The Elements of Design

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The Elements of Design

• Chapter 16

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Space

• The 3-D expanse that a designer is working with,
  as well as the area around or between objects
  within that expanse
• Designers must consider the size of the overall
  design space and the arrangement of objects
  within that space

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Size of Space

• Large, open spaces can give a feeling of freedom
• Large spaces with high ceilings and elaborate
  designs can convey a feeling of luxury
• Too much empty space can make a person feel
  lonely and uncomfortable

• Small spaces can make people feel confined or
  crowded
• Well designed small spaces can make people feel
  snug secure gives a sense of privacy intimacy

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Use of Space Examples
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Arrangement of Space

• You have 2 choices with space fill it or leave
  it empty
• When space is limited, limit the number of
  furnishings to keep as much space open as
  possible
• Select furniture that can serve more than one
  purpose
• Select plain furniture
• When space is very large, you can physically
  divide it with permanent or temporary room
  dividers
• Arrange furniture in small clusters, use folding
  screens

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Line

• Delineates space, outlines form, and conveys a
  sense of movement or direction
• Delineates space when lines intersect to create
  2-D planes (marking edges of a wall)
• Outlines form with the outer edges of an object
• Conveys movement and direction by the outlines of
  objects, by lines formed by groups of objects,
  and lines that make up fabric and wallpaper
  patterns
• Lines are either straight or curved and placed in
  a direction

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Creating Effects with Line

• Separate or unify space
• The illusion of increased height
• The illusion of width

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Conveying feelings with Line

• Horizontal lines suggest rest
• Vertical lines suggest action
• Diagonal or zigzag lines convey excitement and
  movement
• Circles, curves, and ovals are usually perceived
  as more natural and free than straight lines
• Too many lines can lead to continuous eye
  movement, which causes feelings of tiredness
  frustration

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Visual Effects Using Line
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Use of line in Design
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Form

• The shape and structure of solid objects
• Large, heavy objects give a feeling of stability,
  as does long, low tables
• When the bottom of an object is too small in
  proportion to the top, it gives the appearance of
  instability
• Harmonious design a design in which every item
  fits well with the others it is important that
  forms of furniture harmonize with each other

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Form in design
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Texture

• The appearance or feel of a surface
• Plush carpet furniture provide a sense of
  comfort
• Nubby, rough materials convey ruggedness
  stability
• Velvets brocades suggest luxury
• Glass, metal stone give a feeling of coolness
• Texture can add variety interest to a room
• Texture affects the way light reflects off of
  objects and therefore affects the perceived color
  of an object

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Texture examples
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Texture Variety