Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Principles of Design
Introduction
No one can set absolute rules for
creating exceptional design, but by
understanding the raw ingredients
(elements) and knowing how to
combine them in an organized manner
(principles), one will have a better
chance of creating a pleasing interior.
Elements of Design
Space, Line, Form/Shape, Texture, Color, Value
Space
open,
uncluttered,
cramped,
busy
Line
Line
Line
Line
Line
Texture
Texture
Color
Color
Color
Which color scheme creates the most excitement?
Why? Feels the most opulent? Which would you
choose for a playroom? Living room? Bedroom?
Value
Methods
Shade Degree of darkness of a color; add
black to obtain shade
Tint A pale or faint variation of a color; add
white to obtain tint
Value
Principles of Design
Balance, Rhythm, Emphasis, Scale,
Proportion and Harmony
Balance
Rhythm
Emphasis
Scale and Proportion
Harmony
Balance
Symmetrical / Formal
Asymmetrical / Informal
Radial
Formal Balance
Informal Balance
Symmetrical Balance
Formal Balance
Mirror Image
Easy to appreciate
and create
Quiet and restful
Lends itself to
classical and
traditional interiors
Creates a logical focal
point
Symmetrical Balance
Symmetrical Balance
Asymmetrical Balance
Informal Balance
Visual weights are equal
Elements differ on each side of the axis
Suggest movement, arouses our curiosity
Provokes thought
Has more lasting appeal
Less obvious than symmetrical balance
Found in contemporary rooms
Relies totally on a sense or feeling of being
balanced.
Asymmetrical Balance
Asymmetrical Balance
Radial Balance
spokes on a bicycle
Chairs around a circular
table
Chandeliers
Radial Balance
Rhythm
Repetition
Progression / Gradation
Transition
Contrast
Repetition
Simplest method of
rhythm
Repeated use of
various elements
(color, pattern, line,
ornament, texture,
etc.)
Can be more
interesting if alternated
with other elements.
Too little repetition
lacks unity and leads to
confusion
Be careful not to repeat
the elements too much
or ..
Repetition
Progression/ Gradation
A sequence produced by
increasing or decreasing
one or more qualities.
Shape/Mass: size large
to small
Color: light to dark
Ordered, systematic
change that suggest
movement toward a goal
More dynamic than simple
repetition.
Flour Canisters
Rugs with borders
from dark to light
Nesting tables
Stair step design
in windows
Transition
Transition
Transition
Opposition/Contrast
Deliberate placing of
forms or colors to
create opposition by
abrupt change
instead of gradual.
Exciting
Old and new
Ornate with plain
Vertical lines
meeting horizontal
lines
Opposition/Contrast
Emphasis
Emphasis
Proportion
Golden section
Harmony
Unity
Variety
Harmony is
achieved by:
Asymmetrical
Balance, Harmony
Rhythm through
repetition of texture
How is harmony
achieved?
Balanced: yes
Type of balance:
radial
Type of rhythm:
repetition and
transition
How is unity
achieved?: variety of
colors and textures,
unity of ceiling colors
and base that runs
throughout
What type of
rhythm?
Transition and
repetition
Harmony is
achieved by unity
of shape and
color, variety of
color in flooring
and ceiling.
In Conclusion
The elements and principles of design are
seldom applied self-consciously. It will take
much practice to achieve good design through
the use of the elements and principles. By
studying designs that work for different
situations, we can start to develop a sense of
good design.