A Matter Of….SHAPE!!!!

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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

 

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Stairway to…HEAVEN!!!

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Alegbra, Angles, China, Construction, decor, Degree, design, Designer Staircase, designs, Down, Downstairs, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Dr.Seuss, Flight, Geometry, Goal, Heart Chair, Heaven, interior, Level, Levels, life, marble, Math, Mount Niesen, Riser, Society, Spiral, Stair, Staircase, Stairs, Stairway, Stairway to Heaven, Stairwell, Step, Steps, style, Styles, Susan Lachance, Tread, Up, Upstairs

Flight Information: “Steps” Connection With “Stairs”… is ON TIME!!!!

 

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

“Step with care and great tact,
and remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act.” Dr. Seuss

 

Departure:

Welcome to “flight: Steps with connection to Stairs”.  In order to elevate to the next level we must first simply go over the “tread” and “riser”.  Please understand the construction and purpose of the “flight”.

Vertical distances are bridged together allowing travel to be completed between floors.  This link is better known as, a staircase.  Which are two or more straight pieces that connect at angles or by taking a step and repeating the previous one(s) just slightly different.  The tread is the part where the floor meets your feet; as it is the actual flooring that is stepped on.  The vertical part creating space between each tread is the riser.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Take Off:

Next in line for takeoff is “nosing” which is the part in which sticks out over the riser yet is also an element of the tread.  With every step that is taken there is distance that is being achieved vertically.  An easy way of counting steps is by counting the number of risers.  Overall, the stairway is a mathematical enchantment of geometry, algebra, in conjunction with measurement.  When combined in the proper manner, the design of the staircase is developed.

There are many different styles when it comes to the steps in which we take.  Some are to be said floating when the riser is invisible, others twist and turn in a delight giving a ninety degree rotation from start to finish.  Other types are simple and straight, these are most common in high traffic areas.  The stair is complicated and simple but full of detail.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

The creation of stairs and the architecture styles is endless; especially today with all the creative and innovative advancements in construction partnered with technology.  Staircases are works of art that complete two motions: up and down, yet all in one structural component.  However, there is still only one purpose that remains despite all the changes in designs, that is: the stairs or steps are a connector to one level to another.  They are the links that allow access on a vertical plane.

Spiral and helical stairs are characterized by the number of turns that are made. Another direction changer would be the winder, it permits for multiple variations.  The staircase has become a stylish element in the interior and exterior of homes, buildings, and structures.  They add emotion to the décor on many scales.  Stairs have become the accent piece or backdrop for many pictures throughout life.

Interestingly, the ergonomic relationship was first established by a man named Nicholas-Francois Blondel.  He noted in his Cours d’architecture of 1675-1683 that the two times the riser plus the tread would equal the step length.  (2 x riser + tread=Step length).  This equation is still used today.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

In Flight Entertainment:

Uniquely, over six thousand years ago the first stairs are believed to be those of wooden tree trunks which were fixed together.  A symbol of religious power, the first granite stairs made a debut in China.  Mount Niesen in the Swiss Alps is the home of the longest staircase in the world.  The steps come to a total sum of: 11,674.  The first steps at the White House in Washington, DC, USA weren’t installed until 1948.  Before then there were ramps, pulleys, winches, and ladders.

In most castles you will find that the stairs that are spiral always lead clockwise. It has been believed the purpose for the clockwise rotation is because of the knights being right-handed and that would be the hand in which they would hold their sword, leaving the left hand to grab the railing or wall for balance.

The earliest temple to have spiral staircase was in Greece and dates back to 480-470BC.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Landing:

Prepare for landing as we come to back to the first floor.  Society has used references to steps in metaphors or analogies referring how to live each day.  The relation to ascension or the movement of going upward towards is used as measure of success; by the extent of the steps in which it took to get there.  Or define the status of one’s position in the world.

From the time we are learning to walk we are told to “watch our step” or “one step at a time”.  These guidelines to fulfilling a certain goal or purpose are defined by the steps or actions that need to be taken in order to achieve the ultimate goal.  Sometimes, there are setbacks, and we may fall back a few steps before we can even think of leaping forward, yet this process always takes us to the next level despite the downfall.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Cardiovascular exercise has been achieved by walking upstairs.  Most people today would say that by skipping a step it burns additional calories however, it has been proven that taking it step by step and time spent on each step has a greater effect and uses more energy.  Downstairs have benefits that are not as exhausting.   This direction works, tones, and utilize muscles, tendons, joints, etc that are different from the ones used when traveling upward.  It doesn’t matter what way you are moving, there are many positive attributes to taking the stairs.

A mis-step is estimated to occur once in 7,398 times and injury on stairs happens once in 63,000 uses.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Skipping steps has a notion of being negative.  If you skip a step you’re not following the rules.  But maybe it should be looked at as bouncing on or over each step.  Comparatively like a child skipping. By using the term “skipping” as an action of joy, we really are experiencing life more.  It removes the edge by taking the focus off the lack of something or the mistake and allows for another opportunity to fix what didn’t work.

 

“When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor.
It’s to enjoy each step along the way.” Dr. Wayne Dyer

 

 

Embrace each step you take and remember it’s all part of the staircase of life. . We hope you enjoyed your “flight”.

Style and Design,

Sabrina Alexis