~ contrast ~

The contrasting materials of this table by John Houshmand make for a visually pleasing piece. The materials, although very different, compliment each other in the design. They play off of each other with their different colors, tones, and textures to visually sharpen the overall effect. At the same time, through the use of good design and material choice, there is a harmony to this piece. The glass center slab adds an airy feeling to what would otherwise be a very visually heavy wood and metal table.The use of the color black for the metal legs turns these features into visual accents which recede back. This allows the rich tones of the wood to come into the foreground.

The contrast of color, texture, and tone of the three materials making up this table creates visual interest without loosing visual cohesion.

~ less successful contrast ~
This Avenire Coffee Table from the Van Den Brulle collection also makes use of very different materials, which bring about contrast in its form. The stone table top is very geometic. This is in contrast to the ornate form of the molded Lucite. The travertine tabletop, although stone, has the feel of unfinished wood due to its veining and color palate.

I believe that more contrast in tone between the clear Lucite and tabletop would make a more effective visual statement.The current use of tones in this piece don't have enough contrast to make the visual statement work. The grays of the tabletop currently match the tonal grayed-out effect. The stone top would work better in a darker tone or brighter color to sharpen the visual contrast already present by the use of different materials.