and rhythm Another oversized item is the table lamp in the living room. It’s a powerful light; aside from the overhead can lights, it’s the room’s only light source. The ridges on its ceramic base echo the pieces of wicker in the stunning basket behind the sofa. This oversized wicker basket, which we’re a bit in love with, features a very large weave along with elegant leather straps. It’s ideal for storing throws, cushions, board games or anything else you want out of sight. 5. Proximity matters This home’s dining room is just to the right of the entry. An immense floor mirror—double-framed in weathered wood—is placed opposite the front windows. Measuring seven feet high, it’s a bold piece. And it works perfectly in this space to reflect light and make the room feel larger. An oversized ceramic vase, with a porous, matte-stone finish, sits atop a table next to the mirror. Other regular-sized items share the small table, including a bottle of wine and a glass vase. But because of the enormous mirror, it was important to have one oversized item on that table, for balance.

This newly designed lower-level entertainment space draws inspiration from geometric forms, blending modern sophistication with inviting warmth. The centerpiece is a sleek new wet bar featuring premium appliances, granite countertops, and fluted wood paneling that add depth and texture beneath polished nickel pendant lights. Rich leather brown bar stools complete the bar’s refined aesthetic, while bright white walls, custom angled moldings, and geometric wallpaper surrounding the 85” television create a crisp, airy backdrop that highlights the room’s architectural intent. Balancing luxury with comfort, the space introduces a striking gaming table with a concrete base, stone top, and protective custom glass cover, echoing the marble-like textures throughout. The luxury vinyl plank flooring grounds the room with warmth, while an 8-foot billiards table invites casual entertainment. A plush leather grey sofa paired with a swivel white chair anchors a cozy lounge area perfect for conversation or movie nights, making this geometry-inspired design both visually dynamic and functionally elegant.

With Pinterest, Houzz and HGTV, homeowners have more sources for inspiration than ever before. You may have found, however, that replicating what you see online or on TV isn’t always that simple. Mastering proportion and scale can be especially challenging. Let’s say you fall in love with an oversized vase which looks like it will fit with the colors and textures in your living room. But once it’s there, the vase doesn’t look the way you expected and you don’t know now to make it work. Fortunately, designers are experienced not only in dealing with proportion and scale, but in handling multiple elements at once. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you understand some of the considerations regarding size. Proportion Tips 1. Less is more In the home shown here, the rooms are on the smaller side, where it would seem counterintuitive to use oversized pieces. But using smaller pieces can look busy—and can actually make the rooms feel smaller, especially when you add personal belongings to the space. 2. Keep it simple Several oversized pieces can create clean, simple lines. We put this principle to work using oversized items as anchors on both sides of the fireplace in the living room. On one side, we have two oversized blown-glass vases with amber, silver and purple tones. The irregular shapes in these beautiful pieces create interest and contrast; you can see through them and you can see the room reflected in them. On the other side of the fireplace sit two oversized brass lanterns filled with driftwood and greenery; the contents can be switched out seasonally, as well. The vases on one side and lanterns on the other side establish pattern (two of each, in descending order), balance and simplicity. 3. Embrace the unexpected On the mantle above the fireplace rests another oversized piece—a painting of a barn. Its neutral colors pick up the tones in the stone behind it and again, it works to bring simplicity to the space, rather than overly fussy detail. Nearby, just up the stairs, is an unusually spacious landing. A bench and pillows transform it into a special reading or conversation spot. The pair of hammered nickel vases on the window sill repeats the pattern established on either side of the fireplace. Using oversized vases in lieu of a window treatment is unexpected—as is incorporating sleek, modern-shaped vases like these in a farmhouse-style home. Yet because of the other oversized objects nearby, the vases feel distinctive and delightful. 4. Coordinate pattern and rhythm Another oversized item is the table lamp in the living room. It’s a powerful light; aside from the overhead can lights, it’s the room’s only light source. The ridges on its ceramic base echo the pieces of wicker in the stunning basket behind the sofa. This oversized wicker basket, which we’re a bit in love with, features a very large weave along with elegant leather straps. It’s ideal for storing throws, cushions, board games or anything else you want out of sight. 5. Proximity matters This home’s dining room is just to the right of the entry. An immense floor mirror—double-framed in weathered wood—is placed opposite the front windows. Measuring seven feet high, it’s a bold piece. And it works perfectly in this space to reflect light and make the room feel larger. An oversized ceramic vase, with a porous, matte-stone finish, sits atop a table next to the mirror. Other regular-sized items share the small table, including a bottle of wine and a glass vase. But because of the enormous mirror, it was important to have one oversized item on that table, for balance.

