sarah irwin

Design Elements Sarah Irwin

Come, discover the versatile sophistication the timeless city of

Athens has to offer.

Athens is my original hometown and I returned here after graduating from high school. After getting my Associate’s degree from Gainesville State, I transferred to UGA this past summer. I have changed my major back to Early Childhood Education even though design will always have a special place in my heart.

I have a very specific design aesthetic that I consider a classy-contemporary style that endures the test of time. I tend to avoid very trendy and overly modern looks. I love neutrals and negative space because they are clean, crisp, professional, and contemporary. But at the same time, I have a love-affair with color. I tend to balance my color pallets by using a controlled amount of high-medium chromatic color accents that “pop” in the space and soften the look with ebony, cream, tan, chocolate, and olive neutrals. It is my intention to translate my aesthetic into a conceptual backdrop of my favorite city.

What I hope you take with you from the magazine is a true appreciation and understanding of Athens, the many styles, aesthetics, and the overall timelessness of the Classic City.

Sarah Irwin: co-editor2

On March 20, 2003, United States troops invaded the country of Iraq. This day forever changed our country in ways we may not even be experiencing yet. One specific area it certainly changed our way of life is in the design world.

Throughout history, during times of political unrest, our fashion and design trends follow a predictable pattern. Because we do not feel as secure and comfortable as we typically do when our country is not at war, we try to bring the outside in. Animal prints, live and artificial plats and flowers, neutral colors, greens and browns are especially strong colors during times of war. Walking into Wal-Mart this Holiday season, I w as unsurprised to see the hot new color this season is chocolate. It is interesting to see how colors such as these come and go; two years ago, the hot holiday accent color was black. There is little doubt where the urge to add a splash of chocolate to our holiday decorations springs from. As humans, we have a primal need to surround ourselves with nature. Catch phrases such as “Spring Fever” (and the controversial “Fall Fever” some of us feel) exist because we feel the need to be outdoors after being cooped up. We crave the natural environment in our daily lives. Christmastime is not the only time of year when breaking out a wreath and putting up a tree is appropriate. This year, politically, has been hard for me. I did not stop to put two and two together until I started this paper, but I have the most overwhelming urge to “green-ify” my apartment, I have even demanded a live Christmas tree this year. Being able to see the comforting greenery in my space intensifies my feelings of relaxation and tranquility, despite the desolate political atmosphere.

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Additionally, fashion also follows these historical patterns. Historically, fashion designers have found inspiration during wartime. Trends such as trench and pea coats are spin-off designs of military clothing. The inspiration for fashionable, tall, knee length boots also came from military dress. There are multiple sites, magazines, and blogs online offering advise on how to achieve the look you want accessorizing your military wear. One fashion website has multiple tabs dedicated to the different styles that can benefit from stylish and trendy military-esque clothes, every look from “rock chic”, “feminine”, to “bohemian luxe.” Everyone from Ralph Laurento H&M is advocating this trendy military inspired look. To achieve the “military rocker chic” look, pairing a military jacket with shiny leggings and killer heels is a must; while if you are looking to perfect the “feminine military” look, this site recommends pairing a boxy military-inspired jacket with a floor length flowery dress; and all that is necessary to pull the “military bohemian luxe” look off is a strict military jacket, skinny jeans, and fringed above-the-knee boots. Under these tabs are photos and blurbs on actors and fashionistas, such as Natalie Portman, Jessica Stam, Beyonce, and Mischa Barton who are expertly rocking this hot trend.

Even though wartime is depressing, uncomfortable, and unwanted, good can come from it. We evolve, experiment, and determine what we like and crave to feel safe and protected.

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The thesis of this magazine centers around the various styles and aesthetics of the Classic City of Athens, Georgia. Athens has, all at once, an unique edgy, eclectic trendiness that can be seen downtown, a timelessly fresh, classic style that can be seen all over campus, and an tasteful upper-class sophistication in the area known as Five Points. Athens is not merely one of these; it can not be seen independently, but only through all these lenses at once.

Our focus is to highlight the timeless, trendy sophistication that can only be found in Athens, seen through the fundamental elements and principles of design.

