Decorating For Power

Decorating For Power
By Joey Lewitin

Your personal surroundings are made up of your own individual choices, and as such can say a lot about who you are and what you want the world to think of you. If you are trying to evoke an ambience of power in order to enhance your image, then it is important to understand how people will react to your setting, and use this understanding in a strategic manner. In this way you can control the perceptions of those who enter your space.

ORGANIZATION

Clutter and disorganization evokes a feeling of weakness. An organized person is generally faster and more efficient, and thus can accomplish much more then a disorganized counterpart. Further, personal organization implies mental structure, and clarity of force. A person who keeps their possessions orderly gives off the appearance of one who knows what they want, and knows how to get it. This can be a very important component of creating a powerful décor.

Organization should be done behind closed doors. This means that your various accessories should be placed within cabinets and drawers, and not merely left out on desks or hung from files on the wall. The purchase of large organizational components should win out over piece meal solutions, with regularly used items confined to a single space, and less important items moved into storage in another room.

FOCUS

Once the clutter has been removed from the space, you can direct the focus of a visitor anywhere you want. If you are trying to create a powerful setting for yourself, the logical place to direct the attention of others is on you. If you generally sit at a desk, then the entire room should point towards it, with your various components creating a subtle funnel aimed in that direction. In this way you force those who enter to pay attention to you, and only you, by making yourself the central point in the setting.

ACCENTS

While a powerful room will remain free from clutter, you don't want to create a space that is boring for visitors. This can be prevented by using various accents in key places around the space. However caution should be used when choosing accessories and only strategic items which further the powerful ambience you are trying to create should be used.

Art is a good accent as it shows off your style and sophistication, and makes a bold statement about your taste. Sculpture is especially powerful, as its dimensional nature makes it seam more real to a visitor, giving it a more effective impact. Caution should be used by amateurs when selecting art, as the effect it will have on each person is different, and can sometimes be profoundly repulsive to individuals.

Displaying a chess set shows a willingness to take up a challenge. If you place a chess set in your setting, you may be asked to play. This potential contest elevates your own courage and strength in the subconscious mind of anyone that notices it. While you have to be ready to accept a challenge if it comes, generally its presence alone is enough to lend a sense of aggressive strength to your personality.

Displaying a clock in a space shows that the owner's time is valuable. It can demonstrate an attentive and exacting nature. It can also stave off the feeling of timeless fuzziness which can sometimes invade an ambience where a clock is not present.

There are many different accents you can use to decorate your space. The best guideline is to remain a minimalist, using just a few bold items to make the statement you want. Choose elements which are appropriate, yet striking, and then use that impact, directing its force towards a central location, where you will situate yourself.

By understanding how people react to various elements, and what makes a person perceive a space as "powerful", one can strategically arrange a setting to boost their own image. Through aspects of focus, organization, and strategically placing carefully selected accents to direct attention towards yourself, it is possible to create a space which not only exudes strength, but also lends that quality to you.

About The Author
Joey Lewitin is an artist and designer whose primary medium is natural stone. Using this material he and others at http://PebbleZ.com have created a series of home décor products with a powerful feel.