This newly designed lower-level entertainment space draws inspiration from geometric forms, blending modern sophistication with inviting warmth. The centerpiece is a sleek new wet bar featuring premium appliances, granite countertops, and fluted wood paneling that add depth and texture beneath polished nickel pendant lights. Rich leather brown bar stools complete the bar’s refined aesthetic, while bright white walls, custom angled moldings, and geometric wallpaper surrounding the 85” television create a crisp, airy backdrop that highlights the room’s architectural intent. Balancing luxury with comfort, the space introduces a striking gaming table with a concrete base, stone top, and protective custom glass cover, echoing the marble-like textures throughout. The luxury vinyl plank flooring grounds the room with warmth, while an 8-foot billiards table invites casual entertainment. A plush leather grey sofa paired with a swivel white chair anchors a cozy lounge area perfect for conversation or movie nights, making this geometry-inspired design both visually dynamic and functionally elegant.

This custom villa is a thoughtfully designed home that blends warmth, functionality, and refined elegance, creating the perfect haven for a client with a large, frequently visiting family. Every detail was crafted to provide a sense of comfort and connection while maintaining the sophistication of a modern villa. The design emphasizes open-plan living, efficient use of space, and a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas. The heart of the home is the inviting kitchen, featuring timeless cabinetry, quartz countertops, and a spacious island that encourages gathering and conversation. A large walk-in pantry provides both convenience and organization for daily living and entertaining. The adjacent great room combines natural textures, a stone fireplace, and custom built-ins to create a cozy yet elevated atmosphere. Oversized windows bring in abundant natural light and frame views of the landscaped patio and power-screened porch—an outdoor living space ideal for relaxation and hosting guests. This villa offers three full bathrooms and three bedrooms, each designed with comfort and privacy in mind. The master suite serves as a serene retreat with elegant finishes and a spa-inspired bathroom. The home’s study, designed for an avid reader, features custom built-in shelving with a rolling library ladder, combining beauty and purpose in one personalized space. Downstairs, the Ohio State–themed recreation room adds a distinctive touch of personality and fun. Complete with a bold red wet bar, game table, and entertainment space, this area captures the spirit of the homeowner’s passion and provides the perfect spot for family gatherings and game days. Beyond its craftsmanship and design, this home demonstrates exceptional energy efficiency. The homeowners proudly share that their energy bills are less than half the cost of their previous home—despite this villa being significantly larger. This achievement reflects not only superior construction techniques and insulation practices but also the thoughtful integration of energy-smart materials and systems throughout the build. Every element of this home—from the crown moldings and custom cabinetry to the efficient mechanical systems—was designed to balance comfort, performance, and timeless style. The result is a warm, inviting, and remarkably efficient villa that embodies family-friendly living without compromise.

Housed in a beautifully converted carriage house, this family living space blends historic charm with modern comfort. Designed for connection and relaxation, it’s the perfect spot for game nights and game days alike. Deep-seated sofas and tailored lounge chairs invite gathering, while a central ottoman doubles as the perfect surface for drinks and snacks. Exposed beams and rich wood tones pay homage to the home’s storied past, while layered textiles and ambient lighting create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Thoughtfully designed for both style and function, this space seamlessly balances history with everyday living.

