Chapter 8 Elements and Principles of Interior Design 223 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. ■ Circles. Symbolizing infinity, unity, continuity, femininity, safety, and protection, circles confine what is within them and keep other things out. Their use in design is less common therefore, they attract attention. Use them sparingly for more impact. ■ Triangles. Symbolizing stability, action, and masculinity, triangles give the feeling of dynamic energy. ■ Rectangles and squares. Symbolizing solidity, order, formality, security, and equality, rectangle shapes are more pleasing to the eye than square ones. Most interior spaces are rectangular and, therefore, most construction materials support this shape. Squares are stable, serene, and represent the pure and rational. Repetitive use of square shapes is pleasing to the eye. Organic, or shapes based on nature, are pleasing and suggest constancy, comfort, and spontaneity. More curved than angular, they are interestingly irregular in their design. Two organic or natural types of shapes include amoeba-like curves that are meandering and irregular, and spirals that symbolize creativity, expansion, and transformation (often found in such items as seashells). In interiors, one shape may predominate, such as a square or rectangle. Using multiple types of shapes in the same room is ideal. Using only one shape in a room can produce monotony or boredom. Too many of both types of shapes create chaos and a lack of order that is difficult for the human brain to process. What is the result in either case? The person will leave the room. Repeated use of identical shapes produces movement in a space and carries the eye around a room, Figure 8-9. An interior designer can modify or enhance shapes by using elements such as light, color, and texture. In interior design practice, there are many uses for shapes. These include ■ company logos ■ directional signage ■ interior materials (patterned fabrics) ■ furniture plans ■ accessories (area rug) A B C ihor_seamless/Shutterstock.com ihor_seamless/Shutterstock.com SSylenko/Shutterstock.com Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock.com Figure 8-8 Geometric shape is just one category of shape used in interior design. These shapes include (A) circles, (B) triangles, and (C) rectangles or squares. Design by Lita Dirks & Co., LLC Photography by Chris Johnson Figure 8-9 Using multiple shapes in a room is ideal. What shapes can you identify in this image?