Decor Definition

A Decor definition is often read as follows: furnishings or a setting by style, layout, or the use of decorations in a room or building.

Its Etymology is derived from French and most often used in the form of a noun.

While this definition is quite simplistic and its use commonplace, there is an alternative definition I prefer to explore in meaning. It is: “A stage setting”.

What Is Decor?

It is easy for us to associate common terms with common meaning. By doing this there are unintended consequences. The words lose value in origin and purpose.

By taking the definition “a stage setting” we have two possible ways to interpret this.

It can be considered as a singular object such as an individual decoration. It also can be taken as the whole of the setting where the sum of the parts make up the whole.

In this way we can separate the use of a word such as decoration from that of the word Decor. Having done this we can further delve into what real purpose the word was intended for and how it was used historically.

Decor was never intended to be an alternative word for decoration. Rather the concept is grounded in the overall impact of a space upon the senses for those who experience that staged setting.

The sum of the individual parts act as a whole in order to be a vehicle impacting emotions, mood, and comfort. Its end goal is to aid the senses through a surrounding in order to achieve a desired outcome by its impression.

Common Uses For Decor

Within this context we will look at some of the most common uses for Decor within our present day world. To fully realize the impact it can have within life we must begin to see beyond individual items of decoration.

Emotional Benefit From Decor

For people who suffer from emotional ailments the use of Decor can offer a sanctuary. It is more than an item and more about the creation of a space. This space must be tailored where the sum of the parts work towards a mutual benefit of the individual.

Those who suffer from anxiety, depression, or other ills can use their environment to aid in transitioning themselves to a better emotional state.

This is most often achieved by the use of items which have meaning, depth, personal value or importance. The stage is set as so to speak in order to create a comfort baseline which brings the emotions down to a manageable level.

Benefits Towards Focus, Drive, And Goal Setting

The same can also be done in order to reinforce positive attitudes towards achievement or success. Here the stage is set towards placing the goals of an individual to be constantly in front of them.

The setting often allows the individual to see the achievement through manageable steps through a progressive process. In this way the setting also allows for measurable reinforcement by what has already been achieved.

Decor Use For Health And Wellness

General use of Decor towards health and wellness is also commonplace. Live plants, specific light spectrum’s, and how objects are placed within a space can play a role to this end.

This can be approached from two common avenues. First is the principle of recovery from something which an individual has suffered or experienced. The second is maintaining the current health and well being of where someone is at.

Intersecting Uses Of Decor

Decor can be used in a way which intersects these different ideas for a personal experience towards an end. As an example, this can be achieved by combining aspects from Health and Wellness and also goal setting or obtaining focus.

Often these different concepts can and will share a mutual benefit for an individual. Over time the need for this Decor may change as the individual progresses forward by both achievements and time.

Decor: A Stage Setting

From the above examples it is easy to see the power behind the definition and principle of Decor being a stage setting. While in principle it is a noun when used by common vernacular, what it gives is actionable sensory input for the mind and body.

In this way Decor is an environment which acts upon us in a physical sense more like a verb within living life. The way in which the stage is set will in turn impact how well we respond, process, recover, and reflect in that space.

This stage works best when it is personal in nature tailored for the individual. Rather than creating a general cookie cutter space as can often be found in public places, we need our personal space to reflect who we are.

It is for this reason that a home should reach beyond generic decoration and more into personal definition, meaning, and insight.

Using Art As Decor

You can redefine your personal space to create a unique definition of experience by using Art as decor. Through realizing the purpose of art we can see how its depth reaches both to the Decor of the space and also inner depth of meaning.

Art can become the motif which defines the setting and also give reflection, calm, healing, and other elements. This is achieved due to its ability to communicate visually by symbols, objects, and impression.

It is through the elements of art by which this non verbal communication impacts the emotions and human experience. It is the artists vision which transmits this and can have multiple layers of meaning to different individuals.

Historical Use Of Decor’s Definition

Within history those who determined and defined the Decor of their time was more often than not artists. These artists were more than painters or sculptors. Many were also craftsmen and tradesmen within their own specialty.

The benefit to Decor within history was that when one set their stage within a personal home there would be many unique features. The artisans would be the ones creating for the individual and each outcome could be more unique or personally tailored from the one before.

The Decor within history was far more personal and could often be unique individual works of art. A home was not mass produced to spec then furnished from the same stores like thousands of others around them.

In past times the home could be considered a canvas by which Decor was used to paint its picture for those who lived within its spaces.

Decline Of Decor To Decoration

The word Decor in our modern world has shifted in meaning to more commonly be referenced as decoration. This twist on its meaning is due to a change in mentality from stage setting to mass produced items for merchandising.

While this has aided in more products at affordable prices it has also removed much individuality and distinction from home to home. The focus today is more about theme setting rather than tailoring personal space as a unique work.

Modern interior design is focused and geared towards this modern definition. Individuality can only go as far as what mass production can offer. Resourcing artisans in our present world is far more difficult and costly than in history.

While this personal customization can still be found today few can afford it. Those who do resource older Decor methods often do so in parts and pieces.

Creating A Custom Definition For Decor

In order to create a custom definition within you life from Decor all you must do it reach out to the artists around you. They can forever alter the quality of your life through the touch that can be given to your home.

This process may seem unnatural from the typical norm which pervaded throughout society. The outcome though can allow for an experience which no others can offer and no one else has.

Communication is the key in achieving this goal. Communicate clearly the vision which you have and give the artist the freedom to create within those guidelines or boundaries.