This newly designed lower-level entertainment space draws inspiration from geometric forms, blending modern sophistication with inviting warmth. The centerpiece is a sleek new wet bar featuring premium appliances, granite countertops, and fluted wood paneling that add depth and texture beneath polished nickel pendant lights. Rich leather brown bar stools complete the bar’s refined aesthetic, while bright white walls, custom angled moldings, and geometric wallpaper surrounding the 85” television create a crisp, airy backdrop that highlights the room’s architectural intent. Balancing luxury with comfort, the space introduces a striking gaming table with a concrete base, stone top, and protective custom glass cover, echoing the marble-like textures throughout. The luxury vinyl plank flooring grounds the room with warmth, while an 8-foot billiards table invites casual entertainment. A plush leather grey sofa paired with a swivel white chair anchors a cozy lounge area perfect for conversation or movie nights, making this geometry-inspired design both visually dynamic and functionally elegant.

With Pinterest, Houzz and HGTV, homeowners have more sources for inspiration than ever before. You may have found, however, that replicating what you see online or on TV isn’t always that simple. Mastering proportion and scale can be especially challenging. Let’s say you fall in love with an oversized vase which looks like it will fit with the colors and textures in your living room. But once it’s there, the vase doesn’t look the way you expected and you don’t know now to make it work. Fortunately, designers are experienced not only in dealing with proportion and scale, but in handling multiple elements at once. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you understand some of the considerations regarding size. Proportion Tips 1. Less is more In the home shown here, the rooms are on the smaller side, where it would seem counterintuitive to use oversized pieces. But using smaller pieces can look busy—and can actually make the rooms feel smaller, especially when you add personal belongings to the space. 2. Keep it simple Several oversized pieces can create clean, simple lines. We put this principle to work using oversized items as anchors on both sides of the fireplace in the living room. On one side, we have two oversized blown-glass vases with amber, silver and purple tones. The irregular shapes in these beautiful pieces create interest and contrast; you can see through them and you can see the room reflected in them. On the other side of the fireplace sit two oversized brass lanterns filled with driftwood and greenery; the contents can be switched out seasonally, as well. The vases on one side and lanterns on the other side establish pattern (two of each, in descending order), balance and simplicity. 3. Embrace the unexpected On the mantle above the fireplace rests another oversized piece—a painting of a barn. Its neutral colors pick up the tones in the stone behind it and again, it works to bring simplicity to the space, rather than overly fussy detail. Nearby, just up the stairs, is an unusually spacious landing. A bench and pillows transform it into a special reading or conversation spot. The pair of hammered nickel vases on the window sill repeats the pattern established on either side of the fireplace. Using oversized vases in lieu of a window treatment is unexpected—as is incorporating sleek, modern-shaped vases like these in a farmhouse-style home. Yet because of the other oversized objects nearby, the vases feel distinctive and delightful. 4. Coordinate pattern and rhythm Another oversized item is the table lamp in the living room. It’s a powerful light; aside from the overhead can lights, it’s the room’s only light source. The ridges on its ceramic base echo the pieces of wicker in the stunning basket behind the sofa. This oversized wicker basket, which we’re a bit in love with, features a very large weave along with elegant leather straps. It’s ideal for storing throws, cushions, board games or anything else you want out of sight. 5. Proximity matters This home’s dining room is just to the right of the entry. An immense floor mirror—double-framed in weathered wood—is placed opposite the front windows. Measuring seven feet high, it’s a bold piece. And it works perfectly in this space to reflect light and make the room feel larger. An oversized ceramic vase, with a porous, matte-stone finish, sits atop a table next to the mirror. Other regular-sized items share the small table, including a bottle of wine and a glass vase. But because of the enormous mirror, it was important to have one oversized item on that table, for balance.