Design Thesis

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Table of Contents

Letter from Editor 2Current Design Trends 3-4Design Thesis 5Table of Contents 6-7

Line 8Vertical 9Horizontal 10Angular Line 11Curved Tightly 12Curved Flowing 13

Texture 14Smooth 15Rough 16Reflective 17Non-Reflective 18Real Surface Quality 19Implied Surface Quality 20

Space 21Crowding 22Positive 23Negative 24Territoriality 25

Light 26Track 27 Art 28Uplighters 29Toe Kick 30Colored 31Soffit 32Task 33Floor Lamp 34Table Lamp 35Combustion 36Natural 37 Glare from Natural 38

Table of Contents

Color 39Monochromatic 40Analogous 41Direct Complementary 42Double Complementary 43Triadic Complementary 44Tetrad Complementary 45Neutral 46

Mass 47Optical Density 48Actual Density 49

Balance 50Structural Symmetry 51Structural Asymmetry 52Visual Radial 53Visual Asymmetry 54

Locations 55

Line

The use of vertical lines in this area of downtown Athens is striking and powerful. Your eye travels up to the top of the building with the strong lines of brick that go sky high.

This structure is dramatic and remarkable, in part because of its effective use of line.

The atypical use of multiple vertical lines here is especially eye-catching, almost commanding our attention to the stability and strength these lines reinforce.

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Business #9

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Horizontal LineThe vertical lines pictured at these various locations on the UGA campus are strong and powerful lines that provide a subtle feeling of tranquility. The use is especially eye-catching here with the railroad, the sidewalk, and the street lamps all running parallel to each other and East Campus Road.

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UGA campus, East Campus Road

Angular Line 10

The diagonal or zigzag lines shown in this photo of Sanford Stadium are as visually powerful as they are important to the structure. These stunning beams definitely get the job done while also being aesthetically pleasing and engaging to look at. Their purpose is to provide additional structural support, but the designer made the decision to

Sanford Stadium

draw attention to these strong lines, taking our eyes on a journey all the way to the very top of the stair tower. These dynamic double lines provide steep angles giving the illusion that the whole structure has upward movement, defying gravity.

Curved Tightly Line

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Residence #2

Tightly curved lines can oftentimes be found in intricate patterned objects or material. They can provide lively visual interest to a bland space. Shown here, this ornate chandelier perfectly exhibits tightly curved lines in its metal work. Each pewter-colored metal band bends gracefully away from the central fixture then curves tightly back, creating a tight spiral. The overall effect of the this fixture offers elegance and sophistication to this space.

Curved Flowing Line

12 The use of curved lines at Sanford Stadium is both powerful and dramatic. The levels of the stadium gracefully wrap around this landmark structure in a flowing succession. The sequence of these four curved lines provides a sense of rhythm that diminishes the harshness of the straight lines in the structure. These dynamic curved

Sanford Stadium

lines definitely give a sense of spiraling motion as the rhythm brings our eyes around the repetitious motion of traveling the curving level and then falling immediately down to the next progression.

Texture

Smooth texture, shown here in these two decorative pieces, can add a layer of interest to a piece of art, especially if it is heavily patterned. These two pieces both have a dense and intricate pattern in their own respects. However, neither pattern is raised and to the touch, both have a silky smooth texture. It is important when manipulating textures in a space to have a defined balance and that one form does not overpower the other.

Smooth TextureResidence #1, 2

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Rough Texture Residence #2, Business #4

Rough texture can be implemented creatively in a space in any number of ways. The largest photo is of a piece of wall art depicting a tropical bird. Its body is crafted from a variety of uncut and unpolished gem stones, all rough to the touch. Each of the other photos shows the effect of the use of rough texture on walls. It is always prudent to balance the use of rough and smooth textures in order to maintain a sense of harmony in a space.

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Reflective TextureResidence #3

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Reflective textures offer designers an unique means to direct light and draw additional emphasis to an area of interest. A mirror, for example, can make a space seem larger or longer, drawing interest to what is being reflected. Shown here, is a reflective candle holder or plate with a decorative flower situated in the center. Because the flower is on a reflective surface, the mixture of textures- rough with smooth and reflective- draws our eye and effectively creates a very visually interesting decoration.

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Non-Reflective Texture

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Residence #3

Textures are an important aspect to any design in any space or environment. Without textures, the design would be flat and monotonous; our eyes need variation to keep us interested. Shown here are three examples of non-reflective textures. The top image is of a pillow, an unexpected place to find texture. However, when a couch has a flat or smooth texture, adding a visually interesting pillow can spice up an otherwise dull area.

Shown here are two examples of real or tactile texture. The first picture is of a decorative piece of wall art in Sarah’s apartment. The lotus flower’s petals all feature different patterns of texture. The eight center petals have a very bumpy feel to them and the next outer layer has a hammered texture. This partition also has a richly defined real texture thanks to its subtle beading. Especially considering the appropriateness of using of red, green’s direct compliment, the beading perfectly highlights this fabric’s paisley pattern.

