above via COCOKELLEY.com
According
to college design textbook “Inside Today’s Home” by LuAnn Nissen, the elements
of design are space, form, line, texture, light and color while the principles
of design are balance (symmetrical, asymmetrical and radial), rhythm
(repetition, progression, transition and contrast), emphasis, scale/proportion
and harmony (unity and variety). These terms provide designers with a
vocabulary for various elements of design, as well as an explanation as to how
and why the elements work together.
above BILLY BALDWIN
My
last blog post covered the elements. This week’s column explains how the
principles work. If the elements are the tools or “raw ingredients” of interior
design, the principles are the recipe. Balance, rhythm, harmony…in design these
terms explain how various visual components relate to one another and why we
find them appealing.
above HAMISH BOWLES
Balance
(symmetrical, asymmetrical and radial) refers to the equal distribution of
weight, size or bulk of an object or space on an axis in an aesthetically
pleasing composition. Symmetrical balance, also known as formal or passive
balance, happens when one side of something is the exact same as the other
half: a mirror image. This type of
balance can be seen in a pair of scones flanking a painting above a fireplace;
two candlesticks flanking a centerpiece on a dining room table; or two exterior
light fixtures flanking a front door. It is helpful to use this type of balance
when placing importance on an object, such as the painting or the front door.
above EMMA JANE PILKINGTON
Asymmetrical
balance, also referred to as informal or active balance, is differing objects
arranged along an axis, equal distance apart but of equal weight or bulk. It’s
used in casual design and is generally more complex than symmetrical balance.
Rather than having identical objects on an axis, this type of balance relies on
mismatched items with equal scale or perceived weight. Asymmetrical balance can
be seen in arrangements of framed prints or photography on a wall; and in the
floor plans of a ranch style residence.
Radial
balance is identical or differing objects placed in a circular fashion. It can
be seen in modern residential spaces, museums and commercial buildings. Radial
balance is chairs around a table in the middle of a room; a crystal chandelier;
or the structure of a circular rotunda. It directs your attention to the center
of the space or object. It is the least used type of balance. If done right, a
space with any of these types of balance will calm you while spaces without
balance can make you feel unexplainably uncomfortable.
above AMBERINTERIORDESIGN.blogspot
Rhythm
(repetition, progression, transition, contrast) is a principle that suggests
movement so it often refers to the transition of patterns (as in fabric and
wallpaper) and the flow of rooms in the confines of one home.
above ROBERT BROWN
Repetition
is the simplest way to create rhythm and is done by repeating any of the
elements listed above (line, color, pattern, etc.) in a consistent way. It can
be found throughout the home in lighting, window and drapery hardware styles
among other furnishings. If repetition is too simple it can be monotonous but
without it, it lacks unity and leads to confusion.
above HABITUALLYCHIC.blogspot
Progression
is creating rhythm through gradual yet regular changes of size or color. It’s easiest
to see in items like modern paintings, textiles or pottery where one color or
texture gradually bleeds into another. It can also be seen in some grand
architectural styles.
above, the late JOE NYE
Transition
in rhythm “gently” leads the eye in a continuous, uninterrupted way from one
area to another. Curved lines, rather
than turned angles typify “transition”. The Art Nouveau style of architecture
and furniture is a good example of the use of transition, with its gently
curved, “organic” forms. A round table or the arch of a door are also examples.
above via DIGSDIGS.com
Contrast
is a type of rhythm in which shapes, styles or colors are placed in purposeful
opposition of one another to create excitement and visual interest. Squares next
to rounds, red with green, old with new. It’s an exciting design concept but to
be effective and pleasing to the eye, it requires knowledge and restraint.
above SHERYL CROW
Emphasis
is used as a way to call attention to a preferred focal point or as a way to
“anchor” a space. It can be used to describe dominance and subordination in a
room or home. It has to do with focal points, and places for the eye to “rest”.
Color and scale are two great ways to create emphasis. Without emphasis, homes
would be monotonous and without subordination they would be busy and obnoxious.
Objects need to work together in a home to flatter, not overpower one another.
above via FRENCH-KISSED.com
Scale
refers to the proportions between two or more objects. These terms can sometimes
be used interchangeably. The scale of our homes and furnishings are
particularly important for instance, the seat of a chair and the counters in a
kitchen or bathroom must be within the human scale to be convenient. Tiny
furnishings would look and feel ridiculous in a large space with towering
ceilings. Conversely speaking, a small home would be unattractive and
dysfunctional with large scale furniture.
above via HOUSEANDHOME.com
Harmony
(variety and unity) is created by the repetition of design elements like color,
texture and shape. Unity combines elements to make a balanced interior. Unity
is generally achieved by repetition such as the same flooring or woodwork
that’s repeated in the rooms throughout a home. But variety is needed too, as
in the lighting that’s coordinated rather than matched from room to room.
Variety brings interest to a space. When variety is excessive, without any
apparent scheme it becomes confusing. Variety and unity must be balanced to be
perceived as attractive.
above via PRETTYSTUFF.tumblr
The
elements and principles of design can’t be applied in scientific ways. It’s an
art, not a science and wonderful things can happen when rules are broken. By
studying the designs that have worked for successful homes, you gradually
develop a sense of how the elements can be combined successfully.
above IVYCLAD.com
These
principles and elements are also seen in other areas of life such as in
clothing, art and nature but they are most obvious and dynamic when seen in the
field of interior design.
above via REASONSTOBREATHE.tumblr
above via STROKEOFLUXE.com
above via THE-DECORATOR.net
