What first drew me to the couch was the fact that it was set in an environment with an aesthetic similar to how I decorate at home. The color scheme and accessories are a bit different, but the look is simple and uncluttered, and I could “see” myself in that room relaxing on that couch.
The photo above follows several of the guidelines of a “well-composed photo” as outlined in our text, White Space is not Your Enemy:
- The angle of the couch, along with the arrangement of the blanket and pillows, allows the photo to be asymmetrical. Yet the identical end tables on either side of the couch add to the element of balance.
- The photo is not exceptionally tight with the cropping in terms of the couch itself. Considering this could be a much larger room, the non-applicable areas are omitted which allows the consumer to really focus on the couch. The low profile end tables also allow the couch to really remain the focal point of the shot.
- I absolutely love the repetitive parallel lines in this shot. The lines created by the angle of the couch are pulled into the structure in the walls and the window sill. It really makes the couch look like it was “meant” for this room. To me, the repetitive, parallel, slightly diagonal lines play up the relaxed and comfortable feel of the furniture as if to say, “It’s refined, but not uptight or sterile.”
My couch that is in my periphery as I type this blog, no longer looks anything like the couch above. And for good reason. If I logged onto Wayfair.com and saw the jumbled mess on the right, I would seriously question the company’s desire to sell any furniture at all. The angle of the couch in both pictures is similar, and there are certainly blankets and pillows “arranged” on my couch too, but which one would you choose to buy?
Footnote: Notice the upside-down umbrella poster on the right? :)
Congratulations on your purchase, Stephanie! The contrast of the photos gave me a good chuckle - it's so easy to imagine yourself in the photo from the Wayfair site - perched gently on that lovely couch - gazing casually out of that window at the gorgeous street view below as you sip orange blossom tea, isn't it? And then the reality sets in...you don't even HAVE a window in your living room, and you fell asleep on that couch last night after you fished off some day-old pork friend rice and binge-watched Season 4 of Girls... (that's how I imagine my story would go if I was a single girl living on my own again.) You could totally reenact the Wayfair photo though! Arranging your pillows and blankets just so...I see a picture in the background that could be hung to the right of the shot too. Grab a small bouquet of tulips from the grocer to place on the table beside the gorgeous couch, and BOOM! You're living in a catalog!
ReplyDeleteJenna
Stephanie, your post made me giggle. Love your sense of humor. Congratulations on purchasing your first EVER nice furniture purchase; glad you didn't have to compromise with a "stinky ex-boyfriend." Your references to the text were excellent. I would also point out the angle from which the Wayfair shot was taken makes the couch look larger and even more prominent. I'm struck by the fact that you chose a couch without a back. I guess you do a lot more lounging than sitting? Either that or your core is really strong. Also, I wonder why your couch has its cushions covered in a sheet. I'm sure it makes good sense, but it does take away from the streamlined look of the piece (as though you didn't know that). Just call me Captain Obvious. Honestly, I didn't even notice the upside-down umbrella until you pointed it out. I glanced at it and thought it was some sort of vase with flowers. I still get suckered into wishing I lived in the rooms featured on websites and catalogs--thanks for showing us your more realistic lived-in look. Good job!
ReplyDeleteDawn
Well, truth is, this couch isn't actually a couch. It's a daybed with a trundle. I am definitely more of a lounger than a sitter, and I tend to be the only one on the "couch" for the most part, so darnit, I'm going to make it as comfy as possible!! Usually there are oodles of pillows stacked against the back and sides, but that's when I've actually taken the time to clean my house and make things look pretty :)
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