PRINCIPLES

OF
INTERIOR
DESIGN

Submitted toAr Rimaljeet Kaur

Submitted bySumit Ranjan

College of architecture,
Bhaddal, Ropar
6th sem
AR/12/834

What is meant by Principles of Interior Design?

3

The Principles of interior Design are the

ways that designers use the Elements of
interior design to create good
Compositions
(decoration/arragements).
Design principles are ways of
arranging or organising design
elements.
These principles evaluate each element
in a design (magnificent vs. mediocre
right vs. wrong).
The way the elements are arranged to
create a feeling of stability in a work.

Principles of Interior Design

1.Balance

2.Space

3.Focus/Emph
asis

4.Rhythm

5.unity

BALENCE

Balance
6

introduction

Balance in interior design refers to

the proper distribution of objects in
a room to create visual balance.
Balance refers to the distribution of
visual weight within a composition.
Lack of balance disturbs the
harmony of a composition.
A work that is unbalanced visually
creates tension.
Balance is created when there is an
equilibrium of elements that need
each other and together they
create Unity.

Balance
7

Types

Theres three different kinds of

balance:
symmetrical (formal),
asymmetrical (informal)
radial.

Symmetrical (formal) Balance

He easiest way to achieve balance is by
using the symmetrical or formal form,
objects are repeated or mirrored along a
central axis.
Its when the space is evenly split into two
sides that mirror each other.
Symmetry is created by dividing a space
and the elements within it equally.
Symmetry can create order, formality,
calmness and stillness.
Symmetry Makes Design Simple

Although it's
primarily a
practical
space, a
bathroom
works its best
when
it's beautiful as
well
as functional.
In this
symmetrical
layout, custom
his-and-her
vanities on
either side of
the central
bathtub divide
the space. The
dark wood
pops
beautifully
against the
neutral
bathtub and
tiles.

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symmetrical
custom
cabinetry
allows the
tufted head
of the bed to
act as the
focal point in
this
bedroom,
since it
serves as the
cabinetry's
center axis.
Objects
repeated on
the shelving
bring an
additional
calmness.

Asymmetrical/informal balance
11

Asymmetrical design is typically created with an odd

number of disparate elements.
Lines, colours, forms and textures are balanced in a
space without duplication.

The two sides of a work of art are not exactly the

same, but are still visually balanced.
Asymmetry can look informal, natural and energetic.
A design effect in which elements on either side of an
imaginary central line are unmatched but appear to
be in balance.
Asymmetrical balance makes for a more relaxed and
lively interior space.
This balance scheme uses a central line but relies more
on the eye's sense of balance to complete the design.
Rather than having identical objects on either side of
the central axis, asymmetrically balanced spaces have
different objects of equal visual weight on either side
of the line.
Asymmetry Helps Us Stay Interested

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Asymmetrical interiors tend to feel more dynamic and less

rigid because in these spaces a variety of objects types are
working together to create balance.
This form of balance can be more difficult to achieve it often
requires an eye for design.

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In this living
room, the
left side of
the fireplace
serves as
the central
line. The
height and
weight of the
sofa and
cushions on
the right
balance the
console on
the left. The
height of the
fireplace
surround
also
balances out
the tall
bookshelves
.

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You wouldnt
guess that the
above photo
of Microsofts
new office,
designed is
balanced, but
it is. This is
because its
balanced in
an
asymmetrical
way using
variety in the
visual weight
of objects.

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Asymmetrical
elements can
be as big as
statement
furniture or as
small as table
decorations

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Radial Balance
When there is a central focal point with other
elements radiating from it or around it, this is
radial balance.
Radial balance is almost circular distributed
arrangement of items around a central point
either extending outward or inward.
You see radial balance less often in traditional
homes; round rooms are difficult to link to
other spaces.But the result can be stunning. The
central elements of a radially balanced room
like the dining table and light fixture in this
dining space become the immediate focal
points.
The chairs, sculpture and print all radiate out
from this central point.
The circular furniture placement radiates from the central round
coffee table and makes the arrangement look comfy and
relaxed.

17

D-CRAIN Design and Construction

We can use
radial
symmetry in
the landscape
not only to
create a focal
point, but also
as a practical
approach to
design. This
swimming pool
is offset into a
circular
retaining wall;
the circular
stepping
stones show
people the way
to the pool and
add balance
and stability.

18

This circular staircase creates a feeling of grandeur and focus.

The hall table embraces the radial balance of the space, and
the circular planter attracts the eye. The dark color of the table
is an eye-pleasing link to the black metal railing.

