THEORY OF INTERIOR DESIGN

Assignment submitted by Aaditya, Danu, Ritika.

PRACTICING WITH THE ELEMENTS

Now that we know the six Elements of Design ,
how can we better understand them and how can we make them work for?
Go through decorating magazines and find several pictures dealing with
each of the Elements we have discussed.
That is, find pictures dealing with:
Space: Look for pictures of small area rooms and large area rooms,
Line: Look for pictures in which "line" is quite noticeable. you should be
looking for good examples of vertical, horizontal diagonal and curved
lines.

Form: Find pictures of objects of different shapes and sizes in a room

such as tables, lamps and sofas.
Observe the harmony and balance of line and scale.
Texture: Look for pictures where texture is evident,
Search out casual settings and formal settings.

Are the casual settings more heavily textured than the more formal
settings?
Pattern: Browse through wallcovering books, upholstery samples or
magazine pictures looking for examples of the use and mixing of
patterns.

Color: Look for identical spaces using different colors, e.g. the same room
painted in different tones will illustrate the effect.

Study the pictures that you have chosen relating to the definitions
presented above.
Start observing these six elements in your everyday travels and begin to
understand them better.
Then start using them in your decorating schemes.

INTERIOR DESIGN
"Interior" is used to the inside space of a room or building.
Interior design is a more up-to-date term than is interior decoration. It is
the art that deals with the organization, selection, and arrangement of the
elements of design.
By learning about design--by gaining an appreciation of things
pleasing, by selecting things of good quality--you can soon see many
ways to add beauty.)
A successful interior design project does not have to be expensive.
The smallest of rooms or the barest of furniture can be made livable.
But it involves planning, and it involves training our eyes to
appreciate things of beauty.

Interior design is a practice concerned with anything that is found inside

a space - walls, windows, doors, finishes, textures, light, furnishings and
furniture.
All of these elements are used by interior designers to develop the most
functional space for a building's users
Interior designers must be attuned to architectural detailing including:
floor plans, home renovations, and construction codes.

Interior design is a creative practice that analyzes programmatic

information, establishes a conceptual direction, refines the design
direction, and produces graphic communication and construction
documents

Interior design is the process of shaping the experience of interior space,

through the manipulation of spatial volume as well as surface treatment.
Interior design draws on aspects of environmental psychology,
architecture, and product design in addition to traditional decoration.

When doing interior design it is necessary to think of the house as a

totality; a series of spaces linked together by halls and stairways.
It is therefore appropriate that a common style and theme runs
throughout.
This is not to say that all interior design elements should be the
same but they should work together and complement each other to
strengthen the whole composition.
A way to create this theme or storyline is with the well considered use of
color.
Color schemes in general are a great way to unify a collection of spaces.
For example, we might pick three or four colors and use them in varying
shades thoughout the house.

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
Interior Designers use these elements,
almost intuitively in their day to day
work.

Obviously there is a lot to design

decisions, but one place to start is
understanding design elements.

If we understand these "elements", we

can put them to use in our own
decorating schemes.

Design elements are the building

blocks of a composition.

The elements of design may vary by

individual and category but most often
concern the
shape
space
line
form
texture
color
pattern
light
direction
value
They are the most basic
components of any composition.

visual

Elements and principles of design

When used in varying manners and degrees, the elements create the
principles of design.
Designers incorporate and manipulate these elements, as well as principles,
to create a work of art that is compositionally sound and pleasing to the
viewer and artist alike.
Whether you are working with existing furnishings and fabrics or
starting from scratch with an empty room, Whether you have just
bought your first new home or are planning to redo an old home from
scratch,
we should always use the elements and principles of design as a guide
in choosing everything.
The elements are your tools or raw materials, much like paints are the
basics to a painter.
The elements of design include space, line, form, color, and texture.
The principles of design relate to how we use these elements and are
balance, emphasis, rhythm, proportion and scale, and harmony and
unity.

PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
The principles are used in all design fields.
The principles govern the relationships of the elements used and organize
the composition as a whole.
Successful design incorporates the use of the principles and elements to
serve the designer's purpose and visual goals.

