Dark Rooms

In the meanwhile I have seen a lot of images about interior design and one point really sticks out - many rooms are incredibly dark, especially hallways. I would like to know what the reason for this is. I could possibly understand this in geographical regions where sunlight is abundant but still I could not stand dark rooms, even less in areas where the winters are long and dark.

The design of this hallway is harmonious but very dark especially as the adjacent rooms seem to be dark as well unless this has been photographed in the evening but I doubt it. The illuminated graphics on the wall cannot really lighten this space up, the pottery - although wonderful - adds to the sinister feel I would have in this room.

In order to show how paintings can make a difference in similar rooms such as this one I added these silk paintings virtually, in order to add a bit of colour and another feeling to a dark room.

original image source from http://www.getdecorating.com

The two collages/paintings belong to the Magical Symbols series and are painted on silk. They are also stitched to add more texture.

"Minoans I and II"
(from the Magic Symbols series) 
40" x 13" each, silk
©Petra Voegtle

~

If you would like to see details of these paintings, Minoans I and II please see this link and this link.

The Minoans in the Hallway...

The painting that hangs in the original image source on the same place disappears a bit behind the plant and is too neutral for my feeling. I think this elegant hallway deserves artwork that is a bit more prominent.

Also I thought that the delicate art deco style of the entrance door and the filigree stair railing would be complemented nicely by the two delicate silk paintings which start to shimmer when light is on them. But again this is only a potential scenario and does not want to diminish the intent of the original interior designer or home owner.

If you would like to know more about these paintings, Minoans I and II please see this link and this link.

original image source from http://www.getdecorating.com

"Minoans I and II"
(from the Magic Symbols series)
40" x 13" each, silk
©Petra Voegtle
.

The Charm of old Walls and ancient Motifs

In one of my later posts I talked about the charm of old walls. This is another example. While I wrote about two silk paintings from the Magic Symbols series and ancient Minoan culture in my German blog I am showing here how wonderfully these paintings would harmonize with the old walls of this room.

Details about these silk paintings can be found here or click on the photos below.

original image source from http://www.forum-dueren.de

"Minoans I and II"
(from the Magic Symbols series)
40" x 13", silk
©Petra Voegtle

And what would you say about an interior design that is nearly 4000 years old? Doesn't these images reveal a charm that could be originated in any contemporary grand mansion? But these images come from the grand palace in Knossos on Kreta:

(from http://www.historywiz.com/minoanarchitecture.html)

( from http://www.antikefan.de)

Ancient Cultures in a modern Living Room...

Silk paintings about ancient cultures fit very well into a modern interieur. When we think of even much older art such as the cave paintings which have been found in Australia we realize that their forms seem to be timeless.

original image source from Schütz Flechtwerke, French catalogue, 1999