Tag Archives: feng shui choices

Interior Design deliberations

 

Mid-Century-Home-in-Beverly-Hills

Beverly Hills Mid Century resurrection – design Chahan Minassian

Earth (ceramic vessels) are harmonic with metal and glass

 

 

Delving into decor design subtleties

 

Objectivity is hard to maintain when planning in advance for the decorative and functional features of a particular space.  Interior designers with keen aesthetic instincts and a sense of balance can intuitively attain a refined outcome in advance with the choice of colours, textures, decorative objects and placement. However satisfying decisions can be elusive until it is all assembled and the final design choices can be critical, along with letting go of preconceived ideas. Virtual design mock ups can assist, but spatial coordination is easier to conceptualize in a real space. This also includes the consideration of other factors ranging from balancing the movement of lines, angles, colours and shapes while maintaining an emphasis on rhythm, proportion and unity. This can be typified by the regular arrangement of motives and patterns to shape a rhythm or to create motion with the use of colour sequences. Beside the creative visual input, I also want to discuss some of the basics with respect to feng shui energy considerations.

 

Feng Shui interior design

Well designed ceramic and sculpture pieces have dynamics within themselves and apart from introducing a refreshing focal point, they also add a sense of movement and vitality to a corner or open space, particularly when it feels too static. Opposing textures and forms add to the dynamic, exemplified by straight clean lines contrasting with shapely curvy sculptures or neutral tones and passive decors matching diametrically with decorative pieces and pottery vessels of vivid colours.

 

habituallychic.blogspot

Pair of large green glazed pots reinforcing the symmetry of the entrance.

 

The inherent earthiness of a ceramic object or stone sculpture has a natural symbiosis with a wooden structure. In feng shui, the earth element is the most adaptable and harmonizing, being considered the source of all of the 5 elements. It is particularly useful in an environment with lots of wood, as it helps calm and balance this restless creative element (which is ruled by the wind), and is especially applicable for the bedroom where relaxation is the most desirable. Earth is also the easiest to locate as it occupies the center of any room and also the center space of a home. In spaces with an abundance of the metal element, for example with large glass windows and metal frames, fire helps to balance this, so the introduction of objects of fiery colours, say an orange rug or a red sculpture will support harmony.

 

 

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Red highlights in balance with the glass and metal

Designed by John Saladino.

 

Wooden beams on the ceiling will act as conduits for the chi to flow along and will build up concentrations of energy and become a source of tension, likewise with objects that have sharp angles, for example a sharp angled lighting fixture. This can be counteracted with rounded stone sculptures and ceramic vessels, the earth and undulating shapes contributing to absorbing the excesses. Soft curvy furniture also can work in a similar manner although it lacks the same concentration of harmonizing earthiness.
Strong vertical lines from a high ceiling, numerous vertical lines in the window frames or a high bookshelf can also be effectively tempered with earthy decorative objects and earthy colours blended with stronger textures, keeping in mind that grounded environments are generally more calming. Avoid placing a study in a high ceiling space as the ability to concentrate becomes more compromised. Yang colours such as red, black and earthy tones are more grounding along with the introduction of more horizontal lines, say with extra shelving. If a space with a lower ceiling feels too claustrophobic then a narrow vertical sculpture or tall slender plants can balance this aspect.

 

 

interior-designer,-Delphine-Krakof-

Green, white and chrome decor symmetry – Delphine Krakof

Spaces with a dearth of natural light tend towards being stagnant, so the presence of smoother and shiny surfaces will help encourage chi flow, along with good lighting and bright colours. The same can be said with the introduction of the dynamics of oppositional constructs, for example, combinations of colours and textures, classical with contemporary, symmetry and asymmetrical and angular with curvacous.

Japanese temples never mixed metal with wood due to the antagonistic relationship between the two elements. According to the ancient 5 element theory,(foundation of feng shui), metal attacks wood, so the use of nails, bolts and screws were avoided, so as to enhance the harmony of the structure. For a traditional purist, you wouldn’t have a glass sculpture (glass is equated with metal) on a wooden table or a wooden object on a metal base. If these combinations can’t be avoided, the element that harmonizes the two is water. The inclusion of blue, cooling colours or a fountain would be apt.

