Mind the Design! Part 2
Last month, with our inaugural blog, we introduced you to the concept of Psychology in the context of interior design and decorating. This month, we’re going to dig a little deeper and begin to delve into the ways Design Psychology can be best used in homes and workspaces.
A combination of complementary textures, warm and cool colors and compatible patterns make this a cozy and inviting space.
While the influence of color on the human psyche has been analyzed for centuries, studies of the use of Psychology in Design as it relates to people’s living and working environments only began as recently as around 1810. And while more articles and papers have been written in the past few years than ever before, it’s important to note that many of these pieces speak to only certain aspects of the impact of design, such as discussing the symbolism of a design element. They wholly ignore design’s impact on overall wellness and the actual effect it may have on different personalities.
The use of color, texture, pattern, light and even acoustics is critical in creating wellness in a home or work environment, and how that combination works successfully, is as unique as each individual. Understanding how families can have their own holistic space within the overall home design is equally essential to creating a good place for every person to thrive
One of the primary aspects of good ‘wellness’ design, and one that is often overlooked, is cohesion. Cohesion in design means the mind doesn’t have to work to compensate or find balance in surroundings where its missing. Inclusion of all the elements of design into a cohesive plan can provide much needed balance.
In this case, the use of muted colors creates a calm and relaxing atmosphere. A mixture of sizes and shapes creates balance. Function is achieved in the form of good bedside lighting and useful bedside table design. Cohesion!
Balance can, but does not necessarily, mean equal or symmetrical. Just as a good photograph or painting uses the concept of thirds - and the Rule of Odds can be successfully deployed with furnishings, fixtures and construction components - balance requires that various aspects of design relate to each other as much as they relate to the individual whose home or workspace they belong. This may result in symmetry here and asymmetry there, or light in concert with dark, but the overall effect is still balance.
Equally critical is the function of design. Where balance is the work of establishing the relationship between the design elements, function focuses on how the space is used.
A design’s function must work not only to promote organization and ease of use, but it must also be pleasing to the eye and resonate with the client. As such, there is balance in function as well.
TAKE-AWAY: WHEN A DESIGN HAS BOTH BALANCE AND FUNCTION, COHESION, HAPPILY, RESULTS
Going forward, we will discuss in more depth the basic elements of good, balanced interior design and decorating - color, pattern/texture, lighting, acoustics – including construction components to fixtures to furnishings.
‘Til next time!
In case you missed it, check out our first installment: Part 1 - Intro to Psychology & Design