Rethinking the Look of Things No. 67 - Repeat, Repeat, Repeat - A Relection on Repetition

 

I have this thing for repetition, and yet it is easy to mistake it for boring if we aren't mindful to commit to a curious path in our every day lives. Our daily routine can become our purgatory if we aren't careful, our monotony. The phrase, nothing new under the sun could apply to the design world if we let it, introducing monotony into our homes. Design isn't about creating something new, it is about an artist's impression, an interpretation, originating a new idea from a familiar thing.

Repetition is retelling a story about a collection that we love. It can be as simple as the repetition of two like items in a space which creates balance, symmetry or it can be displaying a large collection of like items in an uncommon way to create drama.

The drama of repetition can be interpreted in many ways. Energetic. Glamorous. Charming. Alluring. Fun. Flirty. Elegant. Whimsical. Enticing. Playful.

Repetition's story can also be a perceptive lesson if we are paying attention. I think this is why it has me entranced. It's too simplistic to be meaningful. Or is it silently teaching us to develop in place and restore momentum?

The photo of the balloons flying up from the piano is explained by it's creator, Federico Piccirillo, a three-D motion designer as, “My new project is a study around light and space. I tried to show how something immaterial like music can fill the room with his beauty.…”.  This is impactful to me as an interior designer. The musical notes being represented by a repetitive dance of balloons all in the same color is a reminder of the responsibility of the designer in how the light and space in a room is filled when designing that space.

Most of my pins on my Pinterest board entitled, Repeat, Repeat, Repeat are retelling the story of simple objects. Taking the object, partnering it with more of the same in an atypical way. An artful way of rethinking the look of things and how we learn from them.

The statement of repetition in a design plan takes a hand of restraint so that is partnered with balance. This is no different than any other design element brought into a plan. In a well-designed space there needs to be a function given to each piece. A function of comfort, a function of mood, a function of art, a function of storytelling, a function of well being, a function of living. 

The responsibility of a designer is a radical one. We are creating a space that invites the client to restore momentum, develop in place, and be curious about life.

Keep in mind that repetition is not always found in our home's design. It can be found in our garden, on our daily walk, in our travels, our visit to that museum, at the train station we are at every day in route to work, on the shelf of our shoe cobbler, at our coffee shop, at our local park. Those locations that are repetitive in our daily routine or are our favorite spots we visit over and over again, bring lessons anew if we are paying attention.

I'm reminded of repetition in many ways but it all started with Pete and Repeat were sitting on a fence... and elevated to something of deeper meaning for me.

Sources: AD Magazine, Style Court, Wine Republic, Conde Nast Traveler, Flickr, Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest

Be Inspired No. 86 - Stuck on Repeat

There is a silent beauty in repetition. Some of the repeated patterns in this blog post are thought out - arranged in an artful way. Others are happenstance from every day routine, like the hotel keys. Yet they are not cluttered. There is a clarity and unity.

"Patterns of repetition aren't just musical techniques. They're invitations for listeners to participate". (theguardian.com). Our attraction to getting stuck on repeat provides a comfort.  It also gives our eyes and mind a calm when we recognize the art form of repetition.

Would one jockey have the same effect on this building's entrance? I think not.

Two heads are better than one; how about a whole row? The repetition of these faces says yes!

Building architecture is a common arena of repetition designed for enjoyment from the exterior as well as the interior. However, the emphasis of color on the repetition calls it out to be noticed. Even if a missing shutter on this building in Amsterdam breaks the repetitive pattern. Maybe it wasn't the thing you noticed at first or perhaps forgave because the repetition is beautiful to that point.

The repeat of pattern in tufted upholstery and millinery is the art of skilled craftsmen. A lure that withstands the test of time, even with timeworn character.

A simple daily bread delivery, the Hanging Heads at Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum in Scotland, stacked logs, and a basket of paint brushes - repetition at its finest, planned or happenstance. Beautiful all the same.

The anonymous folk song dating to the mid-20th century, 99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall, doesn't provide that artful repetition like this wine bottle light fixture. Or perhaps that depends on the performers and the audience?

Raw material stack piled waiting to be used in the creation of a seat of comfort or a new purse or shoes - repetition waiting to be singled out.

And the rhythm of a collection. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Invitations for the observer to participate in the calm, peaceful, untroubled; tranquil.

Sources: Tumblr, Fuller View, Flickr, Habitually Chic Blogspot, Pinterest, Kelly Wearstler, TheGuardian.com