I learned to solve all my Interior Design problems by dancing. This is Part 3 on my revelations from dancing, on how to create a drama with shapes
As I mentioned in my first article, it becomes increasingly clear that the threads of artistic expression weave a tapestry that transcends individual disciplines. The principles that animate the magic in Interior Design are akin to those that breathe life into any art form. The key lies in our ability to perceive, to truly see, listen, and feel.
At the heart of this revelation lies a profound alignment—an exquisite dance—between art, science, and energy. Here, art signifies the wellspring of creativity, where the soul’s expression takes form. Science, in the nuanced palette of color, offers the brushstrokes that breathe life into our visions. And energy, the connective force, weaves these elements into harmonious compositions.
This alignment is the crucible from which beauty emerges, both in the graceful movements of dance and in the curated aesthetics of interiors. It’s a testament to the universality of artistic expression, reminding us that the magic is not confined to one domain but is a living, breathing tapestry woven through the human experience.
Create Drama With Shapes
In the world of dance, the stage is our canvas, and every motion crafts a distinct shape. Each sweep of an arm, twist of a leg, or expression on the face traces lines that stretch, not just within the confines of the dancer’s form, but resonate outward into the encompassing space. These movements send forth energy, akin to an artist painting ethereal images in the air. While invisible to the eye, these ‘paintings’ weave a tangible tapestry of emotions palpable to both the performer and the audience.
When props like silk veils come into play, they amplify this visual drama, offering a tangible manifestation of the energy being channeled, extending the dancer’s presence even further.
These lines and shapes we create can be varied: straight or sinuous, brief or elongated, crafting patterns like circles or figure eights, spanning horizontally, vertically, or even diagonally.
It’s crucial for a dancer to utilize the stage’s entirety, ensuring a multi-dimensional dance landscape that traverses height, depth, and breadth. This dynamic spatial exploration is key to capturing an audience’s attention.
However, the beauty lies in balance. While diversity in movements adds intrigue and drama, cohesion is paramount. It’s the delicate dance between variety and unity that captivates. If you’re sketching the air with curvaceous lines, own that narrative. In essence, dance with intent, and let every motion echo the core theme you’ve chosen.
For example, a slow, beautiful dance will likely be filled with curves that move fluidly from one move to the next without stopping. There may be an occasional straight line such as a head slide here and there, but they are just dramatic accents.
Dancing to a drum solo may be filled with both verticle and horizontal lines, with lots of up and down motions and slides of the head, arms, chest, and hips. You might add a chest or hip circle or figure 8 every once in a while, more as a contrast that accentuates the straight lines by comparison.
The shapes help tell your story and give your dance…or your room…. drama, movement, and energy.
Create Drama with Shapes in Your Space
The same concepts apply to Interior Design. Consider what shapes appeal to you. Lots of curves give the room softness, a more feminine look, and are more characteristic of global and vintage styles. Straight lines tend to be more sleek, modern, minimalistic, and masculine.
Straight Lines
Straight lines tend to give a room a more sleek, modern, and masculine feel. Notice how the lines in the windows create a feeling of movement up and down, yet also create interesting angular shadows.
Below, the straight lines in the rug create a sense of dramatic movement and energy.
Curves
This design uses curves as the theme in the art, lamps, and bed frame details. The room has a more relaxed, feminine, global style look and feel.
Mixing it Up
In this example, I mixed it up by using primarily curved lines in the windows and art but with the addition of straight lines in some of the accents, like the pillows.. While this mixture feels a little more balanced and neutral in terms of masculine and feminine energy to me, it feels more relaxed, with less of a sense of movement that some of the other rooms had. It feels more “still”.
In this Greek Style design with energy art, there are a variety of straight and curved lines in the furniture, art and accessories.
Ultimately, the amount of drama, movement, and excitement you want in your space is personal taste. The type of lines you draw in space with all the objects in the room affect the energy, and how you will feel using the space.