With Pinterest, Houzz and HGTV, homeowners have more sources for inspiration than ever before. You may have found, however, that replicating what you see online or on TV isn’t always that simple. Mastering proportion and scale can be especially challenging. Let’s say you fall in love with an oversized vase which looks like it will fit with the colors and textures in your living room. But once it’s there, the vase doesn’t look the way you expected and you don’t know now to make it work. Fortunately, designers are experienced not only in dealing with proportion and scale, but in handling multiple elements at once. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you understand some of the considerations regarding size. Proportion Tips 1. Less is more In the home shown here, the rooms are on the smaller side, where it would seem counterintuitive to use oversized pieces. But using smaller pieces can look busy—and can actually make the rooms feel smaller, especially when you add personal belongings to the space. 2. Keep it simple Several oversized pieces can create clean, simple lines. We put this principle to work using oversized items as anchors on both sides of the fireplace in the living room. On one side, we have two oversized blown-glass vases with amber, silver and purple tones. The irregular shapes in these beautiful pieces create interest and contrast; you can see through them and you can see the room reflected in them. On the other side of the fireplace sit two oversized brass lanterns filled with driftwood and greenery; the contents can be switched out seasonally, as well. The vases on one side and lanterns on the other side establish pattern (two of each, in descending order), balance and simplicity. 3. Embrace the unexpected On the mantle above the fireplace rests another oversized piece—a painting of a barn. Its neutral colors pick up the tones in the stone behind it and again, it works to bring simplicity to the space, rather than overly fussy detail. Nearby, just up the stairs, is an unusually spacious landing. A bench and pillows transform it into a special reading or conversation spot. The pair of hammered nickel vases on the window sill repeats the pattern established on either side of the fireplace. Using oversized vases in lieu of a window treatment is unexpected—as is incorporating sleek, modern-shaped vases like these in a farmhouse-style home. Yet because of the other oversized objects nearby, the vases feel distinctive and delightful. 4. Coordinate pattern and rhythm Another oversized item is the table lamp in the living room. It’s a powerful light; aside from the overhead can lights, it’s the room’s only light source. The ridges on its ceramic base echo the pieces of wicker in the stunning basket behind the sofa. This oversized wicker basket, which we’re a bit in love with, features a very large weave along with elegant leather straps. It’s ideal for storing throws, cushions, board games or anything else you want out of sight. 5. Proximity matters This home’s dining room is just to the right of the entry. An immense floor mirror—double-framed in weathered wood—is placed opposite the front windows. Measuring seven feet high, it’s a bold piece. And it works perfectly in this space to reflect light and make the room feel larger. An oversized ceramic vase, with a porous, matte-stone finish, sits atop a table next to the mirror. Other regular-sized items share the small table, including a bottle of wine and a glass vase. But because of the enormous mirror, it was important to have one oversized item on that table, for balance.

With Pinterest, Houzz and HGTV, homeowners have more sources for inspiration than ever before. You may have found, however, that replicating what you see online or on TV isn’t always that simple. Mastering proportion and scale can be especially challenging. Let’s say you fall in love with an oversized vase which looks like it will fit with the colors and textures in your living room. But once it’s there, the vase doesn’t look the way you expected and you don’t know now to make it work. Fortunately, designers are experienced not only in dealing with proportion and scale, but in handling multiple elements at once. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you understand some of the considerations regarding size. Proportion Tips 1. Less is more In the home shown here, the rooms are on the smaller side, where it would seem counterintuitive to use oversized pieces. But using smaller pieces can look busy—and can actually make the rooms feel smaller, especially when you add personal belongings to the space. 2. Keep it simple Several oversized pieces can create clean, simple lines. We put this principle to work using oversized items as anchors on both sides of the fireplace in the living room. On one side, we have two oversized blown-glass vases with amber, silver and purple tones. The irregular shapes in these beautiful pieces create interest and contrast; you can see through them and you can see the room reflected in them. On the other side of the fireplace sit two oversized brass lanterns filled with driftwood and greenery; the contents can be switched out seasonally, as well. The vases on one side and lanterns on the other side establish pattern (two of each, in descending order), balance and simplicity. 3. Embrace the unexpected On the mantle above the fireplace rests another oversized piece—a painting of a barn. Its neutral colors pick up the tones in the stone behind it and again, it works to bring simplicity to the space, rather than overly fussy detail. Nearby, just up the stairs, is an unusually spacious landing. A bench and pillows transform it into a special reading or conversation spot. The pair of hammered nickel vases on the window sill repeats the pattern established on either side of the fireplace. Using oversized vases in lieu of a window treatment is unexpected—as is incorporating sleek, modern-shaped vases like these in a farmhouse-style home. Yet because of the other oversized objects nearby, the vases feel distinctive and delightful. 4. Coordinate pattern and rhythm Another oversized item is the table lamp in the living room. It’s a powerful light; aside from the overhead can lights, it’s the room’s only light source. The ridges on its ceramic base echo the pieces of wicker in the stunning basket behind the sofa. This oversized wicker basket, which we’re a bit in love with, features a very large weave along with elegant leather straps. It’s ideal for storing throws, cushions, board games or anything else you want out of sight. 5. Proximity matters This home’s dining room is just to the right of the entry. An immense floor mirror—double-framed in weathered wood—is placed opposite the front windows. Measuring seven feet high, it’s a bold piece. And it works perfectly in this space to reflect light and make the room feel larger. An oversized ceramic vase, with a porous, matte-stone finish, sits atop a table next to the mirror. Other regular-sized items share the small table, including a bottle of wine and a glass vase. But because of the enormous mirror, it was important to have one oversized item on that table, for balance.