Opposing windows and glass doors or a long straight corridor can lead to strong chi currents that can build an agitated environment. The use of plants, sculptures and other bold objects with deep textures and curves can help slow down or deflect the excess of movement.

The inclusion of some of these above suggestions  can contribute to invigorating a space and establishing a deeper sense of harmony.

Before Eventi_BDC_teaser_CQStudio Design: Classic - Salone del Mobile Milan 2016

 Salone del Mobile, Milan

 

 

Accessorize-your-Home-african-art-figures with putti relief figure gold cabinet

Eclectic decor 0f African sculptures, gold putto figure cabinet and huge wooden wheel

 

 

 

Antique-French-Porcelain-Cherub-Putti-Statue-by-edithandevelyn,-$145

French Porcelain Cherub Putti Statue

Edith and Evelyn – etsy

 

 

arthur-elrod-photos-architectural-digest

Curvaceous interior design by Arthur Elrod. (Spring 1963)

The room features a walnut paneled wall, custom tufted curved sofa, coffee table of picked cork and a large travertine fireplace.

Architectural Digest

 

 

 

Anne-Hirondelle---Karpos-1992

Anne Hirondelle — ‘Karpos’ 1992

 

 

 

Blue Bittossi ceramic figurines

Bitossi sculpture figures

 

 

 

Artistica-Italian-Gallery Italian floral relief motif turquoise pottery against a deep salmon background

Italian floral relief motif turquoise pottery. Fire has a creative, enhancing influence with earth. The warm, fiery colours of the wall nourish the green earth tones of the pots and the natural earth in the potted plant.

 

 

 

Iain Halliday’s Palm Beach home features an Eames La Chaise by Vitra, and ceramics by Keith Murray for Wedgwood.

Interior designer Iain Halliday’s Palm Beach home features an Eames La Chaise by Vitra, and ceramics by Keith Murray for Wedgwood.

 

 

 

Birger-Kaipiainen,-Arabia ceramic plate

Arabia charger – designed by Finnish artist Birger Kaipiainen

 

 

 

Yellow Bowl-with-volcanic-glaze-by-Beatrice-Wood-on-artnet

Beatrice Wood volcanic glaze bowl

 

 

 

bulbous-vase-Baniwas-Indians-and-pans-and-bowls-of-Marubo-people vasos-ceramicos-Vessels-made-from-Brazillian-tribes-House-of-Amazonas

Brazillian tribal pottery

From left to right – pot of palikaras artisans, ceramic bulbous vases by Baniwas Indians and pans and bowls of Marubo people

House of Amazonas

 

 

 Persian style vase with moroccan cabinet

Moroccan style dresser matched with a Persian style vase

Arcadian Home

 

 

 

cattelan-italia-globus-contemporary-glass-coffee-tablewith ceramic sculpture

Cattelan Italia Globus coffee table. The ceramic globe is in harmony (5 elements) with the metal/glass.

 

 

 

Ceramics-bathroom--installation-by-Korean-artist-Lee-Hun-Chung

Glazed ceramic bath, mirror panel and basin – Lee Hun Chung

 

 

 

Chris-Gryder's-wall-tile panel

Ceramic wall tile panel –  Chris Gryder

 

 

Coffee-pot-and-cover-by-Figli-di-Giuseppe-Cantagalli,-ca.1888-(made)

Coffee pot and cover by Figli di Giuseppe Cantagalli

1888

 

 

 

contemporary-living-room-paris-france-by-pierre-yovanovitch-architecture-dinterieur3

Paris apartment, contemporary decor – abstract sculpture, large Mid Century floor lamp

Design by Pierre Yovanovitch

 

 

Design-firm-Studio-Peregalli-placed-an-eclectic-mix-of-items

European classical meets Eastern deities ( Buddha head and Ganesha statue)

Design Studio Peregalli

 

 

Mid Century Guido-Gambone ceramic vase with horse motifs

Guido Gambone

 

 

Gustavo-Perez

Gustavo Perez contemporary vessel on “Modern Primitive” side-table from NYC-based Aranda/Lasch

 

 

 

Henri-Matisse-ceramic-mural

Henri Matisse ceramic mural for the interior courtyard of this Hollywood Hills home.