There is no rule for their use, but may be directed by intent.

The designer's purpose drives the decisions made to achieve appropriate
scale and good proportion, as well as the degree of harmony between all
the elements achieved through the sensitive balance of variety.

LINE
Too many lines of different nature in a room
create an impression of visual chaos like
too many beams; paneling on walls etc.,
lines should be restricted to the minimum.
Equal heights in furniture bring in the
impression of unity in the space.
In general terms, line establishes shape
and form.
It suggests movement and leads or moves
the
eye
around
the
room.

The lines in a room are second only to

color in importance when it comes to
setting the overall mood or feeling of a
room.

The lines of window fashions should support the

dominant line of the room.
In most situations, the dominant line is straight
(vertical, horizontal or diagonal) rather than curved.
We choice of emphasizing the direction of lines will
determine the mood we want to create.
Objects in a room can be made to look taller or wider
with the direction of lines.
For example, vertical stripes at a tall window will
make it look taller.
If the lines go in too many directions, it can be
confusing.

HORIZONTAL : Horizontal lines

give an impression of stability.
Long horizontal lines can make a
piece of furniture seem restful.
Similarly
horizontal
lies
are
obtained by tables, chairs, book
cases etc.,
Horizontal lines tend to create a
restful, informal feeling.

They work well in casual rooms

or as relief to the strong verticals
of
formal
rooms.

VERTICAL : Vertical lines add height and

dignity,
creating
a
more
formal
atmosphere.
Vertical lines also balance the horizontal
lines
found
in
most
furniture.
Vertical lines create the impression of
height.
Vertical lines suggest formality and
dignity.

Vertical lines seem to be more formal.

Vertical lines of doorways, draperies,
window ,built in cupboards give
strength and height to a room.

Vertical lines produce

loftiness and formality.

feeling

of

Straight lines move the eye and set the

tone; they are considered to be more
masculine.

DIAGONAL: Diagonal lines create a sense

of drama.
Diagonal lines suggest movement.
Diagonal lines attract attention and lead
the eye.

They can be disturbing unless supported

by verticals or opposing diagonals.

CURVED: Curved lines add interest and relief.

Curved lines add a softening effect and keep
the room from becoming too stiff.
They reflect the personality and ambience of
a room and are considered to be softer and
therefore more feminine.
Use curved lines with some restraint to keep
the room from becoming too soft and overly
feminine.

COLOR
Color and color schemes are fundamental for successful design.
The use of color and different color combinations shape the look
and feel of the final composition.
More than any other element, color can make a room beautiful.
Color can set the mood.

It can make a room warmer or cooler, larger or smaller.

It can hide unsightly features or call attention to the center of interest.
Even with the simplest furnishings, the proper use of color can transform a
room.
A light, cheerful room can lift your spirits

Color is one of the most powerful

tools used in interior design.
Color should be studied both
psychologically and emotionally to
be understood and used correctly.
Know how to select colors under
different lighting conditions.
The amount of light also affects
Color.
Dim lighting reduces a color's value
and diminishes its hue.
High lighting levels can either
intensify the hue or make the color
appear washed out.

Whether the light is natural or

artificial will have an effect on
the final perception of the Color.
Color swatches should be
tested in their actual location
under the expected lighting
conditions
before
final
decisions are made.
The amount of area covered
affects color.
Variations may be negligible in a
small color sample, but may be
overwhelming in the finished
product, color intensifies as the
area of color increases.

Use color to advantage

in planning a scheme
for
your
room
according to one of
these blendings:
Monochromatic
is
when one color is used
in shades, tints, and
tones.
Complementary
is
using
two
colors
opposite each other on
the color wheel, such
as red and green.
Adjacent
adjoining
colors are
as yellow
green.

is
when
or related
used, such
and yellow-

FORM
Generally speaking, rectangular
shapes are more pleasing to the
eye than square shapes.

The rectangle is the most popular

form and is often the dominant
shape in a room.
A
square
shape
generally
suggests a rational, stable form
with no directionality.
A circle implies unity and
completeness. triangle is a
stable, but dynamic shape.

