elements and principles of interior design

space ∞ line ∞ shape ∞ texture ∞ ∞ pattern ∞ scale & proportion ∞ balance rhythm ∞ emphasis ∞ harmony Four color CMYK image full bleed contents

2 overview 3 space 4 line 5 shape 6 texture 7 light 8 color 9 pattern 10 scale and proportion 11 balance 12 rhythm 13 emphasis 14 harmony 15 about the book 16 sources

1 overview

Interior Design involves the following key elements and principles: Space, Line, Shape, Texture, Light, Color, Pattern, Scale & Proportion, Balance, Rhythm, Emphasis, and Harmony.

Following the guidelines within these elements and principles creates functional and pleasing environments.

2 Same picture, two different 2-color processes

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Pantone 6C

Pantone 715 C

Bottom: Flat tint

Grayscale

Pantone 715 C fill

space

Fundamentally, “space” is a defined area. A space has physical or imaginary boundaries. A space also includes positive and negative areas. Positive space includes “mass” such as furnishings and wall art; negative space includes empty areas around the positive spaces (such as traffic areas and blank walls). A good use of space provides function and comfort. 3 CMYK tint combinations

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3 4 line Lines influence a mood. Vertical lines give a feeling of formality. Vertical lines can include columns, tall furniture, and long curtains. Horizontal lines give a feeling of calmness and sturdiness. Bookshelves, long furniture, and window blinds can acheive this effect. Diagonal lines give a feeling of activity. Diagonal lines can include staircases, vaulted ceilings, and slanted furniture. Curved lines give a delicate feeling. Arches, drapery swags, and rounded furniture can add curved lines to a space.

4 shape

The shape of areas and objects within them affect the feel of a space. Rectangles and squares give a feeling of stability. Diagonal shapes, such as triangles and diamonds, give a feeling of activity. Curved shapes, such as circles and cylinders, give an organic and relaxing feeling to a space. Using the same shapes throughout a space provides a sense of unity. Adding a small amount of different shapes avoids monotony and adds visual interest.

5 Texture is the surface characteristic of an object. Different textures help create a character and physical feel. The texture of objects can be soft, hard, smooth, rough, shiny, or dull. Soft, smooth, and shiny objects give a luxurious and formal feeling. Hard, rough, and dull objects give a casual and informal feeling. Skillfully mixing and matching textures can provide variety and a sense of formality, luxury, comfort, or casualness.

6 light Light can come from natural (sunlight) and artificial sources. Light is not only functional, it also gives a certain feeling and influences the well-being of occupants. Occupants need light to accomplish tasks and emotionally and physically feel well. Not enough light can cause a somber mood and induce eye strain while too much light can cause an anxious mood and bring headaches. Also, light is affected by and textures. Light colors and smooth and shiny textures reflect light, making a space lighter. Dark colors and hard and dull textures absorb light, making a space darker.

7 Illustration combined with type Colors work together to affect the feel and look of a space. Understanding the basic color schemes can help in choosing harmonizing colors. An achromatic involves black, , and gray. A monotone color scheme involves a blend of neutral colors such as cream, tan, and . A monochromatic color scheme involves various values and intensities of one color. An analogous color scheme involves colors next to each other on the . A complementary color scheme involves colors that are opposite each other.

8 pattern

Humans—knowingly or not—seek patterns in their surroundings in order to feel a sense of order. Patterns can be established with line, texture, light, color, and decorative design (such as with walls, textiles, and decorative objects). Repeating the same pattern throughout a space is psychologically pleasing. Including too many objects that lack a common pattern or characteristic can induce a chaotic feel.

9 CMYK 4- with 2 spot colors: Everything in a space should have the same scale and Pantone 646 C 80% proportion. For example, a small room should have smaller furniture that fits comfortably within the space while a large Pantone 148 C 65% room can accommodate larger furniture.

Pleasing proportions were discovered by the Greeks and are still followed today. The proportion of the Golden Rectangle is a width to length of 2:3. The Golden Section involves a ratio of 1:1.618. For example, if a wall was 7 feet wide, then a dresser that was about 4 feet wide would look proportionate and pleasing to the human eye. The Golden Mean involves the division of a line being between one-half and one-third. For example, to know where to tie a curtain, determine the half-way point. Then, go down before reaching the 1/3 point.

10 balance

Objects, lines, and furniture groupings should be balanced with equal weight and distribution in order to provide visual comfort and order. Symmetrical balance is arranging objects equally on each side of an imagined line. Asymmetrical balance is arranging object groupings to be of equal size on an imaginary line. For example, one side could contain an object that is two feet wide, and the other side can contain multiple objects that equal two feet wide. Radial balance is arranging objects from the center and then outward of an imagined circle. The center of a table could include a tall object, and additional items could surround the tall object, progressively getting smaller as they move outward.

11 rhythm

Rhythm refers to how a human’s eye focuses and travels to various items within a space. When designing a space, a goal should be for the eye to easily and purposefully look and move through the area. Repetition is repeating colors, patterns, textures, lines, light, and forms. Transition is using lines and shapes to help the eye flow from one object to another. Gradation is using a gradual chain of sizes or colors to flow from one to the next. The goal is to create a smooth flow of eye movement around the room and not a choppy one.

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emphasis

Emphasis is using a focal point in a space and then having all other objects support it. A focal point can be emphatic (naturally existing) or dominant (created by the designer). A fireplace, window with a beautiful view, architectural feature, bookshelves, picture groupings, or furniture piece can be a focal point. Subdominant objects placed across from the focal point, such as a sofa directly across from a fireplace or a window with a beautiful view, help to direct attention to the focal point. Subordinate items are the accessories that are used to further support the focal point and subdominant items.

13 harmony

Using all the Interior Design elements and principles should orchestrate harmony in a space. A space should achieve unity to provide comfort but at the same time include variety to avoid boredom. Furthermore, items should go together, following the same style. For example, a Modern chair should be grouped with other Modern furniture. 14 Black & white page design

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Shannon Mendez is a writer who enjoys learning and writing about a variety of interests including graphic and interior design.

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