The first blog in this series covered creating warmth in a room by adding soft surfaces. In this post, let’s take a look at how to sharpen up a space with too many soft surfaces.

Traditional styles lend themselves to soft surfaces. Carpeting provides a good look for a traditional approach to decorating. Often rooms hold lots of overstuffed furniture and plenty of pillows. Tables are curved and in the dining room, tablecloths are standard and dining chairs have cushions.

If a room feels too soft, a few simple steps can sharpen its corners. Look for opportunities to include accessories in metals and glass. Consider wood window shades or shutters to sharpen the space without losing a traditional look.

One of the best ways to cut back on softness is to cut back on furniture and accessories. If you have space between elements in a room, the softness is tempered by the walls and the extra room.

Soft surfaces add warmth and welcome to a space. Balancing them with a few hard-surfaced items helps the softness stand out.