Elements and Principles of Design

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Elements and Principles of Design

• Useful tools for decorating your home

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Elements of Design

• These are often referred to as the building
  blocks of design.
• Examples are
• Color
• Shape
• Line
• Texture

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Color

• The most significant element.
• Color can influence how people feel, they can be
  used to create a certain mood

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Shape

• Refers to the outline or form of solid objects
• Having too many shapes in one room makes people
  uncomfortable
• However, repeating the same one over and over can
  be boring

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Line

• Lines lead the eye across the room from one
  area/object to another.
• Straight lines are strong and dignified
• Curved lines are softer and more graceful
• Vertical lines make things appear taller
• Horizontal lines make things appear wider
• Diagonal lines suggest energy or activity

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Texture

• The way something feels, or looks as though it
  would feel
• Soft fabrics provide a sense of comfort and
  luxury
• Smooth, hard surfaces give a clean, modern effect

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Principles of Design

• Examples include
• Proportion
• Scale
• Balance
• Rhythm
• Emphasis

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Proportion

• The size relationship that can be found within an
  object or design
• Unequal divisions of space are often more
  appealing to the eye than equal parts

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Scale

• How the size of an object or a space relates to
  human beings and to other objects or space in a
  design.
• Many designers consider the following factors
  related to scale furniture and accessories must
  be the proper size in relation to other
  furnishings

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Balance

• This is when the amount, size or weight of
  objects on both sides of a central point is
  equal, or when unequal objects or groups of
  objects appear to be equal
• Symmetrical balance Both sides of an imaginary
  central line is the mirror image to the forms on
  the opposite side
• Asymmetrical balance where the elements on
  either side of an imaginary central line are
  unmatched, but appear to be in balance. This can
  also be when two smaller objects on one side are
  balanced by a larger object on the other side.

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Rhythm

• This suggests corrected movement between
  different parts of a design. We create rhythm
  with colors, lines, forms or textures.
• Rhythm is achieved in the following ways
• Repetition
• Radiation
• Gradation
• Opposition
• Transition

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Rhythm continued

• Repetition the act of repeating the pattern
• Radiation occurs when lines radiate or move
  outward, from a central point
• Gradation the gradual increasing or decreasing
  of color, sizes, or pattern
• Opposition lines that come together to form
  right angles
• Transition when lines change direction by
  flowing in a curve, or when they lead the object
  from one object to another

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Emphasis

• This is the center of interest or focal point