ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLES

OF DESIGN

The Elements of Design

SPACE Building structures and interiors consist of number of

spaces that are related by function , location and

circulation.

Space can be arranged in several basic ways to

define the specific functional and visual

requirements such as accessibility, privacy and

orientation.

The Elements of Design

SPACE

The Elements of Design

Interior Designer must considered

1- The size of over all design space.

2- The arrangement of objects within space.

The Elements of Design

Line Straight

Curved

Vertical

Horizontal

Diagonal

represents stability

represents freedom, the natural, having

the appearance of softness

gives an impression of height

extends a space

represents action, activity

Line

The Elements of Design

The Elements of Design

Form and Shape Shapes

Two dimensional

Made by connecting lines

Circles, squares, rectangles, triangles,

ovals and diamonds

The Elements of Design

Form and Shape

Forms

Three dimensional

Encloses space

Spheres, cylinders, cones, cubes and

pyramids

The Elements of Design

Texture The surface quality of an object or

item

Tactile How the object feels to the touch Can feel the variation in the surface

Visual An illusion - how the object appears to

feel

Applied using line, color, & shading

The Elements of Design

Light &Color

Balance

Rhythm

Proportion and Scale

Emphasis

Harmony

The Principles of Design

BALANCE

A sense of equilibrium between parts of a composition

- When establishing balance visual weight

created by size, color, texture and number of

objects must be considered.

TYPES OF BALANCE

SYMMETRICAL Achieved by placing identical objects on

either side of a central point.

ASYMMETRICAL Achieved by placing different objects of

equal visual weight on either side of a

central point.

Radial Balance

patterns arranged in a circular manner.

TYPES OF BALANCE

RHYTHM

Leads the eye from one point to

another, creates motion.

repeating shapes, colors, pattern, line, texture.

Rhythm By Repetition

RHYTHM

Rhythm created by lines at right

angles or contrasting colors or shapes.

Rhythm By Opposition

RHYTHM

Rhythm By Transition

Rhythm created by curved lines that carry your eye across a straight surface.

RHYTHM

Rhythm By Graduation

RHYTHM

SCALE & PROPORTION

Scale relates to the size of a design in relation to the height and width of the area

in which it is placed.

Proportion relates to the parts of the object and how one part relates to another.

The creative use of color, texture, pattern, and furniture arrangement can create illusions of

properly proportioned space.

SCALE & PROPORTION

Emphasis

Architectural features such as fireplaces or decorative windows are often used as focal points.

Works of art and decorative accessories are often emphasized in a design.

Harmony

There are 2 types of harmony.

- Unity

- Variety

Unity

Unity occurs when all the parts of a home or room are related by one idea.

Variety

When two or more different elements of design are used to add interest to a design.

Variety can be achieved by combining different styles and materials, as long as they are compatible.