A Matter Of….SHAPE!!!!

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abstract, air, Alexander Calder, art work, bar, bathroom, circle, circle of life, communication, decor, decorating, design, earth, edges, effects, elements, emotion, emotions, expression, exterior, eyes, feng shui, fire, free form, geometric, interior, life, lines, lives, living, love triangle, peace, POOL, room, round table, Sabrina Alexis, see, seen, shape, shapes, soft, square, square one, style, Susan Lachance, triangle, triangular, visual, water, waves, wind, Winston Churchill, yang, yin, yinyang

Shaping Our Lives!!!

 

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

 

“We Shape our buildings; therefore they shape us.”  Winston Churchill

 

Shape Up:

Each day we are amongst many different shapes, which come in a variety of sizes and colors. Rarely do we even notice how every factor in our life has a shape and belongs in the category of shapes. From the furniture we choose to the decor we hang on our walls we are emotionally connecting with the shapes. The architecture of a structure comes to existence through shapes. These lines, curves, squiggles are all around us shaping us every day.

The building blocks and foundation of design is to clearly state visually.  This means the visual effect is the personality of a given space.  Shapes have an impact in ways that colors cannot.  Not all shapes have boarders or are confined.  Some are free –form blobs that are flowing.  They come in come in all sizes and are not limited to being simple.  Whereas, complex shapes derive from a combination of simple ones.   Attributes of shapes are both positive and negative.  They can also be attributed to being masculine and feminine.  Yet are a neutral in part.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

 Every shape communicates meaning and conveys emotion.  These figures set the mood.  Furniture and décor are shapes that fill a room.  Our eyes present shapes that translate to feelings in our minds.  Movement, texture, depth is produced by shapes, lines, curves, etc.  Direct points of interest are enhanced and/or achieved by the “shape” in the given area.

 

Square One:

Squared with straight lines and edges produce a stabilizing effect to design. Hence, a feeling of home. The square is sturdy and stable.  However, sometimes the opposite may be true as the straight lines could be viewed as harsh and too bold. The four lines connecting at ninety degree angles make it one of a kind.  The square represents the four elements: fire, earth, water, and air.  On the other hand when dealing with feng shui squares are part of the wood element.

 

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

 

Circle of Life…Circling:

The circle has neither beginning nor an ending. It is round and promotes movement.  A representation of a cycle, unity, a safety, a community, and a wholeness that is familiar. A round a round we go into a place of oneness, with boundaries. It denotes a separation with the solitude of peace.  Two symbols that are signified in a circle are the peace sign and Yin Yang.  In addition, the Yin Yang represents two opposites coexisting within one confined circle of peace.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

According to Feng Shui, “round” is an expression of the mental element.  It conveys energy of clarity and freshness.  Another example to refer to is the “Round Table”.  Many designers and corporations suggest using round tables as it generates equality to the table and the members or people who be sitting around the table.  Using this same theory interior designers do their best to create a circular seating arrangement when placing the furniture in living rooms as well as family rooms.  This strategy promotes communication and insinuates equal conversation.

 

Love Triangle:

The triangle is a shape with many meanings that can be interpreted. The direction pointer of all the shapes. It’s strong when standing on its base pointing upward vertically showing an active Yang energy.  When the point of the triangle is pointing downward, it has more of a passive Yin energy.  No matter what the direction, the triangle is a set of three coming together at a point that corresponds to dynamic action.  When applied with feng shui triangular shapes belong to the fire element.  One way of applying feng shui with use of a triangular shape is through light fixtures that are shaped like stars.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

 

Free To Be:

Free of form and restriction creative “blobs” or unconventional straight lines in combination with curved ones are shapes that are abstract.  These unique designs are flowing unraveling waves of adventure. They promote creativity and individuality. In addition they are the language to the vision giving communication without words.  Abstract shapes such as curves are very fluid.  Using them in your home signifies a water element which is graceful and flowing.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

 

“I paint with shapes.”  Alexander Calder

 

 

Now you’re in “shape” with a few “matters of facts” on the visual communication of design.

 

Stay Styled With Design,

Sabrina Alexis

 

Trick…Treat…And… Design!!!!

Tags

bar, bars, bathroom, bathrooms, black, design, designs, ford, halloween, home, interior, orange, sinatra, trend

Spooktacular Colors!!!!!!

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Spirit of Orange and Black

In the spirit of Halloween there’s no better time for orange and black color design.  Orange being a huge trend recently in home décor and black being the classic, these two colors although opposite bring a fresh and exciting vibe.

The second most commercially successful holiday in The United States is Halloween.  The Snickers candy bar is the number one choice or popular candy.  With candy revenue of over two billion dollars annually in the United States, we understand why it is the second most celebrated holiday.

“There is no blue without yellow and without orange.”- Vincent Van Gogh

“Orange is the happiest color” – Frank Sinatra

According to feng shui specialist, the two energies are opposite in spectrums however both have powerful meanings and promote an energy that is creative.

Warmth, bright, lively, fire, sun, are all words that are used to describe the color orange typically. Much of the same descriptions or meanings are the symbolism of this color. In combination of red and yellow the color orange is associated with enthusiasm, sunshine, joy, happiness, determination, encouragement, etc.  The color is very hot especially to the human eye, and translates to the brain as a motivator that increases the oxygen and stimulates the mental state.

