4 min read · Feb 23, 2019
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Principles of design are the tools in which are used during the design process. The 2 really go hand-in-hand. There are 5 important principles to take into consideration which are: balance, rhythm and repetition, emphasis, proportion and scale, and last but not least, harmony.
Balance. I’m guessing you know what balance is, but in terms of interior design, it’s achieved when careful consideration is given to the placement of objects within a space. The reason for this is to give the sense of stability and a sense of equilibrium.
This involves all the elements of design which influences the ultimate goal of achieving balance and harmony.
Size, colour, texture, and shape of an element can change the visual weight. For example, larger, darker, brighter, highly textured, complexly shaped objects typically feel heavier and require balance through the placement of equally “heavy” items or multiple less heavy items.
Formal or Symmetrical balance which creates a mirror effect gives a feeling of formality and precision. Symmetry is common in interior design and can portray a feeling of stability, calmness, and dignity.
Informal or Asymmetrical creates a feeling of equal weight on both sides even though the sides do not look the same. This gives a more casual, relaxed feeling to a space.
Asymmetrical balance relates strongly to the visual weight of objects. Rather than repeating the same item within a space to achieve balance, in this case we are using different elements with a similar perceived weight to achieve balance on the opposing axis. These spaces tend to feel more dynamic and less rigid because in these spaces a variety of objects are working together to create balance. This form of balance can be more difficult to achieve it often requires an “eye for design”.
Rhythm and Repetition. Rhythm is created through repetition of line, form, colour or texture to create a visual link which the eye follows. It allows the eye to move from one part of a design to another part.
Rhythm implies movement and invites your eye to move across the space in a pleasing, choreographed way. The number of focal points and their placement, color, shape, and texture form a rhythm that flows through the basic pattern of the space.
Repetition creates a visual link within a space and is an important component of any design. It can be provided by repetition of pattern, color, shape, or accessories.
Emphasis. This refers to a focal point and supportive furnishings that create the centre of attention. It should be the accent to which your eye is attracted, and is often a view, fireplace or artwork. Without emphasis or variety, rooms are monotonous.
A focal point or even two emphasized areas can really help to create drama and interest in a space all while creating an everlasting first impression.
The way you place your intended focal point within a space is one very important consideration. For example, in a linear room such as a hallway, the wall space at the very end of the hall, or a feature area in the centre, would have the most impact.
Proportion and Scale. They’re both dependent on size and relationship between objects. Proportion does not depend on a known size. It’s the relationship of one object to another, or one part of an object to its other parts or the whole. Scale is largely based on perception and compares an item or space to something of a known size. Human scale is the most common reference.
To make things look balanced and interesting, sometimes it isn’t the proportion of one object, but rather how the objects relate to others in the entire space which results in a balanced and interesting setting.
8 gilded chairs placed in a row under a large painting on the wall is a very elegant look; while 8 of the same chairs around a large dining table may look less interesting, as the table rather than the chairs would be dominant.
A group of small paintings hung closely together to form a dense area on a large wall will have greater impact than medium sized paintings on each of the four walls of the same room.
How pieces relate to each other has to do with the pieces themselves and the space around them. This is called negative space. Negative space is an important concept in the placement of artwork and is also a major consideration in all forms of design. The space around an object is affected by the shape and size of the object.
Harmony. This is the end result achieved when all the design elements and principles interrelate and work together to enhance the visual appeal of a space. Balance, proportion and rhythm in a space bring the elements of color, pattern, texture and shape into a functional relationship with the physical aspects of space, light and structure.
