CONTRAST

In this example of contrast being used well in design, the color palate is what stands out first.  The use of red, white, and of differing tones of grey provide a nice, even-looking room interior.  The color red has been chosen to accent the living areas and the furniture in the room.  Soft grey hues provide a backdrop, and even the way the shadows drape down the side of the wall provide a nice hint of interest.  The theme of shapes for this room is very box oriented; just about everything in the room except for the chairs and the lamps has an angular, rectangle look to it.  This uniform approach is pleasing to the eye and does not create a discomforting disharmony to the viewer.  Lastly, the size of everything is pleasing as well- there's a set amount of space for the chairs which is ample room to sit in, the red drawers above the television are skinny enough to not draw too much attention, and the lamp is small enough to give enough light but to not be overpowering.  The use of all of these components together gives this room meaning: it says that here is an open and friendly space ready for you to use and relax your body and mind in.

In this example of contrast being used poorly in design, the various uses of mis-matching color has taken over the rest of the design of this bed.  There seems to be no apparent color scheme here; simply the designer must have wanted the bed to POP and catch the viewer's attention.  It is a children's bed, so in addition it is meant to give a cheery feel to the room.  However, because there is not one singular thing to focus on, the eye is drawn from object to object in random order and is not given a path to follow and the viewer's attention is bombarded with colors and things vying for attention from all sides.  And so instead of any one thing or concept being sharpened by contrasts in color, the overuse of it takes away from what was intended.  For the viewer, this bed is unsettling that way: perhaps if the design on the blue bed sheet were allowed more focus by having the rest of the covers simply remain varying shades of blue, it would have a more calming, composed effect. I do like the dotted backboard, however the board appears to be coordinated to fit the size of the mattress and thereby making the bed itself appear even smaller, giving the effect that the bed is overrun by colors and pillows and accessories.