With Pinterest, Houzz and HGTV, homeowners have more sources for inspiration than ever before. You may have found, however, that replicating what you see online or on TV isn’t always that simple. Mastering proportion and scale can be especially challenging. Let’s say you fall in love with an oversized vase which looks like it will fit with the colors and textures in your living room. But once it’s there, the vase doesn’t look the way you expected and you don’t know now to make it work. Fortunately, designers are experienced not only in dealing with proportion and scale, but in handling multiple elements at once. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you understand some of the considerations regarding size. Proportion Tips 1. Less is more In the home shown here, the rooms are on the smaller side, where it would seem counterintuitive to use oversized pieces. But using smaller pieces can look busy—and can actually make the rooms feel smaller, especially when you add personal belongings to the space. 2. Keep it simple Several oversized pieces can create clean, simple lines. We put this principle to work using oversized items as anchors on both sides of the fireplace in the living room. On one side, we have two oversized blown-glass vases with amber, silver and purple tones. The irregular shapes in these beautiful pieces create interest and contrast; you can see through them and you can see the room reflected in them. On the other side of the fireplace sit two oversized brass lanterns filled with driftwood and greenery; the contents can be switched out seasonally, as well. The vases on one side and lanterns on the other side establish pattern (two of each, in descending order), balance and simplicity. 3. Embrace the unexpected On the mantle above the fireplace rests another oversized piece—a painting of a barn. Its neutral colors pick up the tones in the stone behind it and again, it works to bring simplicity to the space, rather than overly fussy detail. Nearby, just up the stairs, is an unusually spacious landing. A bench and pillows transform it into a special reading or conversation spot. The pair of hammered nickel vases on the window sill repeats the pattern established on either side of the fireplace. Using oversized vases in lieu of a window treatment is unexpected—as is incorporating sleek, modern-shaped vases like these in a farmhouse-style home. Yet because of the other oversized objects nearby, the vases feel distinctive and delightful. 4. Coordinate pattern and rhythm Another oversized item is the table lamp in the living room. It’s a powerful light; aside from the overhead can lights, it’s the room’s only light source. The ridges on its ceramic base echo the pieces of wicker in the stunning basket behind the sofa. This oversized wicker basket, which we’re a bit in love with, features a very large weave along with elegant leather straps. It’s ideal for storing throws, cushions, board games or anything else you want out of sight. 5. Proximity matters This home’s dining room is just to the right of the entry. An immense floor mirror—double-framed in weathered wood—is placed opposite the front windows. Measuring seven feet high, it’s a bold piece. And it works perfectly in this space to reflect light and make the room feel larger. An oversized ceramic vase, with a porous, matte-stone finish, sits atop a table next to the mirror. Other regular-sized items share the small table, including a bottle of wine and a glass vase. But because of the enormous mirror, it was important to have one oversized item on that table, for balance.