Curved
shapes
soften
contours of objects.

the

Use of form and its attributes affects the inhabitants by reaction.

Functionality and every day use can be portrayed with clean linear lines,
smooth surfaces and minimalistic geometric intersections.
Formal atmospheres tend to have constrained and elaborate shape.

A deep, cushy leather sofa will work best in an informal atmosphere, while
a firm, hard-back chair will work will in a living room or dining room.

Coziness and a feeling of security are

created using long horizontals with
broken verticals and furnishings that are
comfortable,
yet
firm.
In any one room, the various forms
should be harmonious and composed of
similar types of lines.
One of the most important tenets of
interior design is that comfort and
function should not be sacrificed in order
to use a certain form.
For example, if a chair is pleasing to look
at but uncomfortable to sit in, it is not
functional, and is not good interior
design.
Too many different forms can make a
room look busy or fussy.

Learning to see the space or

object
in
positive
and
negative space will bring
about rhythm, harmony and
balance.
Instead of looking at the
space, try to see the space.
Realize its edges, interplay,
and flow between objects.
Optical illusion can make a
room appear taller by adding
shorter objects, and smaller
by breaking the space up into
smaller spaces.

To make the space seem larger, we

should use soft, light, cool colors.
Another way to visually expand our
customer's space is to keep the eye
moving.
This is accomplished by using colors
with low contrast.
If we want to make an area, or space
appear to be smaller and more
confined, we need to use patterns or
dark, warm colors or intense
contrasting colors that will make
walls, etc., seem to advance visually.
If the problem is too much space,
divide the area into smaller segments
through furniture arrangement, the
use of screens, area rugs, and
furniture groupings. Use warm colors
and heavy-scale furniture.

Contrast / Juxtaposition
A dynamic space with overall balance can be had by providing contrast
between its elements: thick with thin, hard with soft, linear with
curvilinear, horizontal with vertical, open with enclosed, and large with
small.
Engage the occupants with ornate details or create establishment with
grids and symmetry.

TEXTURE
To maintain and enhance a casual
feeling, use fabrics that are more
heavily textured, nubby or rough
visual texture.

Smooth, shiny surfaces such as

silk, moir, chintz and silk-like
looks support a more formal
feeling in a room.
Using
several
levels
of
complementary
textures
adds
variety and maintains interest.
However, it is a good idea to avoid
dramatic contrasts in texture.
Surfaces that have character bring
visual interest to the room without
sacrificing overall visual harmony.

The attention to detail becomes apparent

when the occupant gets closer to the texture.
This invites feeling the depth or relief of the
surface while interacting with the room.
Texture can appear smooth or solid if the
scale or appearance of scale is small enough.
This is exagerated by foreshortening when the
areas of uniqueness or variety in the surface
are no longer discernable.
Bring the outdoors inward by providing
textural transitions like rock and tile entry
ways, hard wood flooring and natural fiber
wall coverings.
Create visual interest without making the
room feel enclosed, ornamental or busy, as
large patterns tend to do.

Cohesive use of texture creates

harmony.
Mixing textures without context to
one another, challenges tradition
and creates a mood of avante
garde
Combining patterns with more
contrast of scale helps the eye
distinguish areas of interest and
will prevent visual confusion.
Textures lose their visual variety
when the viewer is further away, so
small textures capitalize on visual
interest without visually cluttering
the room.

The use of several complementary

textures can add variety and keep
interest alive.
Be careful to avoid dramatic
contrasts between the textures
used in a decorating scheme.

For example, it is not a good idea

to use casual, rough burlap in the
same setting with a soft and formal
moir.
Heavily textured, nubby, rough
surfaces absorb more light.
They are more casual in feeling;
they seem to be darker and they
are good at absorbing sound.
Smooth and shiny surfaces are
more formal; they appear to be
lighter and are more reflective of
light.

Textures used in a room help to set the mood or

theme for the room.
For example, fine, elegant textures seem to belong
to more formal furnishings.
A room with many unrelated textures can seem
"busy."
A pleasing variety of textures can create interest in
a room.
Two excellent rules of thumb:
1. Contrast increases variety.

