Fine Art Decorating and Design Psychology

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By Kathleen Karlsen

Design psychology is the use of psychological principles to create positive indoor environments. A growing body of evidence indicates that artwork, interior design and other aspects of the visual environment are a determining factor in every area of human life. Design psychology is also known as human factors design, evidence-based design and architectural psychology.

Creating interiors through design psychology involves three main aspects of indoor environments: interior design, architecture and use of materials. A surprising amount of studies have been done on the psychological impact of interior spaces. Much of this research substantiates the ideas present in more esoteric approaches to interior design such as feng shui. This article will focus on the use of artwork in interior design.

The impact of the artwork that surrounds us is significant. Knowing about the psychological aspects of different styles of decoration and applying this knowledge can result in greater control over many facets of life. For example, the images in artwork can be uplifting or depressing, romantic or confrontational, inspiring or discouraging.

Many images are endowed with religious and philosophical meaning. Mountains are symbols of strength, endurance and spirituality. The sun is representative of illumination and wholeness. The moon is symbolic of hidden aspects of life. When we understand the symbolic meaning associated with design psychology, art can be chosen with the intention to invoke particular feelings or emotional states or to remind the viewer of resolutions or goals.

Major categories of artwork and decorative patterns include scenes and motifs drawn from nature, animal images, human portraits, geometric designs and abstractions. Each category can be advantageous in home and office settings and can assist in a variety of design psychology purposes.

Motifs drawn from nature are highly suitable for areas where relaxation is a primary goal. Studies conducted in the field of psychoneuroimmunology (the science of the relationship between the mind and the mind, body and immune system) indicate that scenes of nature reduce emotional and physiological stress. In offices, landscapes can be helpful in reception and waiting areas to decrease anxiety and impatience. Scenes of nature also work well for living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms.

Images of animals are fundamental in every culture on earth. Beginning with prehistoric cave paintings, animal forms have invariably graced man's interior environments. Animal forms can be divided into three major design psychology categories: domestic animals, wild animals and mythical beasts.

Images of domestic animals images are useful for areas where a sanctuary is desirable: children's bedrooms, playrooms, and family rooms. Domestic animals symbolize peace, loyalty and service.

The thrill of freedom embodied in innumerable depictions of wild animals is undeniable. They can serve as powerful symbols of strength, flexibility, speed, courage and independence when strategically placed in an office or home.

Mythical beasts exist in the realm of the imagination. They represent future potential and magical, unlimited resources. Images of mythical beasts can be utilized in homes or offices for enhancing one's future goals and career objectives.

Human portraits, either of historical persons or of family members, can be both inspiring and comforting. However, portraits should be thoughtfully placed in living and working areas where you don't mind the sense of someone watching you!

Geometric designs-predominately utilized in wallpaper, rug and upholstery-have diverse psychological effects. Straight lines are strong, masculine and static. Vertical lines produce alertness. Horizontal lines, however, may put you to sleep! Curvy lines suggest the feminine and organic and are appropriate for homelike environments.

How, then, can we harness the power of design psychology inherent in the choices we make in decorating our visual environments? For one thing, we almost always have the freedom to choose the artwork and images that we place on our desks, tables, bookshelves and walls. Most of us choose these images with the ubiquitous rationalization that such decisions are simply a matter of personal preference. There is another option. Intentionally chosen artwork can be a simple, inexpensive solution to creating a supportive environment and a powerful tool for self-transformation.

With the proliferation of an almost infinite variety of images and designs today, finding those that are geared toward a particular psychological effect is increasingly easy. And creating a more purposeful decorating scheme in your home or office can be a truly life-enhancing experience.

Kathleen Karlsen, MA is an artist, writer and web design consultant residing in Bozeman, Montana. Kathleen has a bachelor's degree in studio art and a master's degree in humanities. Kathleen is best known for her contemporary impressionism art work including colorful flower paintings, forest paintings and landscape art. Kathleen's original art and small framed art for fine art gifts can be seen at http://www.livingartsoriginals.com

To see Kathleen's unique forest paintings, visit http://www.livingartsoriginals.com/originalforests.htm - For an extensive article on color symbolism, see http://www.livingartsoriginals.com/infocolorsymbolism.htm

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