Real Surface Quality Residence #3, Business #3

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Implied Surface Quality

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Business #8

When a design is in need of visual interest but the space is limited and unaccommodating, as a designer, we must put on our problem-solving hats and devise an alternative way to bring in interest. One way to deal with this constraint is to incorporate an implied surface. At this business, because of the limited porch space, two actual potted plants of this size were not feasible to the design. Instead, the decision was made to create the illusion of plants framing the door. The painted plants creates the implied surface quality our eyes get from a tangible potted plant while saving both space and money.

Space

CrowdingCrowding often has a negative connotation; however, when used effectively, as shown here at this local boutique in downtown Athens, it can be a creative way to display groupings of items that have a similar aesthetic or have an analogous color scheme. As can be seen in this photo, since these related things have an analogous color scheme and a similar theme, grouping them together in this kind of display successfully showcases multiple ways to decorate your own space with these items.

Business #1

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Positive Space

Positive space consists of the filled space whether it is patterned, textured, or colored. A balance between positive and negative space is ideal; although some areas can be comprised of mainly positive space, it is important to maintain a sense of balance by emphasizing the negative space in some way. Shown in the picture of the potpourri dish on the far right, a dense pattern accounts for the mass of available space which creates a defined positive space. The use of white as the background for the pattern offers a nice balance by providing a stark contrasting negative space.

Residence #1, 3

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Negative SpaceNegative space is the empty space that surrounds the positive, or occupied, space of an object or room. The negative space of this pumpkin candle holder creates a unique design. The use of negative space gives this decorative object an ornate feel that invites interest and further scrutiny. In the photo on the right, the negative space is almost the most interesting feature of this structure. Our eyes are naturally drawn to the open, or negative, space without realizing it; we naturally see the pattern created by the limited positive space.

Residence #1, UGA Campus

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TerritorialityResidence #8

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Space is a commodity that can be bought and sold; therefore it sustains a certain monetary value. This residence has a defined sense of space that the homeowners have established by surrounding their home with this territorial barrier. This impressive wall creates a feeling of awestruck wonder due to its sheer size. This formidable structure clearly communicates where this property begins and ends giving the inhabitants an distinct sense of privacy.

Light

Track LightingThe track lighting shown here can be found at Athena Jewelers in Athens. The type of adjustable lighting is used to highlight the jewelry showcases and the jewelry pieces themselves. One major advantage of track lighting is that they offer “mini” spotlight that can emphasize or draw attention to a certain wall, piece of art, or jewelry counter. Because the fixtures themselves are flexible, the user has much more control over distribution and placement of light, this feature allows us to highlight whichever features we wish to draw emphasis to.

Business #3, 7

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Art Lighting

UGA campus

Shown here are two examples of light being used to highlight a piece or selection of art. Light sources can often be manipulated to emphasize detail and enhance the viewing experience of fine art. Here, spotlighting is being used to showcase an individual painting, drawing attention to the vivid color of the landscape. It is also used to draw attention to the detailing in each individual piece in a collection of assorted vases and pieces of art in this display case.

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Uplighters

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Uplighters are fixtures that focus a focused beam of light upward to the ceiling or onto a wall of a space. Once the light has bounced back into the environment, it helps create a subtle illumination. Shown here is an untraditional example of uplighting. Here, the fixture is outside, situated upward to direct the beam of light onto the structure. Once the light is reflected off, it bounces back into the space near the structure, offering a source of light near and surrounding the building.

Joe Frank Harris Commons, UGA campus

Toe Kick Lighting

Business #6

Toe kick lighting is most commonly used to provide light in the presence of stairs. Attached at either the top or underneath each individual stair, toe kick lighting comes in durable, protective strips that can be walked on. Shown here at Beechwood Cinemas, the toe kick lighting makes it easy to maneuver the stairs in the movie theaters even once a movie has started and all the lights have been dimmed. While these lights aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing they most certainly get the job done successively.

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Colored LightingColored lighting is a powerful design tool. Shown here are three examples of red lighting. The light emitting from these fixtures is the result of using colored or tinted glass. Colored lighting has been shown to produce a powerful effect on our mind and body. Intense colors like red can cause physical exhaustion and eye strain due to the body’s innate reaction to the color.

Business #5

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Soffit LightingResidence #2

Lighting is an important element in any design and essential to every space. Soffit lighting is a style of lighting that comes in and out of vogue. Despite that, it is especially appropriate in kitchens and baths, as pictured here. In the Nelson residence, soffit lighting is utilized in the kitchen and bathrooms instead of harsh general overhead lighting. Soffit lighting is a highly useful alternative that still allows enough light to be evenly dispersed to ensure tasks can be completed.