2. Repetition increases unity.

BALANCE
Balance is grouping of shapes and
colors around a center so there is
equal attraction on each side of the
center
Formal balance, often referred to as
symmetrical balance, creates a
mirror image effect.
Symmetrical balance is usually
found in traditional interiors.
Symmetrical
balance
is
characterized by the same objects
repeated in the same positions on
either side of a vertical axis, for
example you might remember old
rooms where on each side of a
room is an exact mirror of the other.

Informal balance means unequal objects

placed unequal distances from the center in
such a way that a feeling of balance is
created.
A good basic tip is that "a heavy looking
object is placed closer to the center."
Informal balance uses different objects of the
same visual weight to create equilibrium in a
room.
It is more subtle and spontaneous and gives a
warmer, more casual feeling
Assymetrical balance is more casual
and less contrived in feeling, but
more difficult to achieve.
Asymmetry suggests movement, and
leads to more lively interiors.

Radial symmetry is
when all the elements
of
a
design
are
arrayed
around
a
center point.
A spiral staircase is
also
an
excellent
example
of
radial
balance.

Though
not
often
employed in interiors,
it can provide an
interesting
counterpoint if used
appropriately.

EMPHASIS
Interior designs
boredom.

biggest

enemy

is

A well-designed room always has,

depending on the size of it, one or more
focal points.
The focal point should be obvious as you
enter the room; it is the area to which your
eye is attracted.
A focal point must be dominant to draw
attention and interesting enough to
encourage the viewer to look further.
Whatever is featured, as the center of
interest? - a fireplace, artwork or a window
treatment framing a beautiful view - must
be sufficiently emphasized so that
everything else leads the eye toward the
featured area.

A fireplace or a flat tv is the first

example that most people think of
when we talk about a room focal
point.
we can add emphasis to a natural
focal point or create one in a room
through effective use of line, form,
color and texture.
If you dont have a natural focal
point in your space, such as a
fireplace for example, you can
create one by highlighting a
particular piece of furniture, artwork,
or by simply painting a contrasting
color in one area.
Try to maintain balance, though, so
that the focal point doesnt hog all of
the attention.

The
ultimate
goal
of
decorating is to create a room
with unity and harmony and a
sense of rhythm.
Repeating
the
elements,
balancing them throughout
the room, and then adding a
little variety so that the room
has its own sense of
personality
accomplishes
this.
Too much unity can be
boring; too much variety can
cause a restless feeling.
Juggling the elements and
principles to get just the right
mix is a key to good design.

RHYTHM
If we would speak about music we
would describe rhythms the beat of
pulse of the music
Rhythm helps the eye to move easily
from one object to another and creates
a harmony that tells the eye everything
in the room belongs to a unified whole.

To achieve these themes in a design, we

need to think about repetition,
progression, transition and contrast.
Using these mechanisms will impart a
sense of movement to your space,
leading the eye from one design
element to another.

Repetition is the use of the same element

more than once throughout a space.
We can repeat a pattern, color, texture, line,
or any other element, or even more than
one element.
Progression is taking an element and
increasing or decreasing one or more of its
qualities.
The most obvious implementation of this
would be a gradation by size.
A cluster of candles of varying sizes on a
simple tray creates interest because of the
natural progression shown.

We can also achieve progression via

color, such as in a monochromatic
color scheme where each element is a
slightly different shade of the same
hue.
Transition is a little harder to define.
Unlike repetition or progression,
transition tends to be a smoother
flow, where the eye naturally glides
from one area to another.
The most common transition is the
use of a curved line to gently lead the
eye, such as an arched doorway or
winding path.
Finally,
contrast
straightforward.

is

fairly

Putting two elements in opposition to one

another, such as black and white pillows
on a sofa, is the hallmark of this design
principle.
Opposition can also be implied by
contrasts in form, such as circles and
squares used together.
Contrast can be quite jarring, and is
generally used to enliven a space.
Be careful not to undo any hard work
youve done using the other mechanisms
by introducing too much contrast!

