Designing By The Numbers

Sometimes we find ourselves in spaces that just don't feel right. Though we can't put our finger on it, we feel uncomfortable - sometimes to the point that we don't linger, but rather leave the area as soon as we can. If that space happens to be in our home, it's common to not use that room. Or if it is in our office, we'll end up wandering during the day or taking our work to the conference room or other space.

Issues with temperature, lighting, use of color, etc. can all be pinpointed to an extent. The most illusive cause of unknown discomfort, and probably the most common, is that the design of the room disregards the mathematical laws of nature... I speak of the Fibonacci numbers.

Leonardo Pisano Fibonacci (AKA: Leonardo of Pisa) lived from 1170 to 1250 and many think him one of the greatest mathematical geniuses. A good source of information about Fibonacci is by A. F. Horadam, "Eight hundred years young," The Australian Mathematics Teacher 31 (1975) pgs 123-134.

Recognizing that arithmetic with Hindu-Arabic numerals is simpler and more efficient than with Roman numerals, Fibonacci traveled throughout the Mediterranean world to study under the leading Arab mathematicians of the time. Leonardo returned from his travels around 1200. In 1202, at age 32, he published what he had learned in Liber Abaci (Book of Abacus or Book of Calculation), and thereby introduced Hindu-Arabic numerals to Europe. (Wikipedia)

Also in the Liber Abaci is one of his other great contributions to the world, what we refer to as the Fibonacci numbers. While he did not discover this number pattern (the formula was being used in India as early as the 6th century), Fibonacci did introduce this sequence to the western world.

In the Fibonacci sequence of numbers, each number is the sum of the previous two numbers, starting with 0 and 1. As such the sequence begins 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, 377, and goes on. The ratio that begins to emerge is referred to as the "Golden Ratio" (approximately 1.6180339887498948…). This ratio has history that goes back to the ancient Greeks and Romans.

This ratio is seen in all things of nature... shells, trees, our bodies. Artists of the Renaissance period used the formula within their paintings. Early last century, physicists found that the formula applied to crystal formation. Some financial experts currently use the ratio to forecast stock expectations.

Architects and designers use the Fibonacci Number system to create spaces of harmonious proportions. Famous Swiss Architect Le Corbusier used the system almost exclusively in designing buildings, furniture and spaces.

The portions provided by the Fibonacci Numbers and Golden Ratio give us a sense of balance when designing rooms. Whether we are looking to remodel or decorate, by incorporating these proportions into our "bag" of design theories, we can calculate appropriate room dimensions, fireplace placement, couch height, etc., which will feel appropriate to the other relationships in a room, including human scale.

Furniture can always be moved or replaced to remedy an awkward space. But if you happen to occupy a building that is structurally awkward, reaching a solution may be more difficult. Remodeling, sometimes, is the only option - however, not before exploring creative cosmetic changes. Windows that are out of proportion can be fixed with custom sized molding or curtains. Ceilings can be brought down, if above 8' AFF (above fixed floor). Bookshelves can bring walls in. If you have an awkward space and need suggestions, or if you have examples of disproportional spaces you have salvaged - please share them with us.

Written for Imperial Kitchens and Baths, Inc. by designer Stephanie Bullwinkel, CBD.

What is a Green Remodel?

Green - it's the hot new color that has nothing to do with decor and everything to do with product choice. But, outside of being a buzz word, what does "green" really mean? If you visit Wikipedia, after paragraphs on the color itself is a sentence directing you to the "Green Movement" or " Environmentally Friendly".

Environmentally friendly (also eco-friendly, nature friendly, and green) are synonyms used to refer to goods and services considered to inflict minimal or no harm on the environment.[1] To make consumers aware, environmentally friendly goods and services often are marked with eco-labels. But because there is no single international standard for this concept, the International Organization for Standardization considers such labels too vague to be meaningful.[2]

Green is a loose term thrown around by companies to instill consumer confidence while having to prove nothing to anyone. The end effect is commonly called Green Washing; ie. the term is meaningless because there is no substance behind it.

But there are still ways that you can be ecologically conscious when remodeling your home. Beyond the "Green" label, look for these qualifications:

1. Is the product manufactured domestically? This question is ecologically based for two reasons. First, less traveling time from the manufacturer to your home equals less emissions. Second, the US EPA regulations are more strict than those of developing countries - less pollution emitted, however you will see a higher price tag because compliance with these regulations is expensive.
2. Is the material in the product recyclable? This is a no brainer. On a global level, Americans, in general, consume goods faster than any other nation. When you are finished with a product, if you cannot resell/donate it for another person to use, you should repurpose the materials in that product for another task.
3. Is the natural material in the product a renewable resource? Wood is the best example of this. Choose product that can comes from companies that practice sustainable foresting activities. You don't have to buy cork or bamboo floors to do your part. These materials are typically forested in China, think of the emissions from transportation alone. Buying locally harvested wood can actually be a more effective choice. Stay away from anything marketed as "exotic."
4. Are the solvents/adhesives in the product low-VOC? VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. VOCs are what outgas from a product after manufacturing. It's the smell of new paint, new carpeting, new furniture... and it is an irritant, and may cause short term and/or long term illness. Some people have no reactions to these outgasings, other people are more sensitive - regardless, they are not healthy for anyone.

These are guidelines you can apply to any purchase you are thinking of making, it doesn't just apply to improving your home. Don't get snowballed by marketing when the label says "Green" - ask why. Just because the salesperson tells you it's natural and that's why it's "Green" - take a moment to think.

As an example, one of the biggest misconceptions in this industry is that natural stone countertops are "Green" because they are natural. Think about the amount of diesel spent in cutting stone out of the ground, shipping it across the world, fabricating it into a top and then throwing the cuttings away. The end-user then repetitively uses a chemical sealant to keep the stone from staining. However - if you want a stone counter, and you are committed to living with that counter for the next 30 years or more, then the choice becomes more ecologically sound.

Want other ideas on how to make your remodel more friendly to the environment and to yourself? Post a comment and I'll get back to you. Remember, the money you spend is your vote on what the world manufactures.

Written for Imperial Kitchens and Baths, Inc. by designer Stephanie Bullwinkel, CBD.