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A rug with triangle pattern in a dining room. Shown with Luminette Privacy sheers, available at Read Design

PUT A NEW SLANT ON YOUR DÉCOR

Use diagonal lines in  your home for a unique look. Most structural components of a house are organized on a horizontal and vertical grid, including floors, walls, ceilings, windows and doors. In addition, most furniture and home design elements are square or horizontal. Why not think creatively and introduce an item or two on the diagonal?

In the architecture of your home, diagonals can be planned in:
– Angled top windows
– Angled mullions in windows
– The design of beams in the ceiling
– Angled walls, creating a non-rectangular room

We love the uncommon look of angled windows in homes especially when they follow the roofline. This is such an interesting design and the look is unforgettable.
A room with angled top windows and exposed beams. Window coverings are available at Read Design
Diagonal lines add interest and energy.

DIAGONAL LINES IN PATTERNS

For interior design planning, the most obvious diagonal options are patterns in carpeting, rugs, flooring, tile, upholstery, and window treatments, such as a zigzag pattern.

Some elements that, at first, seem to be horizontal or vertical can be used on a bias to create a diagonal look, e.g., you can lay wood flooring planks on a bias.

Also consider plaid or checked fabrics and wall coverings, or hanging mirrors on the diagonal instead of straight up and down.

A zigzag patterned rug in a home office. Shown with Duette Honeycomb shades.
Rugs and lamps provide an easy way to add diagonal lines.

IDEAS FOR YOUR FURNITURE

More ideas for thinking outside the box are:
– Add tables and chairs with slanted legs
– Select lamps that have an angled lamp shape or a tripod stand
– Place your sofa diagonally to a wall, instead of parallel or perpendicular
– Add two club chairs diagonal in relation to each other, instead of squared off, with an occasional table in between
– Build an angled kitchen island

Turn your home design on the bias. It will add a burst of energy to your home décor.

A living room with two chairs, placed on an angle. Shown with Silhouette window shadings.
Consider placing your chairs on an angle.