The mural is entitled La Gerbe (The Sheaf), the piece is reflective of the paper cut-outs Matisse made at the end of his career. The work was bequeathed to LACMA in 2010.

 

 

 

 

houzz--interior-decor white ovoid vase and spherical ceramics contrasting the strong black lines

Large white ovoid vase and ceramic spherical vessels in contrast with the sharp black lines

Houzz

 

 

interior-designer,-Delphine-Krakof

I love the window symmetry focused on the red abstract sculpture in the courtyard.

Design by Delphine Krakof

 

 

In-the-bath,-Bennett-Leifer-paired-a-freestanding-tub-with-a-neoclassical-bust

Neoclassical bust blending with the marble – Bennett Leifer design

 

 

 

Japanese-Tea-Room with pink blossom ikebana display

Traditional Japanese Tea Room with blossom ikebana

 

 

John-Coolidge interior design with a pair of Siamese bookends, large abstract mural

John Coolidge interior

 

 

Kelly-Wearstler-wallpaper-design with matching gold ceramic lamp

Kelly Wearstler wallpaper design with matching gold ceramic lamp base and black sculpture torso

 

 

Loft-Concept-Kelly-Wearstler interior with large a pair of black conical sculptures, and white spherical vase with salmon pink chairs

Kelly Wearstler interior decor

 

 

 

Large-Ceramic-Floor-Lamp-by-Georges-Pelletier34inches

Mid Century ceramic Floor Lamp by Georges Pelletier

34 inches tall

 

 

Large-Ceramic-Pitcher-Decorated-and-Signed-by-2-Potiers

Potier ceramic pitcher and bowl decorated by Andre Aleth Masson

 

 

 

Large-floor-pot with artifact surface and shabby chic sofa with large shell chandleier

Boho shell chandelier with large artifact surface pot and shabby chic sofa

 

 

 

Lisa-Hammond ceramic bottle

Lisa Hammond

 

 

 

Living-Room-Coffee-Table-Asian-Furniture-Set-With-Low-Wood-Table

Japanese wooden furniture set

 

 

 

London-designer-Charles-Mellersh-photo-Chris-Tubbs-

Italian ceramic compote – London interior designer Charles Mellersh

photo Chris Tubbs

 

 

 

Marcello-Fantoni-Vase with abstract motif

 Marcello Fantoni vase

 

 

Mid-Century-decor

Mid Century decor

 

 

 

Mid-Century-decor--

Incised cone shaped Mid Century lamp base

 

 

Mid-Century-floor-pots

NY apartment – tall cactus ( wood element) tempered by large ceramic pots (earth)

vogue.com

 

 

 

Black Mobile-Sculpture-by-Costello2010-VENTURA

Black abstract kinetic sculpture by Costello

2010

 

 

Modern-front-door-by-Michael Fullen Design Group.

Either a ceramic door stop or a real dog?

Michael Fullen Design Group

 

 

nudes_2_houseandgarden

Watermelon pink sofa and bright yellow cushions with the pink moving to the vase and the feature painting

Samantha Todhunter

 

 

Nude-female-motif-vase_rene-buthaud, France

Nude female in hat vase-  Rene Buthaud

 

 

 

Pair-of-Danish-Ceramic-Vases-by-Michael-Andersen-&-Sons

Danish vase pair – Michael Andersen & Sons

 

 

 

Old-World-French-Style-Decorating-Ideas

Old World 18th Century wall plaster finishes supporting the antiques decor. The symmetry of the wrought iron wall sconces, chairs and lidded majolica vases highlighting the  large painting.

 

 

Pair--Textured-Ceramic-Table-Lamp-1960s-Talisman

Pair of textured and incised ceramic table lamps

1960’s – Talisman

 

 

PHILLIPS-Jean-Dunand,-Large-vase-Galerie-Michel-Giraud

Large Art Deco geometric design vase – Jean Dunand

 

 

 

PHILLIPS--White-‘Cycladic’-arrow-form,-1975,-Hans-Coper

White ‘Cycladic’ arrow form – Hans Coper

1975

 

 

 

Piero Fornasetti-e-madolin Magazine-Rack

Piero Fornasetti mandolin magazine rack

1stdibs – Navarro Gallery, Canada

 

 

Samantha-Todhunter-design La-Fraissinede Buddha statue

Villa La Fraissinede Buddha statue – Samantha Todhunter design.

