Playing With Shadows

Sometimes the best design inspiration strikes when you’re far from home. We came across this space while abroad and it instantly shifted how our thoughts about space, art, and organic division. This room was a masterclass in blending minimalism with artistic drama, all without overwhelming the senses.

But the most arresting element of the room was the angular sculpted busts and their unexpected shadows. Hung high on either side of the room and facing each other across a suspended geometric mobile, these pieces brought a kind of silent dialogue to the room. As lighting shifted, their shadows created bold, abstract patterns on the white walls

We were immediately drawn to how effortlessly the room was divided—not with walls or heavy furniture, but with a living partition of gold shelving and cascading plants. The structure itself is light and open, allowing light to pass through and not fully closing off the other area. This was not just a divider; it was a sculptural feature that added movement and freshness, drawing the eye upward with every leafy curve.

Thinking of adding something like this in your home? If you're working with an open floor plan or need to break up a space without fully cutting it off, try using open shelving filled with potted plants. Look for shelves in warm metallic finishes—like gold or bronze—for a contemporary-meets-classic touch.