I haven't heard that one either but makes sense on a basic level. We seem to hear the same decorating mantras/advice/memes over and over again. Nice to hear something new (at least to me).

Thanks for sharing annie.

What's interesting is that in haircutting, we use horizontal lines for strength, vertical for lightness, and diagonal for blending the two. Diagonal is for lightness, too. Opposite of what she said for decorating. Food for thought.

Interesting and something I've never heard in those terms. Could you give examples, since I seem to be somewhat dim at getting this? I tried to think of vertical lines, and beadboard pops in my head...something I've never considered formal. If you don't mind, I'd appreciate help with this.

sujafr, picture white columns at an entryway, or a line of tall trimmed hedges flanking a walkway, or a dining room with black/cream vertical striped wallpaper. Those all say "formal" and "stately" to me. Just examples that popped to mind when I read Annie's post that might get your mind heading in that direction.

When Annie made her examples I automatically thought of pattern lines on draperies. It helped me focus the ideas. But also:

horizontal lines say relaxation - think of beds and couches

vertical lines say formality and strength - think of columns or post and beam construction

diagonal lines - slight off the beaten track and a little out of the expected and ordinary

circular lines - for me self-explanatory - softer than straight lines and curvy

Annie, she probably meant Million Dollar Decorators for the tv show, it does indeed show wonderful and tasteful decors, it's on Bravo and you can see some of the past shows online and some clips.

Here is a link that might be useful: Million Dollar Decorators website

Perhaps this will help.

[Contemporary Bedroom design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-bedroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_715~s_2103) by Chicago Interior Designer Michael Abrams Limited

She made a big point about why coverlets at the end of a bed look so nice....they create the horizontal lines that say "relax"...as in this pic.

The vertical lines of the drapes look very strong and add formality to the room.

The angled lines on the lamp or the diagonal line on the step stool and the diagonal formed by the placement of the tray on the ottoman add creativity and a contrast to the other straight lines in the room.

Finally the round pillows on the bed and the round ottoman add softness to the otherwise more harsh straight lines in the room.

Thanks so much to all of you for the helpful illustrations! Now it makes more sense! Your images show the effects very well. I'd not thought of decor in those terms, so this was enlightening! I suppose there's always an exception to the rule, and I'll just consider vertical beadboard as that.