Other Ways to Create Drama with Shapes
Incorporating various shapes in interior design is a potent tool to infuse drama and transform a room’s energy. Shapes can dictate the mood, flow, and visual interest of a space. Here’s how to harness their power:
Play with Scale: Oversized shapes, whether it’s a large round mirror, a massive rectangular artwork, or an expansive oval rug, can instantly become a dramatic focal point in a room.
Contrast Shapes: Juxtaposing geometric with organic shapes can create a dynamic tension. A square coffee table against a curvilinear sofa, for instance, offers visual intrigue.
Layer Textures: The shape of a texture, like the pattern on a geometric rug layered beneath a circular table, can add depth and energy to a space.
Architectural Drama: Consider adding bold architectural elements like archways, dome ceilings, or multi-level platforms.
Bold Patterns: Geometric patterns on wallpapers, tiles, or fabrics can bring in vibrancy and movement. Consider herringbone floors or hexagonal backsplashes.
3D Elements: Introduce 3D geometric elements, such as floating hexagonal shelves or sculptural furniture pieces, to break the two-dimensional plane.
Varied Lighting: Shapes aren’t just solid objects; the play of light and shadow can form abstract shapes. Using angular pendant lights or spherical lanterns can cast intriguing shadows, adding drama and dimension.
Nooks & Dividers: Create nooks or partitions using shapes, like a semi-circular reading nook or triangular alcoves, to break up spaces and add interest.
Color Play: Highlight specific shapes using bold colors. A rectangular feature wall in a bold hue or a circular ottoman in a standout fabric can change the room’s energy.
Strategic Placement: Positioning shapes in unexpected places can shift energy. Placing triangular shelves at varying heights or a series of circular decals in a cascading pattern can draw the eye and create a sense of movement.
Reflective Surfaces: Mirrors, especially in unusual shapes, can transform and expand a space while adding a touch of drama.
Transitional Spaces: Utilize unique shapes in transitional areas, like spiral staircases in hallways or round mats in entryways, to change the room’s flow and energy.
In essence, shapes in interior design are more than mere aesthetics. They’re storytellers and mood shifters. By thoughtfully and creatively incorporating them, you can dictate the narrative of a space, imbuing it with drama, energy, and emotion.
Learn More
Learn more in some of my other blog articles in this series.
- I Learned to All my Interior Design Problems by Playing Music.
- I Learned to Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Playing Music- Every Part Must Play Its Part.
- I Learned to Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Playing Music- We all Hear Music Differently.
- I Learned to Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Playing Music- Precision is Beautiful.
- You might also enjoy my series on lessons I learned about Interior Design from dancing:
- I Learned to Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing-Distractions Ruin Everything
- I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing: The Magic of Transitions.
- I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing : Surprise Me.
- I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing and Learning to Tell a Great Story.
- I Learned To Solve All My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Bring on the Bling.
- I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- There Can Only Be One Star.
- I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Be Brave.
- I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Create Drama with Shapes.
- I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing- Create Drama with a Focal Point.
- I Learned to Solve all My Interior Design Problems by Dancing.
Are You Ready to Create Your Perfect Space?
Are you ready to tell your unique story and find the alignment of art, science and energy that makes you happy? Enlist the help of an expert to take that trip to your perfect space in a Ferrari instead of a stagecoach. Try my Aligned Design consultation and let’s get started.
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I love the parallels you are seeing between dance and design. I think I might not have seen these connections but now I do.
Thanks so much!
What a great way of thinking about design Mary Ann! All elements of our lives and art are connected – so bringing various seemingly unrelated things – like dancing and furniture – together really opens up the mind!
Thank you!
This is such a great series!
So glad you are enjoying it! It has been fun to write, thank you!
Love this, Mary Ann! It’s so neat to see the connection of dance and interior design.
Thank you! It was surprising to me how many things are the same:) Art is art:)