Cosmetic architecture

Cosmetic Architecture

Cosmetic architecture refers to the process of correcting architectural problems with interior decoration remedies. Cosmetic architecture isn't something obvious but makes a space feel balanced. It is a crucial part of interiors.

Balancing the Room

If you can correct the architecture in each project, then do so. I tend to correct the architecture as much as possible to gain height, openings in the right scale, a floor layout that is logical and functions well, etc. Larger pieces of furniture do the trick. Most proportions are wrong. For me, scale is the most important part of interior design.

In many instances, that kind of change is not possible. So you need to trick the eye, which, when combined with furniture and furnishings, produces pleasing results. For example, in a low-ceilinged room that cannot be made any higher, I might reverse a large cornice to be mostly on the ceiling and not so much on the walls and place an extra-large screen or an oversized cabinet, which tricks the eye into believing that the room is much higher.

Dealing with a Bland Room

I try to bring back details that would be appropriate for the room. For example, if the ceiling isn't high, use an oversized cornice the other way round, with little on the wall but is mainly on the ceiling.