Elements of arts and principles of design in interior design

EOA in Interior Design

• Color
• Light
• Shape
• Space
• Line
• Texture
Color
Color is an important element of interior design. It plays vital role such as client can
decide the whole design just by color observation. Colors should be used in such a way
that it represents its function and it should facilitate good comfort.

Natural Colors
Yellow, green, blue, organic browns etc. are come under natural colors. They gave
delicate or bold accent to the interior. Natural colors remind the sense of outdoors. So,
these are most suitable for bedrooms, bathrooms etc. where individuals likely to relax or
freshen up.
Comfort Colors
Color come under this category are pumpkin orange, cocoa browns, biscuit and wheat
colors etc. comfort colors make the room warmth and user will feel relief. These colors
are suggested for kitchens, halls etc.

Contrast Colors
Deep red, brisk blacks, whites etc. come under Contrast colors. They give a sophisticated
backdrop to the room, so, they are good choice for dining halls, living area etc.

Shape
Shape is a dimensional area which is decided by outline of an object. If two or more
shapes are combined then it is called a form. Shapes are three types.
Natural Shapes
Natural shapes are nothing but shapes of naturally occurred objects like flowers,
mountains, clouds etc. These shapes create natural feel in the space.

Geometric Shapes
Geometric shapes like square, rectangle, triangle etc. are containing proper area and size.
They can be easily provided.
Non-Objective Shapes
Non-objective shapes are manmade created artificially by colors, random edges and lines
etc.

Space
Space is an important element of interior design. Space is nothing but the area available
to allow different purposes. Space can be divided into two types.

• Two-dimensional space
• Three-dimensional space
In two-dimensional space, length and width are considered while in three-dimensional
space, length, width and height are considered. This space is used for different purposes
like placing furniture, decorative items etc.

Filled space is called as positive space and empty space is called as negative space. A
good designer should provide balance between positive and negative spaces.
Line
Line is a mark which defines shapes and creates forms. In general Lines are of three types
as follows

• Horizontal lines
• Vertical lines
• Dynamic lines
Horizontal lines can be observed on beds, tables etc. and they give secure feeling to the
space. Vertical lines can be observed on windows, doorways etc. which will give
expansion to comfort of a user. Dynamic lines or curved lines can be observed on stairs
which will add aesthetic sense to space.

Texture
Texture is nothing but a feel created by looking at an object or by touching it. In interior
design, Texture is generally divided as

• Visual texture
• Actual texture
Texture which can feel with our eyes is visual texture and actual texture can be felt by
both seen and touch. The interior designer should design texture in such a way that the
user should not feel monotony.
POA in Interior Design
• Balance
• Emphasis
• Harmony
• Scale and Proportion
• Rhythm
• Unity and variety
Balance
The principle of balance is to keep the user brain in equilibrium. Balance of a space can
be attained by three methods as follows

• Symmetrical
• Asymmetrical
• Radial

Symmetrical Balance
In this case, the whole space is divided into two halves by central axis. The objects are
placed in similar positions in both sides of axis. One side of axis is like mirror image to
the other side.
Asymmetrical Balance
In this case, odd number of elements is used. An imaginary central axis is assumed and
visually attractive elements are placed near the imaginary axis and dull objects are placed
farther from axis.

Radial Balance
In radial balance, a central point is considered around which the objects are arranged
radially in a circular manner.
Emphasis
The design principle of emphasis suggests that the central point or focal point of a space
should be more attractive and all other elements of that space should be emerged from
that point. So, the focal point should be carefully designed with impressive texture, color,
size and shape.

Contrast
The principle of contrast refers to the change in the color or luminance of objects. One
object may be bright color and object next to it may be light color here contrast varies.
Likewise, contrast can be achieved by form and space. Contrast makes dull objects more
beautiful by placing it next to brighter objects

Scale and Proportion

Scale and proportion, both suggests about the relationship between two different objects
or two parts of an object. Scale refers only size while proportion refers magnitude,
quality, color etc.

Rhythm
The design principle of Rhythm is based on the arrangement of elements of interior
design in a space. The arrangement should create a rhythm in mind while looking at it.

There are three types of methods to achieve rhythm:

• Repetition
• Alteration
 • Progression
Repetition
In this method, elements of same size, color and shape are used repeatedly for the design.

Alteration
Alteration means, two or more elements are arranged in alternative manner to achieve
rhythm.

Progression
In progression, elements are arranged in such a way that the size or color gradient of
elements are gradually increasing or decreasing.
Unity and Variety
In interior design, the designed space should obey unity throughout its which enable the
user to impress without any confusion. Unity should be maintained in such a way that the
eye of an observer should move smoothly from one object or shape to another. At the
same time, the observer should not feel monotony. So, variety should be shown in the
form of textures, colors, shapes or sizes etc.