Analyze This

If you want to give your guests some food for thought, how about adding some Rorschach-style artwork to your home? These ambiguous inkblots were created in 1921 by Hermann Rorschach, a Swiss psychiatrist whose personality test became a gold standard throughout the 1940s and ‘50s among clinical psychologists, until critics claimed it was too subjective. Today the thought-provoking images are back in style, particularly for living rooms, dens, family rooms and even bedrooms, though I think they might keep me awake!

I like the somewhat edgy version of inkblots by artist Adam Helms in the rather traditional master bedroom of this New York apartment.

Photo Courtesy of HouseBeautiful.com

Looking for a party game for your next get-together? This series of nine inkblots from mothology.com is  engaging and though-provoking. Again, a contrast of modernistic with traditional décor.

Photo Courtesy of itcomesfullcircle.com

This trio of inkblots fills what could have been a forgotten bit of wall space. Notice how the clear acrylic chair frames the lowest one, and the way the silhouette on the pillow somewhat echoes the Rorschach theme.

Photo Courtesy of apartmenttherapy.com

You could always go really big and make a Rorschach-like print the center of attention in a very clean-lined room like this one.

Photo Courtesy of sadieandstealla.com

So what do you think? Ready to Rorschach? We promise not to analyze your selections!