3 Simple Ways To Transform Your Builds From Boring To Exciting
If you’re like me, you started Making things in part because you weren’t happy with cookie cutter things available in stores.
Whether you’re making things for yourself or clients, you put part of yourself into every project that you build. You want the project to reflect you and stand out from what someone would be able to find in stores. Most importantly, you want your projects to be exciting, not boring!
Fortunately, there are 3 simple ways to transform your build projects from boring to exciting.
Way 1: Use More Non-90 Degree Angles
A vast majority of store-bought items are boxy or round, so switch it up with adding in angles that are not square.
Using more angles can seem scary at first, but fortunately they are pretty simple with a good angle finder and either a miter saw or jig on a table saw. You don’t have to completely abandon square corners, but adding some angle within a rectangular build like a table breaks the boxy-ness apart. Plus, you can be subtle with just a few chamfers or tapers, dramatic with entire sections not having any square corners, or anywhere between.
Strategically using angles increases the perceived value of your project and can certainly dial up how exciting it looks.
Way 2: Break Up Blank Space With Subtle Lines
Building larger furniture pieces requires panels, which can leave large areas of empty space.
Instead of leaving the blank space, break it up with some subtle lines. Running a few thin lines parallel to each other, then breaking away becomes more of a statement than a boring panel. Several easy methods work well including using blue tape and paint, vinyl pin striping tape, or a small v-groove bit in a router.
Subtle lines work especially well for projects that are sci-fi themed since they are everywhere whether you’re a Star Wars fan or Trekkie.
Way 3: Add Layers For Depth
Aside from texture, most store purchases feel flat on surfaces, but adding layers gives it a depth and weight.
Laminating a few different thin layers together where each hides or exposes the layers beneath it is a fantastic way to add depth without adding a ton of thickness. If you happen to have a laser cutter, you can precisely cut a few thin layers in any design you can imagine. Fortunately, a laser is not required and you can also cut the layers by drawing the designs out and cutting using a jigsaw.
Layers play very well with light either exposing edges to bright light or casting shadows into lower areas to amplify the effect.
Like many Maker methods, each technique is simple, but they are magnified when used together.
All of these techniques work especially well for Star Wars projects. Make your panel galactic by adding layers and subtle lines. Or really transform a box into a space crate by angling all the edges, layering the panels, and having subtle lines connecting everything together.
Really make your projects stand out, whether you’re using one of these simple ways or all of them together.
