THE INTERIOR DESIGN INSTITUTE

MODULE 1
KRUTI PATEL
 ELEMENTS OF DESIGN

SPACE
The enclosed area of a room within its boundary is space. Space can be
classified into positive and negative space. Positive space includes masses
within the space along with the proxemics contributing to the negative
space.
COLOUR
Psychological impact is created by colors. Balanced space is inclusive of the
dominant color to be 60%, secondary color to be 30%, and ascent color to
be 10%.

TEXTURE
LINE
The feel produced by touching; sensory or by seeing; visual or by nature;
A sense of direction within the space is created by lines. Vertical lines abstract is texture.
depict height, horizontal lines are intimate, diagonal lines direct movement
and curved lines flow through the volume.
LIGHT
The sight of the atmospheric ambience is through light. Sources of light
SHAPE
can be natural as well as artificial. It is the tangible form of a surface.
Juxtaposing lines forming structures create space. Two dimensional shapes
are flat without depths and three-dimensional shapes have volumes.
Mathematics contribute to geometric shape, organic shapes form naturally PATTERN
and nonrealistic shapes are abstract. Replica of any design produces a pattern. Elements brought together
forming a visual texture is a pattern.
 PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

BALANCE
Objects placed within a room are in competence with each other forming a state of equity. When the visual weight Is distributed equally, symmetric balance is
achieved whereas its opposite for asymmetric balance and when spread through circles, radial balance is achieved.

RHYTHM
Visually appealing patterns created through motion of eyes across the space achieves rhythm. It can be created through either repetition of same elements, or
by alteration of elements relative to intervals, or by progression of objects.

EMPHASIS
The focus created within the space as a center of attraction using any kind of design element through contrast is emphasized.

PROPORTION AND SCALE

Scale is defined by the size of the elements and proportion is defined by the comparison of an element in relation to the other. Golden ratio of 1:618 produces
balance of elements making them in perfect scale and proportion.

HARMONY
Identical elements together in a composition creates harmony within itself. Similarities within the elements creates cohesion in the design. Harmony brings
about visual aesthetics.
 A neutral living room giving a
sense of relaxation and calmness
and a far sightedness on all sides
IMAGE 1
Owner: Studio McGee | Source: https://studio-mcgee.com/
SPACE the open book on the table and the scenic view on the photo frame.
• Positive space is created by the sofa, the center table, and the chairs along with COLOUR
the negative space created between these elements.
• The color scheme follows 60:30:10 rule. White being the dominant color is seen on
• The empty corridor between the sitting area and the showcase area creates a
the walls and the ceilings along with some elements of the furniture.
negative space.
• Beige being the secondary color is used as hues and tints in flooring, sittings,
• The spaces withing the fireplace and the storage spaces on the shelves and
center table and some show pieces.
beneath create positive space whereas the doors at the extreme ends create a
• Slate blue is used as an accent color in the TV unit furniture farther away in the
negative space for a visual balance within the space.
second room giving a striking contrast to the dominants.

LINE
TEXTURE
• Vertical lines are seen through the wall with its openings and elements used
• Various textures are seen in the sofa throws, the rug, the jute table and baskets,
within the storage cupboard along the wall such as the long golden handles and
the frame of the mirror, the wooden logs and the different finishes on the masses
the upright placement of the books. The huge mirror on the fireplace and the TV
of elements.
unit farther away from the wall also add to it. Vertical lines are also prominently
seen on the back splat of the wooden chair.
• The arms of the chandelier are created by horizontal lines. The void in the
LIGHT
fireplace, the horizontal top of it and the drawers of the showcase breaks the
verticality of the wall. The wide sofa set placed create an overall horizontality • Ample natural light is casted through the windows in the room which can be seen
within the space. as a shadow on the glass shutter of the showcase.
• The arched shapes shutters of the showcase and the diagonally placed tiles on the • Artificial lighting can be produced from the chandelier on the ceiling. A negligible
back wall of the fireplace bring about an addition of lines to the area. source of light can be from the scented candle on the table.