The placement chairs and other furnishings in the room are

based on the table as a central focal point.

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The central
elements of a
radially
balanced
room like
the dining
table and light
fixture in this
dining space
become the
immediate
focal points.
The chairs,
sculpture and
print all
radiate out
from this
central point.

20

Visual Balance
There are instances when this is the
desired effect, but for the majority
of spaces one goal is visual balance.
This is achieved by distributing the
visual weight of objects within a
space to achieve a feeling of
equilibrium.
The size, color, texture, shape of an
element can change its visual weight.
For example, larger, darker, brighter,
highly textured, complexly shaped
objects typically feel heavier and
require balance through the
placement equally heavy items or
multiple less heavy items.

21

Very dark or saturated areas

of color demand attention
within a composition.
An area of high contrast,
even at a small size, will
automatically draw the
viewer s eye.
Forms placed near the edge
of a page can also draw
more
visual attention than forms
placed directly in the center
of a page.

The Rule of Thirds

22

The Rule of Thirds refers to the idea of dividing a

composition into thirds based on a grid.
The most important elements of the composition fall on
the lines in between to create a strong composition.
A slightly off center balance is more visually interesting
and harmonious than an evenly centered composition.
A rectangle has been divided horizontally and vertically
by four lines.
The rule of thirds states that the centers of interest for
any rectangle lie somewhere along those lines.

The Golden Mean

23

Golden Mean: Relationship between sizes that is pleasing to the

human eye.
This concept was first formally recognized by the ancient Greeks,
and examples of the golden mean can be observed through
Greek artwork and architecture.
The golden mean appears in everything from atomic
structures to galaxies.
Graphic designers can use these proportions to create work that
instinctively looks right.
Theres a mathematical ratio commonly found in naturethe ratio
of 1 to 1.618that has many names.
Most often we call it the Golden Section, Golden Ratio, or Golden
Mean, but its also occasionally referred to as the Golden Number,
Divine Proportion, Golden Proportion, Fibonacci Number, and Phi.

Fibonacci sequence
24

The Fibonacci Sequence is also one of the most

elemental building blocks found in nature.
This principle is based on the Fibonacci sequence, which is a
series if numbers to denote proportions:
2,3,5,8,13,21,34,55,89,144,233, etc. The each number in this
series is the sum of the two numbers proceeding it.
Proportions are based on the number Pi, in which
measurements are approximately1.618 times one another in
a layout.
In the example above, segment A is 1.618 times the size of
segment B, and segment B is
1.618 times the size of segment C.

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SPACE

27

Space
introduction

Space is the area in and around

something.

Designing involves arranging design

elements in space.
The distance or area between,
around, above, below, or within
things.
Three-dimensional designs have:
form
length
width
height
and occupy space.

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FOCUS/
EMPHASIS

Focus/Emphasis
30

i n t r o d uct i on

Accent, stress, or importance placed on a part of

a piece of artwork.
Focus is used to centre attention.
Focus can be created by contrasting elements so
that they attract attention.
Emphasis is something we all know about. It simply
means that every room or space has a focal point,
whether it is architectural or an object.
A fireplace is the most common architectural focal
point.
Oversized artwork or a large piece of furniture
can also be a focal point in a room.
Interior design elements like color, texture and
form are used to add emphasis to a focal point.
If you refaced your fireplace with bronze glass
tiles, you have used color and texture to create
emphasis.

The fireplace and mirror collection

exemplifies emphasis in a room.

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Movie posters creating focus of interest

32

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The single element of emphasis in this

bathroom is the sink structure. The sink draws
your eye to it because of the bold gold and
brown color, the shape and size of the
element in the room. The shape provides
movement in the space and the colors
complement the wall color behind it. In this
small area, the sink dominates the space.

The ceiling in this kitchen is amazing, its the first thing my

eyes went to when I saw the image. The placement, color,
shape, and size of the lighting makes this kitchen different
and exciting.

34

The sofas
frame the
painting as
the focal point
of this room,
with a white
wall-to-ceiling
construct
juxtaposed
against the
wall and
ceiling for
further
contrast.

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RHYTHM

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Rhythm
i n t r o d uct i on

The design principle that suggests connected movement between different parts of
a design by using colors, lines, forms, or textures; also referred to as continuity
Rhythm is visual flow: the eye should be able to flow smoothly across the room.
Regular repetition of lines, shapes, or colors that create a movement.
Patterns have rhythm .
Rhythm refers to a way of utilizing the art elements to produce the look and feel
of rhythmic movement with a visual tempo or beat.
Rhythm is a feeling of structured movement created by the repetition of elements.
Rhythm can be used to create a sense of movement in, through or around a
design.
Repeated elements and the spaces between them make patterns that we
experience as rhythm.
This helps to give a composition visual harmony by creating unity in a layout.
Examples include the repetition of similar shapes, colors or textures.