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The lamp shown here in the Nelson residence serves as a source of task light for in-bed reading. Task lighting can be found anywhere more light is needed to successfully complete tasks. It is best when used in combination with genera overhead lighting, ambient, and natural light. Sometimes, lighting from overhead fixtures may be too minimal or too much in a space depending on the task at hand and the use of a table lamp or direct overhead lighting can be beneficial. Many people utilize a bedside table lamp for easy access to light at an arm’s length away.

Task Lighting Residence #2

Floor LampResidence #2, 3

Floor lamps are used to create additional ambient lighting to a space that may not have enough general lighting. Floor lamps can also be a working element in a room’s overall design by adding visual interest to a bare space.

Shown here are two examples of floor lamps that also serve as a decorative element in a space. The tall chocolate Tiffany-style lamp serves to add a softer light in a bedroom. And the multi-fixtured lamp offers direct spotlight in two separate areas at once while also offering additional overhead light.

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Table LampsTable lamps can be used to accent a room or even a smaller empty space that could use more direct light. They are often especially functional when sufficient overhead light is unavailable. Pictured here are three examples of table lamps being used affectively: the first in the Irwin’s kitchen, the second in their downstairs guest bathroom, and the third in their entryway. The one used in the bathroom is particularly useful because it can be turned on independently from the overhead fixture in the bathroom if someone were only needing to wash their hands. Each of these highlights the uniquely useful way a table lamp can brighten up any dark area.

Residence #1

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Combustion Lighting

Residence #3

Combustion lighting is both a form and source of natural light. It can help create or set the mood of a cozy and inviting environment. Combustion light emitting from a fireplace can foster a truly homey feeling while also providing heat to the space. The larger photo illustrates how even small amounts of combustion lighting can brighten up a bland, empty table top and add visual interest to a space.

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Natural LightResidence #2, 5

Natural light is provided to us by the sun; it gives off all colors of the spectrum creating a vibrant setting an offering an abundant source of vitamin D. As humans, we need natural light in order to lead healthy lives. It is important in any space or environment to have a balance of natural and artificial light to ensure productivity and a positive atmosphere.

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Glare from Natural Light Residence #3, 5

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Glare is caused from excessive light that can bounce off shiny or reflective surfaces, as can be seen here on the reflective floor of a kitchen and on the glossy leaves of plants. Glare can cause fatigue and other unpleasant feelings if one is exposed for an extended period of time. These feelings are due to the heat buildup and excessive brightness caused by glare from our natural light source.

Color

Using several shades or tints of a single color in a space is a simple way to ensure an interesting design. The Nelson’s used various shades of green in their guest bathroom without having to worry about matching and coordinating different colors in such a small room. The space maintains its depth with a diverse use of textures all while using only one color. The key to any monochromatic scheme is utilizing light, medium, dark, dull, and chromatic varieties of the color. Once an appealing variety is accomplished, mixing neutrals like whites, creams, and browns to add another layer of visual interest to the space.

Monochromatic Color Scheme

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Residence #2, Business #3

Analogous Color Scheme

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Church, Residence #2

Analogous colors help create an harmonious, inviting, and soothing environment . These schemes are comprised of colors adjacent to each other on the color wheel. Shown here are three different sets of analogous colors, the first: blue-violet, blue, and violet, the second: red-violet, violet, and blue-violet, and the third: blue, blue-green, and green. The stained glass window of this church reflects various shades of blue and purple light that is extremely visually captivating while the decorative plate on the right uses a dynamic pattern that is toned down by the soothing color pallet.

Direct Complementary Color Scheme

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Residence #4, 2Our eyes are naturally drawn to colors that are complementary to each other. This particular color scheme features colors that are situated directly opposite each other on the color wheel. Shown here are two schemes that illustrate how visually stunning direct complement colors can be. The façade of this residence is painted red and green giving it a vibrant and striking appearance. The colors seen on this vase make for an exciting, engaging, and captivating focal point. Neither of these schemes would have been as visually appealing without the use of complementary colors.

Double Complementary Color Scheme

Business #2

A double complementary color scheme is comprised of two pairs of complementary colors. The sign for Junkman’s Daughter’s Brother, located in Athens, features a double complementary color scheme using yellow, violet, green, and red. Composition is not the only attention grabbing aspect of this Junkman’s sign. The visually stimulating effect of the color scheme they’ve chosen successfully attracts our eye.

