Elements &

Principles of Design

Introduction
No one can set absolute rules for
creating exceptional design, but by
understanding the raw ingredients
(elements) and knowing how to
combine them in an organized manner
(principles), one will have a better
chance of creating a pleasing interior.

Elements of Design
Space, Line, Form/Shape, Texture, Color, Value

Space

The area between

objects in a room
By incorporating the
use of space in the
design, one can
enlarge or
reduce
the visual
space
Types:
-

open,
uncluttered,
cramped,
busy

Line

The outline of an object

2 points connected / a series of points
Gives direction and divides space
Types: horizontal, vertical, diagonal,
curved

Line

Vertical lines: feeling of power, dignity,

masculinity, height, formality, stability,
and strength

Line

Horizontal lines: sturdy, calm, peace, rest

and relaxation

Line

Diagonal lines create action, activity,

motion / movement, and excitement

Line

Curved lines soften objects, represents

freedom, the natural, having the
appearance of softness it creates a
soothing mood or feeling

Form and Shape

Shape (2D): The two-dimensional contour that

characterizes an object or area; contour, profile,
or silhouette; can be geometric or organic.
Form (3D): The shape and
structure of something as
distinguished from its
substance or material;

Texture

The way an object feels and looks

Rough, smooth, shiny / glossy, hard, soft,
etc.
Formal: smooth texture
Informal: rough texture

Texture

Smooth texture: reflects more light and

therefore intensifies the color
Rough texture: absorbs more light and
therefore appears darker

Color

One of the most important tools in design

It influences the mood of the room and
how people feel in it: can be immediate
and profound

Color

Warm colors: reds, oranges, yellows

Cool colors: blues, purples, greens

Color
Which color scheme creates the most excitement?
Why? Feels the most opulent? Which would you
choose for a playroom? Living room? Bedroom?

Value

The relative lightness or darkness of a color

The relative thickness or thinness of a line

Methods
Shade Degree of darkness of a color; add
black to obtain shade
Tint A pale or faint variation of a color; add
white to obtain tint

Value

Use of varying values of blue and green

Principles of Design
Balance, Rhythm, Emphasis, Scale,
Proportion and Harmony

What are the principles of design?

Abstract concepts that constitute the theory or

governing ideas that determine the success of
a design.
Each element in a space can be evaluated
according to these principles

Balance
Rhythm
Emphasis
Scale and Proportion
Harmony

Balance

Defined as equilibrium, the feeling of rest

Important to all aspects of life, from
balancing work with family to balancing our
checkbook.
In an interior, you will work with visual
weights of components, elements and
furnishings.

Balance: Visual Weights

Does not necessarily relate to the physical weight

of an object. It is determined more by the
psychological impact it makes on us and the
attention it demands.
Groupings of small objects can counterbalance a large mass.
Busy or heavy texture will hold more attention than a
smooth plain surface
Objects placed above eye level appear heavier than those
placed below
Brightly lit areas attract more attention than dim ones

Three Types of Balance

Symmetrical / Formal
Asymmetrical / Informal
Radial
Formal Balance

Informal Balance

Symmetrical Balance

Formal Balance
Mirror Image
Easy to appreciate
and create
Quiet and restful
Lends itself to
classical and
traditional interiors
Creates a logical focal
point

Symmetrical Balance

Symmetrical Balance

Asymmetrical Balance

Informal Balance
Visual weights are equal
Elements differ on each side of the axis
Suggest movement, arouses our curiosity
Provokes thought
Has more lasting appeal
Less obvious than symmetrical balance
Found in contemporary rooms
Relies totally on a sense or feeling of being
balanced.

Asymmetrical Balance

Asymmetrical Balance

Radial Balance

All parts are

balanced and
repeated around a
center point.
Offers a refreshing
counterpoint to
rectangularity.

spokes on a bicycle
Chairs around a circular
table
Chandeliers

Radial Balance

Rhythm

Assists the eye in moving easily about a

room from one area to another, creating a
flowing quality.

Similar to the beat in music

Four Methods to Rhythm

Repetition
Progression / Gradation
Transition
Contrast

Repetition

Simplest method of
rhythm
Repeated use of
various elements
(color, pattern, line,
ornament, texture,
etc.)
Can be more
interesting if alternated
with other elements.
Too little repetition
lacks unity and leads to
confusion
Be careful not to repeat
the elements too much
or ..