Another important element of interior design where it is necessary to take

infinite pains is details.
Everything from the trimming on the lamp shade, the color of the piping
on the scatter cushion, to the light switches and cupboard handles need
attention.
Unlike color people find details boring.
As a result it gets neglected and skimmed over or generally left out.
As color expresses the whole spirit and life of a scheme; details are just
as an important underpinning of interior design.
Details should not be obvious but they should be right, enhancing the
overall feel of a room.

PATTERN
Pattern is the repetition of
decorative motif on a surface.

It is closely related to texture, but

individual elements of pattern appear
as individual items and texture
appears as an overall tone.
Pattern provides
decorating.

the

spice

in

As with using spices in cooking, the

interior designer has to be careful
with its use.

Scale is important in the use of pattern.

If a large print is used on a small object the
pattern will get lost.

The skill of using proper pattern combinations is

an important one to cultivate.
We can safely use a floral pattern with a
geometric pattern, a stripe or check.
Be careful not to create an effect that is too busy.
Use patterns that are in proportion to each other.
A large floral would be out of proportion with a
small check.

Overview
Researching the most appropriate elements and their coexistence for the
interior design project becomes much easier when the following
questions are asked:
What type of improvement can the interior design budget sustain?
Remodeling for architectural detail or replacing the window blinds?

What quality or price point will the budget support?

What is the feeling the room should portray to a guest or occupant?
What realistic level of maintenance can be supported (low, med. high) for

the product being considered?

Does the element need a qualified installer or can it be done easily?

Is the style a trend or a classic style? An example would be a retro 1970's
look or contemporary style respectively.
What color scheme is in use? Can the old and new be combined effectively?
Is the layout conducive to traffic flow and ergonomics?
Do patterns overtake the room creating a feeling of visual clutter?
What textures would enhance the mood of the room?

What style are the elements in the current room, and is that style still
acceptable?

Current issues and future directions in the architectural and

interior design world have developed greater synthesis with the
fashion world.
Our private world and our physical self are increasingly in tune
(at least aesthetically) with our public existence and our living
space.
This new dynamic is changing the way
trends.because they are no longer isolated.

we

define

People are increasingly aware that anything in their home makes

a statement about them.
Design is all about re-enforcing individuality now. Which means
there are no strict rules, other than one 'Reflect our
individuality'.

We shall outline the current issues and future directions that

are likely to define interior space.
These issues and directions are not just about interior spaces,
but also on how our living spaces are increasingly reflecting
our lifestyle choices.
On every level.
Overt and subtle.
Contemporary design features continue to hold sway, although the move
away from minimalism, harsh lines and a clinical ambience is replaced with
a touch of old world warmth.
Modern design meets mid-century interior concepts to create spaces that
give us the best of both worldsold and new.

Eclecticism is in
This is the time when that colonial/antique piece of furniture
can be placed alongside your contemporary straight-line sofas,
and not look out of place.
Mix and match is the trend as aesthetic independence
becomes more pronounced.
Ornate fixtures and accessories alongside straight-line
minimalist metal furniture would not be incongruous.

Colors are bold.

Green is the dominant color this
year.
A deeply vibrant green.
Followed by pumpkin orange,
bright
red---in
tones
from
terracotta to cayenne.
Orange,
Yellow,
dominating the palette.

Gold

Deep
cinnamon,
luxurious
violets, turquoise and of course
the other color that is hot--Pinkbright
and
daring.

Metal remains an
feature of design.

extensively

used

The only difference is that it is now mixed

with other mediums, from wood to
leather.
Metal laminates are being used on
everything from walls to furniture.
In tones of bronze, burnished copper,
gold frosted, nickel.and many more.
There is a lot of development in this
particular aspect of interiors and it's
likely to get more and more creative.

