PRINCIPLES AND ELEMENTS OF INTERIOR DESIGN

PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN:-

• Balance
• Rhythm
• Proportion
• Emphasis
• Unity and Variety

BALANCE
Balance is the design principle that gives a feeling of equilibrium. This occurs when the
weight of obects are balanced
balanced on both sides of a center point.
point. There are two types
types of balance!"
Symmetrical and Asymmetrical
Symmetrical alance !r "!rmal alance  creates a same image on each side of the central point.
Asymmetrical alance !r in"!rmal alance  is not the same
same on both sides. #t is balanced but
not physically the same.

R#$T#M
• Re%etiti!n
• C!ntrast
Visual
Visual Rhythm is created when colors$ lines or forms are used in a consistent pattern.
pattern. Visual
Visual
rhythm ma%es the eye move much li%e rhythm in music ma%es our bodies want to move.

Rhythm can be achieved in two ways!"

Re%etiti!n: rhythm is created by the repetition of a pattern$
pattern$ a color$ or an obect.
C!ntrast:  Rhythm is created by placing opposing obects$ colors$ or te&tures ne&t to each other.

PROPORTION

Proportion deals with the relationship of the si'e of one obect to another. (e
(e must have two
obects to have a proportion i.e.
i.e. )relationship*. +urniture items
items or patterns that
that are out of 
 proportion with each other seems off balance.

EMP#ASIS
The principle of emphasis deals with the focal point of a space. Each room needs to have one
dominant focal point. ,ore than one focal point can be confusing
confusing for the user.
user.

&NIT$ AND 'ARIET$

&nity occurs when all parts of an interior are related by a theme or color- giving a harmonious
feeling.  unified design has a consistency in style. Too much harmony and unity can become
 boring. 'ariety is needed to %eep the design interesting.
Variety is essential to an interesting interior. /owever$ too much variety can be overwhelming$
while not enough variety can be boring or monotonous. (e should maintain a equilibrium.

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
• 0pace
• 1ine
• +orm
• Te&ture
• 2olor 

SPACE
0pace defines the boundaries and sets the limits on the functional and decorative things you can
do. Usually you will not determine the space- instead$ you will be faced with the challenge of
using the e&isting space effectively.

LINE

The lines in a room are 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. #n most
situations$ the dominant line is straight 3vertical$ hori'ontal or diagonal4 rather than curved.
5our choice of emphasi'ing the direction of lines will determine the mood you want to create.
6 Vertical lines add height and dignity$ creating a more formal atmosphere. Vertical lines also
 balance the hori'ontal lines found in most furniture.
6 /ori'ontal lines tend to create a restful$ informal feeling. They wor% well in casual rooms or
as relief to the strong verticals of formal rooms.
6 7iagonal lines attract attention and lead the eye. They can be disturbing unless supported by
verticals or opposing diagonals.
6 2urved lines add a softening effect and %eep the room from becoming too stiff.

FORM
1ines that oin together produce the form$ or shape$ of an obect$ which in turn impacts the
overall feeling of a room. 0traight lines create rectangles$ square and triangles. 2urved lines
form circles and ovals. The rectangle is the most popular form and is often the dominant shape in
a room. Triangles provide stability and curved shapes soften the contours of obects.

COLOR 
,ore than any other element$ color can ma%e a room beautiful. 2olor can set the mood. #t can
ma%e a room warmer or cooler$ larger or smaller. #t 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.

TE(T&RE
Te&ture is playing an increasingly important role in home decorating. Visual te&ture is a
material8s apparent smoothness or roughness. To maintain and enhance a casual feeling$ use
fabrics that are more heavily te&tured$ nubby or rough visual te&ture. 0mooth$ shiny surfaces
such as sil% support a more formal feeling in a room. Using several levels of complementary
te&tures adds variety and maintains interest. /owever$ it is a good idea to avoid dramatic
contrasts in te&ture.