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Rhythm

40

Rhythm can be accomplished through the

following means:
1. Repetition
2. Alternation
3. Progression

Repetition
The repeated use of certain objects or
physical attributes of decor elements.
For example: chevron patterns on both
your sofa and wall tapestry, a series
of similar vases lining a mantle or a
stack of books on a shelf.

Similarly-themed homeware and arts

will also contribute to the theme of
your interior design.

Repetition is the simplest way to attain rhythm and can be

achieved by repeating any of the elements of design
(line, colour, texture and pattern, light, and scale and
proportion) or other design concepts in an organized and
regular way.

41

He repeating wood slats on the wall of this pizza

shop creates a playful rhythm and draws your eye
through the space.

42

Repetition is the
simplest way to
attain rhythm
and can be
achieved by
repeating any
of the elements
of design
(line, colour, tex
ture and
pattern, light,
and scale and
proportion)

Alternation
43

Alternation is used to create

rhythm by alternating two or
more elements in a regular
pattern.
The pattern may be
ABCABC or ABBABB, but
always repeating in the
same order
a modular sofa with
alternating colours of white
and green, placing a small
roundtable between two
armchairs, or even
differently-shaped wall
recesses can achieve this
effect, as seen below.

44

This restaurant
displays both
repetitive
rhythm, in the
booths and
chairs, as well
as alternation
which can be
seen in the
pendant lights
that hang in
groupings with
an ABAAAABA
rhythm.

Progression
45

Interior design elements placed according to size from smaller to bigger ones, or perhaps according to the
gradient of their colours.
Rhythm can also be achieved through progression. Examples are a gradation of colour or a series of objects
that start small and become large in a very regular manner.

46

The Barajas
Airport is an
excellent
example of
rhythm
achieved
through
repetition
and
progression
of colour.

47

UNITY

Unity
i n t r o d u c t i o n
48
Unity is achieved when all of the different elements in a design work together to create a unified whole.
Designers use unity to make elements in a composition appear to belong together.
When each elements has a clear visual relationship to one or more other elements, the composition is
unified.
Unity is what draws the whole design together. Simply put, every single item in your home should
contribute to the overall interior design concept, not draw away from it.
All Parts of a work of art are interrelated, balanced, and organized to achieve a quality of oneness .
A unified design is greater than the sum of its parts; the design is seen as a whole first, before the
individual elements are noticed .
Unity can be compared to harmony, integrity or wholeness.

When unity is achieved:

a composition does not become cluttered or confusing.
a concept can be communicated more clearly.
a design evokes a sense of quality and organization.

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Some of the ways to achieve unity include:

1. Alignment
2. Similarity
3. Proximity
4. Repetition
5. Continuation
6. Overlapping

1.Alignment
Alignment consists of arranging elements so that
their edges are lined up.
The common alignment allows the eye to group
those elements together.
A grid is often used to create unity through
alignment, not just in a single design but also
between related designs (the pages of a
magazine or book, for example).

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2. Similarity
Repeating colors,
shapes, values,
textures, or lines
creates a visual
relationship
between elements,
called correspond
ence.

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Proximity is based on
grouping by closeness;
the closer elements are to
each other, the more
likely we will see them as
a group.
Proximity is one of the
easiest ways to achieve
unity.

3.Proximity

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4. Repetition
Repetition is based on
grouping by similarity;
elements that are similar
visually are perceived to
be related.
Any element can be
repeated - line, shape,
color, value or texture as well other things such
as direction, angle or
size.
Repetition helps unify a
design by creating
similar elements and is
one of the most effective
ways to unify a design.

5. Continuation
53

Continuation means that

something (a line, an
edge, a curve, a direction)
continues from one
element to another.
The viewers eye will
follow the continuing line
or edge smoothly from
one element to other and
the mind will group the
elements because of this
connection.
Implied lines are one
example of continuation.

6.Overlapping
54

Overlapping
design
elements can
contribute to
unity by
creating a
relationship
between
separate
elements.

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Sumit Ranjan
Architecture student
at College of Architecture, Bhaddal,
Ropar , Email-ar.sumitranjan@gmail.com
Fb-www.facebook.com/sumiran46.muz