Texture.
A word to memorize this year.
Because it touches every feature of design.
On walls, in fabrics, in wood finishes, in
flooring concepts.anything and everything
defined by texture.
Flooring shows increased use of carpet tiles,
and carpets that focus on tones and weaves
rather than motifs.
In tiles, ceramics are out, porcelain is in.
Glass continues its reign of supremacy and is
being used in a lot of creative ways.
Not

just

for

functionality but
embellishment.

also

for

Furnishing fabrics are dominated by

textures and weaves that focus on the inbuilt beauty of natural fibers.
Fabrics with metal woven into them, tones
and thread work, embroidery and quilting
are all making a comeback.
Prints are back in action but the motifs are
eclectic and the colors very bold.
Polka dots have appeared out of nowhere
and stripes refuse to go out of fashion.
Windows are no longer bare.
Colour and embellishment
modern styles.

complement

The emphasis is on creating a fusion

between the old world style and the modern
look.

Roman blinds remain popular as do

drapes in contemporary styles.
Top treatments bring back a sense
of grandeur while retaining the
clean lines.
Metal, leather, suede are all being
used with linen, cotton and silks.
Artificial
visible.

fibers

are

no

longer

Sheers are being used extensively.

Handwork and detailing bring in the
elegance to the earlier minimalist
styles.

Embroidery, printing and ethnic

styles create their space after a
long
hiatus.

Wall treatments are another force to

reckon with this year.
Paint finishes, stenciling, the distressed
look, faux treatments, color.
Faux treatments can be used on anything
from walls to wood, ceramics to
metal/glass.
Moldings are also back in business and
ornate cornices happily co-exist with
contemporary
style.

Lighting..again,
shapes.

clean

lines,

simple

A new feature in the lighting market is the

use of motion sensors instead of manual
light switches.
Along with an attempt to focus on subtle
glow rather than direct light.
Offices still use fluorescent light but the
attempt is to soften the edges a bit and
create light that is easier on the eye.

In terms of the material used, metal still

rules the roost.
But it is metal that comes in a wide range
of finishes from hand painted texture
finishes to burnished and oiled tones of
copper and bronze.
Shiny brass is completely out, although
brass may be used and finished in a
metallic shade.

China is totally pass.

Hand painting is welcome, but in a
manner
that
develops
tone
and
texturenot motifs.
Glass is used in a wide variety of colors
and tones, wrought iron in complemented
with traditional embellishments.
The biggest surprise is the re-entry of
chandeliers.
The central light fixture is back with a
bang.

If color and wall finishes are in, could murals

be all that far behind? Yes, walls are being
decorated with murals.
The bolder the better.
But only if the room is big enough to handle
that kind of drama.
Sofas continue with the long silhouettes and
remain low and tapered.
The emphasis on beige, off-white, ecru and
white continues while the color is brought in
using decorative pillows.
Leather makes a strong statement this year.
It touches most aspects of dcor in one way
or another.
But modern and traditional mingle like two
enemies who have just become great
friends.

If you figured that trimmings have died,

think again.
Beads are being used for accessories
and draperies.

The bullion fringe re-appears with a

vengeance on window treatments and
upholstery.
Fireplaces are in vogue again. Doesn't
matter whether they are functional or
not !!!
There is a whole range of styles in the
market, to cater to almost any budget.
The detailing varies from metal accents
to
texture
detailing.

Decoupage is another element

of design that makes its
presence felt this year.

Use it on furniture, or wall art.

It is most definitely chic.
In terms of motifs, again,
contemporary and traditional
synthesize to create a new
style.
Large motifs dominate in the
larger interior schemes.
The

bolder

the

better.

Kitchens are focusing as much

on
exteriors
as
interior
accessories.

Hardware and fittings acquire

much more prominence.
Moldings are more detailed
although
they
are
kept
reasonably small.
Open plan dominance keeps
the focus on more natural light.
Glass is being used in many
innovative ways in interior
design.
From flooring to walls.
Accessories to fittings.
Mirrors have rekindled their
appeal.

In offices, the focus is on

creating low panels, reducing the
cubicle
environment
to
incorporate more flexibility.
Square foot area is being kept
low,
and
management
is
contemplating the new mobility
and giving up huge private
offices in favor of a more open
environment.
In homes, with the dominance of
the open plan, the trend is to
remove isolated areas and
boundaries and create a place
where one area flows into
another and there aren't that
many rigid definitions.
Essentially, our lifestyle choices
are reflecting the way we
think.