 

 

 

Ethan-Stern-glass-sculpture

‘In Urban Nocturne’ glass sculpture – Ethan Stern

2012

 

 

 

-Sight-Unseen-Gio-Ponti abstract table, vases and wall art

Abstract vases, table and wall art – Gio Ponti

 photographed by Andy Barter

 

 

Spanish-Colonial-Architecture

Spanish Colonial Interior design

 

 

Studded-door--Kelly-Wearstler-Residential-#kellywearstler-#interior-#design

The simple shape of the biomorphic sculpture in contrast to the intricate patterns of the decor

Kelly Wearstler Residential

 

 

 

Tane '- (Seed), - circa-2013-Makiko-Hattori

‘Tane’  (Seed), –  Makiko Hattori

circa 2013

 

 

This-monumental-Belleek-porcelain-ice-pail-and-cover,-known-as-the-Prince-of-Wales-Ice-Pail,-is-a-testament-to-the-excellence-of-Belleek-artistry.-c

Monumental Belleek porcelain ice pail and lid

 

 

 

 

Valérie-Hadida ceramic female figure sculpture

Contemporary French sculptor Valérie Hadida

 

 

 

Vase-Designed-by-Axel-Salto-for-Royal-Copenhagen,-Denmark,-1945-19-inches-height

Axel Salto vase for Royal Copenhagen, Denmark

 

 

 

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Balinese home with earthy palette. Important concentration of Earth elements in the room centre with the stone sculpture and ceramic pot.

Photo © Flodeau.com

 

 

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Alexandra and Michael Misczynski interior design. Earth added to the room centre with the carved stone table and ceramic pot.

 

 

interior-design-by-axel-vervoordt cabinet with Chinese porcelain

Cabinet with Chinese porcelain jars, ewers and tea pots

 

 

interior-design-by-edouard-vermeulen

Weathered pottery with antique side table and distressed wall panels

 

 

 

Grès-émaillé,-1300°C,-réduction,-45×34×6-cmGrès-émaillé,-1300°C,-réduction,-45×34×6-cmDe-Crousaz-Hugues--

De Crousaz Hugues

Stoneware, 1300 ° C, reduction,

 

 

 

Vase-Sculpture-made-by-Per-B-Sundberg,-Sweden-2013MODERNITY-Sweden

Textured ceramic sculpture by Per B Sundberg, Sweden

 

 

 

 

Fred-Bould---Torso-Vase-Nambé

Fred Bould— ‘Torso Vase’

Nambé

 

 

 

Planchart-villa-outdoor-decorative-wall-Gio Ponti

Nothing like livening up the courtyard with a Gio Ponti modernist mosaic sculpture

Planchart villa, Venezuela

 

 

 

Scarlett-Colombari-Miami2015-Ph-James-Harris-02

50s Italian design maestro Gio Ponti did the architectural and interior design for  Villa Planchart in Venezuela. Almost sixty years later in Miami, Galleria Rossella Colombari recreated the style of those interiors with an installation at Design Miami. It featured a sofa by Carlo Graffi, a fireplace sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro and a pair of seatings by Carlo Mollino. Also Gio Ponti ceramic wall plates and writing desk with an abstract sculpture by Bruno Gambone

Photo by James Harris

 

 

 

Mariko-Swisher-contemporary-ceramic-horse

“Horse in Meditation” – Mariko Swisher

PHOTO: Bob Barrett

marikoswisher.com

 

 

jules-sarlandie-embossed-floral-enameled-vase

Jules Sarlandie Embossed Floral Enameled Vase

 

 

pair-of-pino-signoretto-black-and-pure-gold-murano-glass-vases

Pair of contemporary deco Pino Signoretto Black and Pure Gold Murano Glass Vases

 

 

 

philip-baldwin-monica-guggisberg-verona-vase

Philip Baldwin & Monica Guggisberg – ‘Verona’ ovoid vase

 

 

 

porcelain-vase-by-babs-haenen

Abstract porcelain vase- Babs Haenen

 

 

 

 

 

 

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