SHAPE PATTERN
• Rectilinear shapes are prominently found in the space such as the jute baskets and • Various patterns are seen on the pillows of the sofas. The back tiles of the
the boxes on the table along with some curved elements like flower vases and fireplace are put together in a patter.
bowls. An abstract paperweight adds an interest to the design elements.
• Organic shapes are found in the foliage of plants, the wooden logs in the fireplace,
BALANCE
• Symmetric balance is seen in the overall space from the showcase to the openings and also the object placements.
• Asymmetric balance is seen among the plant life, the objects within the showcase and the center table along with the wooden logs in the fireplace.

RHYTHM
• A rhythmic pattern is seen in the design of drawers of the showcase along with the repetition of elements forming the chairs.
• The pattern on the flooring creates a visual rhythm to the overall space.

EMPHASIS
• The primary focus is towards the huge mirror on the fireplace along with a slight emphasis on the tanned chairs on the floor and the broad chandelier on
the top.

PROPORTION AND SCALE

• The room depicts an overall scale and proportion with the elements used within the space. The placement of mirror on the fireplace shows an overall
proportion to the existing showcase. Even the number of seatings is in proportion to the room size.
• These is a well-balanced scale and proportion seen in the objects inside the showcase. The chandelier also adds to the same.

HARMONY
• Orthogonal lines are prominent throughout the space seen in the furniture, flooring, frames and the decorative objects.
• All colors, the hues and shades of beige are well balanced along with the contrast color in a harmonious way.
• Use of jute and timer is seen in the table, the baskets and the fireplace and flooring.
 A nature inspired kitchen giving a
serene feel with a well composed
work area
IMAGE 2
Owner: allen + roth | Source: https://www.allenandrothcabinetry.com/styles/find-your-style/galway/
SPACE
• Positive space is created by the island, countertop, cabinets and the refrigerator
along with the negative space created between the island and the countertop.
• The empty space around the island creates a well-balanced negative space.
LINE
• Vertical lines are seen prominently through the long cabinets above the
counter, the marble legs of the island, the ceiling fixtures and the two
windows. The door on the right and the refrigerator also add verticals to the
space.
• Lines from the tap, the chimney, the glass door on the right and the long chair
legs add verticality to the space along with small elements like handles of
cabinets and the objects on the shelves.
• The kitchen countertop and the island top break the vertical nature of the
room. The shelves on top of the counter and the flooring pattern showcase
horizontal lines.
SHAPE
• Rectilinear shapes are prominently found in the space such as the cabinets and
its detailing. Majority of the elements are rectilinear in nature except the
abstract lamps on the left side of the counter which adds an interest to the
design elements.
• Organic shapes are found in the foliage of plants and the scenic view from the
windows.
COLOUR
• The color scheme follows 60:30:10 rule. White being the dominant color is seen
on the walls and the ceilings along with some elements of the furniture and the
back tiles of the counter.
• Olive being the secondary color is used in furniture details of the cabinets, the
storage under the island and the shelves.
• Brown color palette is used as an accent color in the flooring and the seats of
the chairs. A black color accent is also seen in the light fixtures, chair legs,
frame of openings and refrigerator.
TEXTURE
• Various textures are seen on the glass containers of ceiling fixture, the back
tiles of countertop and in some decorative elements as well.
LIGHT
• Ample natural light is casted through the windows in the room through the
glass door and the two windows.
• Artificial lighting can be produced from the chandelier on the ceiling and the
two wall fixtures on the shelves and the ceiling lights. A negligible source of
light can be from the scented candle on the counter.
PATTERN
• A subtle abstract pattern is seen on the island countertop and the back tiles of
the kitchen counter. The wooden tile on the flooring also follows a rhythmic
pattern.
BALANCE
• Symmetric balance is seen in the overall space from the placement of cabinets, shelves, chimney, windows, fixtures, ceiling lights, chairs and
even the empty space around.
• Asymmetric balance is seen among the plan life and the objects within the shelves.