Repetition

The room will be

over unified and
monotony will
occur.

Progression/ Gradation

A sequence produced by
increasing or decreasing
one or more qualities.
Shape/Mass: size large
to small
Color: light to dark
Ordered, systematic
change that suggest
movement toward a goal
More dynamic than simple
repetition.

Other Examples of Gradation

Flour Canisters
Rugs with borders
from dark to light
Nesting tables
Stair step design
in windows

Transition

Transition

More subtle form

of rhythm, how
one part of the
design changes to
another
Lead the eye in a
gentle, continuous,
uninterrupted
visual flow
Often achieved
through curved
lines

Transition

Opposition/Contrast

Deliberate placing of
forms or colors to
create opposition by
abrupt change
instead of gradual.
Exciting
Old and new
Ornate with plain
Vertical lines
meeting horizontal
lines

Opposition/Contrast

Emphasis

Deals with focal points; considered in terms of

dominance and subordination
Without emphasis, interiors are monotonous
Avoid too many that compete for attention.
Limit to 3-4 and vary dominance levels

Emphasis

Scale and Proportion

Both are closely related.

Relate to size and shape of things
3:5 ratio is the Golden Mean

Proportion

is relative, describing the ratio of one part

to the whole, or of one object to another.

Example: the relationship of a chair seat or

back to its base.
Drapery tie backs: 1/3 way up
Chair rails 1/3 way would look out of
proportion

Is either called satisfactory or

unsatisfactory.

Golden section

Refers to proportions of parts to one another

and to the whole
3 to 5, 8 to 13, 21 to 34 etc are considered
pleasing ratios.
Multiples of this are also considered pleasing:
ie: 12 x 20 is a multiple
of 3 x 5.
3 x 4=12 and 5 x 4 = 20

Great way to figure

proportioning of
rooms

Scale (in scale or out of scale)

Deals with the absolute size, character and

visual weight of an object or space compared to
other objects in the same space. (spindly table
next to a massive sofa is out of scale)

Described as large or small

as compared to something
else.

Grand scale describes a

space that is oversized and
massive. A space of grand
scale needs very careful
attention to scale, because
people could easily feel lost
and intimidated.

Scale and Proportion

Scale and Proportion

Harmony

Should exist in ALL environments.

Without harmony, the elements seem to be

thrown together arbitrarily and they can even
compete with each other.

Defined as agreement and peace among parts.

It suggests carrying through a single unifying

theme that consistently relates the varied
components of an interior, whether a single
room or and entire house.

Combination of unity and variety.

Harmony (Unity and Variety)

Results when two aspects, UNITY and

VARIETY are combined.

Unity without variety is considered

monotonous and variety without unity is
over stimulating and confusing.

Unity

Unity is achieved through repetition (rhythm).

The interior is tied together by a common

denominator.

One type of flooring throughout a space can

create a unified interior.

One color for walls and trim work.

Matching patterns and textures.

Variety

Brings diversity and stimulation to design.

Can be subtle as in slight differences in color,

texture and light.

Can be surprising contrast, such as old

furniture mixed with contemporary.

Excessive variety without some unity will be

chaotic, cluttered and confusing.

Harmony is
achieved by:

Unity and Variety

What have you learned?

Identify the principles and the elements used
in the following slides.

Asymmetrical
Balance, Harmony

Unity through color

and variety through
texture

Focal point: yes

Rhythm through
repetition of texture

How is harmony
achieved?

Unity of color and

variety of texture

Focal point: yes

Balanced: yes

Type of balance:
radial

Type of rhythm:
repetition and
transition

How is unity
achieved?: variety of
colors and textures,
unity of ceiling colors
and base that runs
throughout

What type of
rhythm?

Transition and
repetition

Harmony is
achieved by unity
of shape and
color, variety of
color in flooring
and ceiling.

Does this room feel

right to you? Why or
why not?

The seating is too

low and not in the
scale of the room.

In Conclusion
The elements and principles of design are
seldom applied self-consciously. It will take
much practice to achieve good design through
the use of the elements and principles. By
studying designs that work for different
situations, we can start to develop a sense of
good design.