Circles can be focal point for room decoration
I find it captivating to play with a single shape in design. One of the most common and compelling is the ubiquitous circle.
The circle has many symbolic associations that bring meaning consciously or unconsciously to its presence in art and architecture. It represents eternity; having no beginning and no end, it holds the past, present and future. A wheel represents continual motion, moving forward and back in time and space.
A halo is a circle of light connoting religious goodness and represents that which is holy and beatific. The magical arc of a rainbow connects earth and sky and brings good cheer and hope to all who see it. A ring is a sign of union, promise and also authority.
You can think of the circle as the democratic shape, for seated at a round table, nobody has a more prominent position. This encourages an equitable seating arrangement for animated dinner parties, as well as more serious meetings.
Create a dynamic wall using the versatility and playfulness of simple circles.
A sphere, or ball, because of its round shape, is unstable and symbolizes fortune or chance. We pit ourselves against its ability to roll in games at all levels, being a shape that contributes to equal parts fun and frustration.
Because of their versatility and spirit, I chose circles to create a focal wall for the modern bedroom shown here. Circles with a 12-inch diameter were cut from 5/8-inch MDF. Then 8-inch circles were cut out to form the rings. I painted all the rings with high-gloss white paint and mounted them on the wall with screws. To produce the look and feel of a headboard, I upholstered some of the inner circles by layering foam and batting and covering with white canvas stapled to the back of the circles. The soft round shapes were adhered within the lower rings with construction adhesive.
The white circle grid is very modern and dramatic against a dark background. A pastel wall and multicolored circles would suit a whimsical nursery scene; a strong primary palette is fun for a playroom. You can invent endless pattern formations and select fabrics with colorful designs and textures to build the mood. For a guest room or den, the padded circle grid makes an interesting back for a daybed or backless couch. Run the grid down to the base of the wall and line up small mats or seat cushions along the floor.
You can find a wonderful collection of wallpapers with a circle theme at your decorating store or on the Internet. Waverly has a vibrant border called Bryant Border-Aubergine, or a subtle wallpaper, Columbus Circle Companion-Spa, which has fabrics to complement. Check out Waverly's Grand Central fabric circle pattern for real whimsy and edge.
Painting circles is not difficult. Use a stencil to draw the shape, then build up the dimension of a ball or bubble by painting in darker shadows at the bottom and slightly up one side of the circle.
Circle disks also make great frames for photos. Set up three to five along the wall. Sizes can differ as can background colors. Or use the grid and create a pattern by alternating blank circles and decorative ones. Once you begin playing with the shape, you'll come up with your own unique display. Email photos to me, I'd love to see your circular vision.
