Strength and Power in Home Decor

By David Artstone

Slate and Artstone - Power and energy refers to a subtle, almost indefinable force, which relates closely to how much focus various parts of a room command. An arm chair with intricate brightly colored patterns has a lot of power, because it stands out and forces you to look at it, especially if it is placed in a contrasting monotone room.

Color and pattern are two of the most common ways an object gains power. Bright colors tend to stand out, as do intricate designs. Subdued colors and simple patterns will tend to fade into the background, acting as support to stronger pieces. Contrast can help give a piece greater power, especially if it is used in bold ways. A single deep red clock on an empty white wall commands the attention of an entire room.

An object can gain power and energy through its weight, or perceived weight as well. The heaviness of an item is related to how substantial it is, which gives it greater credence in our minds. Drink coasters which are made of paper will have much less weight, and therefore less of a presence in a room than coasters made from stone. Size is another aspect to energy and power. By simply taking up the most space, an object can dominate an area. In this way it holds the focus of the greater part of the room, by simply being the most noticeable thing there.

One way you can focus energy into an area or an object is to use the inherent lines which are contained in your design to point at the desired spot. These lines can consist of architectural bones such as borders, window sills, counters, or trim, or can consist of your own decorative lines such as those created by the bottoms of portraits, or the direction of various tables and couches. Generally the inherent structure of a room will point at a focal spot; however this can be altered by creating intersecting lines which point in other directions. Tampering with your lines alters the flow of a space, so be aware of how directing the energy of a space changes the way you move about it.

Power and energy are often overlooked aspects of a room. Color, patterns, and texture offer such rich options when decorating, that people often overlook the subtle effects that are achieved. Understanding their effect on your room however gives you a whole new set of eyes with which to watch the world. - 30198

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