 

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

The “orange” scented crayon that was released by Binney and Smith Inc in 1994 was part of their ‘Magic Scent Crayons’ and was actually retired as too many children had been reported as eating the scented crayon.  Later the scented crayon “orange” had a name change and was then called “tulip” as a way of keeping the product but limit the consumption by the consumer.

Throughout the world the color orange is used for safety and to grab the attentions of civilians.  In China the color orange actually holds meaning to symbolize love and happiness.  In the Netherlands’ it represents the national color and the Dutch War of Independence and rebel Prince of Orange, whom was Protestant English king and Dutch Stadholder.  In the United States the color is used both in construction as well as national security.  In compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, it is required that particular construction equipment be painted orange for safety, and is also used to set things apart such as traffic cones, zoning devices, etc.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

“People can have the Model T in any color- so long as it’s black.” – Henry Ford

Considered the unknown, black actually has a lot regarding it to be known.  A color of power, formality, mystery, elegance, yet classical and full of possibility, Evoking strong emotions the color black is authoritative and assertive.  The prestigious color gives depth as well as plays with perception.  In fashion wearing the color black can improve the appearance of an individual by making them look “thinner”.  Other times when one wears a black suit they are considered more powerful or successful.

A contrast to all other colors black stands out and is special.  Black is unique as it goes with all colors of the color wheel.  Combination of the color accents dimensions.  Another powerful term in the design industry is the saying, “the new black”.  Many times in fashion of all sorts a new hot color or trendy color is considered the “new black” of its time.

Dating back to in history to at least the Roman Empire in the West, the color black was worn for times of mourning.  The Aztec culture due to the black obsidian glass that was used to cut the edge of battle swords the color now signifies war.  Priests would dress only in black as a symbol of religion.  China holds the color black meaning to a variety of things.  Black is associated with winter, the north, and water.  Traditional apparel worn by boys was black.

Black also has a prestige to it and gives definition to an event by dress code, “Black Tie.”

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Black however also has meaning or symbolism to it in which some may interpret as negative.  The color can be known to represent emptiness, voids, emptiness, or the feeling of inconspicuous.  Yet all of this relates back to the mystery that is evoked by the color black and the unknown possibility that darkness that can be known as fear.

This color really makes us appreciate the empowerment it embodies with elegance.

The masculine yet sophisticated black in combination with the hot and vibrant orange add statement with swagger.  This usage of colors together isn’t just for the fall harvest or spooky night, but is a great combo for the home year round.

Not so “black and white”…Orange and Black develop harmony with excitement drawing the eye directly; catching the attention with a bold statement.

Happy Halloween!!!

Style and Design,

Sabrina Alexis

This Round is on….The House!!!!!

Tags

bar, card, cards, design, games, pub, tavern

ALL IN!!!!!

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Place your bets:

The new man cave, the in home tavern or pub has been the latest trend in rooms within the home.  Different from the typical bar area, this room is designated to games as well as alcohol.  A rustic feeling, similar to the old styled gentleman’s cigar clubs, the tavern at home is a place where entertaining leads the game.

Pubs, short for “public house” can be dated back to the Roman Tavern.

Traditionally the taverns or public houses you may visit have frosted glass or colored glass.  This is to obscure the customers from the street view.  Present décor parallels when designing your own “private” house tavern.  Stained glass, multiple mirrors, and masculine wood will attract your vision back to the bar.  The right types of barstools are also important, as comfort and style assists in the length of time that would be spent.

Recently more people are turning their living rooms and or dining rooms into this “social” area.

Deal the cards:

The first playing cards were to have been during the ninth century in China during the Tang dynasty.  The first card game to be on history was called the “leaf game”.  It wasn’t until circa 1369-1644 that faces appeared on the cards.

The deck we are all familiar with “French-suited” deck with English inspired styling contains fifty-two cards which combines the four French suits: spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs; as well as the rankings from King down to the two (deuce) or ace.

In the last twenty-five years of the 14^th Century, the “playing cards” made their debut.  Saracen or Moorish game, also called Naib dates the earliest reference spoken of.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Normally, card games are played where all those participating sit forming a circle and/or a space that can house the cards.  Depending on the part of the world you are in actually plays a part in the direction of play.  For example: Most of Asia and South America play cards in a “counter-clockwise” manner, whereas, North America and Australia follow a “clockwise” direction.

Online card games have become very popular in this day in age, resulting in some in home pubs having electronic/digital online gaming devices.  However, most would agree, there’s nothing like poker night with friends and winning the pot.

Next time it’s your turn to host “game night”, you will be the “Nut Player” with style and design.

Style and Design,

Sabrina Alexis

Setting…. The Bar!

Tags

bar, decor, design, drinks, interior, Setting, shapes, square

Setting the ‘Bar’ with: Geometric Shapes and Accessories!

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Taking contemporary design from the 80’s and making it Sooo 2011!!!

Basic design with a little ‘twist’!

It’s all about having geometric shapes or ‘cut outs’ in the bar stools, and using one solid shape as the theme for the entire bar area.  Notice the added touches in the glass blocks under the counter top, the square cabinets, and the wall art design. Keeping in the theme of squares and straight lines.

Now for the added ‘twist’….Color the bar with accessories, or as I call it: “candy for the counter tops”. This is best accomplished with tones of reds, steel, and copper. Making it hard to “pass the bar”!

Simple yet striking!

Style & Design,

Sabrina Alexis