RHYTHM
• A rhythmic pattern is seen in the design elements of drawers and cabinets along with a visual rhythm of the flooring to the overall space.

EMPHASIS
• The primary focus is towards the ceiling fixtures with a subtle emphasis on the black chimney behind.

PROPORTION AND SCALE

• The room depicts an overall scale and proportion with the elements used within the space. Even the number of seatings is in proportion to the
island kitchen.
• These is a well-balanced scale and proportion seen in the objects inside the showcase. The chandelier also adds to the same.

HARMONY
• Orthogonal lines are prominent throughout the space seen in the furniture, flooring, frames and the decorative objects.
• All colors, the hues and shades of the room are well balanced along with the contrast color in a harmonious way.
 A dining with a beautiful view of
the outside world and plenty of
incoming natural light
IMAGE 3
Owner: Studio McGee | Source: https://studio-mcgee.com/
SPACE
• Positive space is created by the dining table, the chairs, and the seatings in
front along with the negative space created surrounding the table.
LINE
• Vertical lines are seen through the window openings throughout the three
walls. Vertical lines are also seen on the legs of the table and chairs and even
the hanging chandelier.
• The arm of the chandelier is created by horizontal lines. The dinning table
top, the seatings and the divisions on the glass walls breaks the verticality of
the wall. The beams running through the ceiling adds to an overall
horizontality within the space. Horizontal lines also run through the
balcony railing.
• The horizontal curtain rail and the vertical curtains running through the
wall are elements creating an interest.
SHAPE
• Rectilinear shapes are prominently found in the space such as the table top,
the sofa sitting and the window divisions along with some curved elements
like chair backrest, flower vases and bowls. An abstract throw beneath the
bowl adds an interest to the design elements.
• Organic shapes are found in the foliage of plants and the scenic view through
the window.
COLOUR
• The color scheme follows 60:30:10 rule. Beige being the dominant color is
seen on the ceiling, the flooring, the chairs and the fruit basket in a similar
color palette giving it a feel of one space.
• White being the secondary color is used on walls, curtain and seats of chair
and seatings.
• Black is used as an accent color in the window frames and its partitions, the
table top, the vase and bowls, the chandelier and the curtain railing.
TEXTURE
• Wooden texture is seen on the ceiling and flooring giving it a balanced look.
Also, the backrest the chairs has a weaving timber texture. Subtle texture is
seen on the sofa seatings.
LIGHT
• Ample natural light is casted through the windows in the room which can be
seen on three different walls with white walls reflecting the light making the
room seem bigger.
• Artificial lighting can be produced from the bulbs of the chandelier on the
ceiling.
PATTERN
• A pattern of wooden tiles is seen on the flooring and the ceiling. A symmetric
pattern is seen in the ceiling fixture.
BALANCE
• Symmetric balance is seen in the overall space from the placement of furniture to the windows to the ceiling fixture.
• Asymmetric balance is seen among the plant life, the center objects on the table and the right side table placement in the room and the scenic view
outside the room.

RHYTHM
• A rhythmic pattern is seen in repetition of elements forming the chairs.
• The pattern on the flooring creates a visual rhythm to the overall space.

EMPHASIS
• The primary focus is towards the center table along with slightly greater emphasis on the ornamental vases on the table and the broad chandelier on the
top.

PROPORTION AND SCALE

• The room depicts an overall scale and proportion with the elements used within the space. The ceiling fixture gives an overall proportion to the room.
Even the number of seatings is in proportion to the room size.
• These is a well-balanced scale and proportion seen in the objects on the table.

HARMONY
• Orthogonal lines are prominent throughout the space seen in the furniture, flooring, and frames.
• All colors, the hues and shades of beige are well balanced along with the contrast color in a harmonious way.
THANK YOU !