Geometry and interiors
I find it fascinating to learn about how all the different shapes we see around us impact on our feelings and moods. Our reactions are mostly subconscious. We don’t question the fact that a square looks more solid and stable than a circle, we simply know from experience that it is. That circle could roll away at any time, while the square is not going anywhere. Shapes play a very important role in every design process. Here are some general points you may find interesting to consider when you are shopping for a piece of furniture or a wallpaper design.
Squares signify equality, there are four equal sides. They are safe and solid and strong. What a perfect design for an ottoman on which to rest your feet or balance a tray. The square can be elongated into a rectangle, still firm and safe for tables and book shelves and seating like benches and sofas.
Circles are happy figures. They represent movement and have a whimsical side. With no beginning or end points, they can roll on forever even when they remain in one spot. I learned that when men and women are asked what they prefer, a round shape or a square shape, round wins. We mostly all find roundness beautiful. So rounded cushions on a sofa, and a round or oval dining room table feel pleasurable and welcoming.
A triangular shape is not as common in furniture, but crops up in fabric and wallpaper design. The way the triangle sits gives us a clue to its apparent strength or weakness. If the triangle is sitting on its base, we recognize this as a stable and powerful figure. If sitting askew or on one of its points, the message becomes conflicted — it might be unstable or simply having fun.
There are several elements to consider when selecting a piece of furniture – where it will sit, its size in relation to what you already have, its price, the material, whether wood, metal or plastic.
You may not initially think of shape, but it will weigh in as you sift through alternatives. The same goes for patterns in fabric and wallcoverings.
Geometric shapes can be very contemporary and edgy, and they can be youthful and playful. Colour contrasts will heighten the mood, depending on how subtle or blatant the forms are presented.
When I was asked for advice on decorating a small apartment for a young woman starting out on a busy career, we talked about how she wanted to be greeted when she arrived home after a long day. In stark contrast to her professional environment, she wished for a colourful room that was a bit quirky and would immediately bring out a smile. Circles or ovals came to mind as the inspiration for the wall shown here. On a tight budget we settled on the idea of painting oversized shapes on the wall, bold but not overpowering, and definitely not boring.
To do this yourself, make a template of an oval shape and cut out four ovals from a piece of paper. Arrange them edges touching on a large piece of paper and draw around the corners to the halfway point of each oval. This is the stencil pattern you require -- it represents the space between the oval shapes. Trace it onto a piece of plastic or Mylar and cut it out. Add registration marks to the stencil, and draw a grid on the wall. Use a roller to apply the paint. The basecoat is pale turquoise, the stenciled ‘corners’ or spaces between the ovals are dark.