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Triadic Complementary Colors

Triadic Complementary color schemes are a complex design that employs three colors or hues that are equidistant to each other on the Munsell color wheel. There is an accompanying ratio that should always be used in order for the color pallet to be a success: one color should have 70 percent of representation, the second should have 30, and the final color should only have 10 percent. The use of a triadic color scheme is obviously apparent in the Irwin dinning room with the use of red as the primary hue, blue as the secondary, and green as the tertiary.

Residence #1, 2

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A tetrad complementary color scheme consists of four colors that are equally spaced around the color wheel. The scheme shown here uses yellow-orange, green, blue, and red-violet to create an unique, lively, and engaging piece of decorative art. Using so many different colors, especially such chromatic ones, makes for an particularly dynamic composition.

Tetrad Complementary Color Scheme

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Residence #2

Neutral Color Palette

While neutral color palettes may often times seem uninspired and unimaginative, they can make a strong statement when used correctly and creatively. Neutral colors often speak of timeless tradition and lasting structures. They can be used to bring a subtle, sophisticated, comforting, and soothing effect.

Residence #3

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Mass

Optical Density

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Residence #2

Optical density is an optical illusion of sorts. Shown here in the foyer of this residence, we can quickly see that the openness created by the legs of the furniture gives the room a more open feeling. Because the furniture does not cover the floor, it seems to weigh the room down less and creates a friendly and airy environment. The massing of this space works well in contrast to the vast amount of actual density created by the varying display of trinkets on most of the open, flat surfaces.

Actual Density

Residence #2

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The concept of actual density is clearly shown in this room of the Nelson residence. The empty space under the three side tables is claimed by ornamental pieces of art so that to the eye, there is no open space. Paired with an appropriate balance of optical density, the almost cluttering effect of the various decorative objects is effectively toned down by the openness of the table legs.

Balance

Structural Symmetry

The structural symmetry shown here at these two buildings on UGA’s campus showcase a powerful use of a classic design element. Symmetry can quickly become repetitive and uninteresting if it is not used in careful moderation and proportion. These two structures demonstrate an appropriate and stunning use of symmetry that reinforces a defined sense of importance and esteem.

Myers Hall, UGA campus, City Hall

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Structural AsymmetryResidence #6, and 7

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Asymmetry is also referred to as ‘occult balance’ because as it has no strict set of conventions that must be followed, it is an indefinable design principle. The layout is much more up to the designer’s eye and instinct to determine the proper and appropriate equilibrium. The structurally asymmetrical balance shown here in these two residences is similar in the execution of this design principle. The façades of both feature “dissimilar objects placed at varying distances from the center point (Neilson, Taylor)” to achieve this unbalanced aesthetic.

Visual Radial

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Residence #1, 3

Many decorative items can exhibit a visually radial balance. Clocks are one of the most common household objects with radial balance. With their centrally positioned hands and the circular motion they move around the evenly spaced numerals, it is simple to see our fascination with this type of balance.

Visual AsymmetryResidence #3

Asymmetrical balance is an useful tool of any designer. When used appropriately, it can offer an unique appearance to a space that seems too straightforward and static. Giving our eye an off-balance design to process can make the space come to life. This piece of decorative wall art is one of my personal favorites because of its unmistakable asymmetrical design. It uses “objects of similar visual weight and form balanced at equal distance from the imaginary central dividing line (Neilson, Taylor).”

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LocationsResidence #1: 101 Chablis Ct, BraseltonResidence #2: 270 Idylwood Dr, AthensResidence #3: 1197 Cedar Shoals Dr, AthensResidence #4: 2464 Barnett Shoals Rd, AthensResidence #5: 235 Idylwood Dr, AthensResidence #6: 2060 Morton Rd, AthensResidence #7: 275 Idylwood Dr, AthensResidence #8: 200 Idylwood Dr, Athens

Business #1: boutique, downtown AthensBusiness #2: Junkman’s Daughter’s Brother, AthensBusiness #3: Spencer’s JewelersBusiness #4: salon, downtown AthensBusiness #5: Caldonia, AthensBusiness #6: Beechwood Cinemas, AthensBusiness #7: Athena Jewelers, AthensBusiness #8: closed business, Gaines School Rd,

AthensBusiness #9: Sabina boutique, Athens

UGA campus:•Myers Hall•Joe Frank Harris Commons•Sanford Stadium•UGA Arch

Miscellaneous:•City Hall, Athens•The News Building, Athens•East Campus Rd, Athens•Green Acres Baptist Church

Texts:•Nielson, Karla J, and Taylor, David A.

Interiors: an Introduction. McGraw-Hill, NY 2007.