Eight Interior Design Principles
Courtesy of Exquisite Interior Designs for Executive Homes Realty
When designing your home it is necessary to think of the house as a totality; a series of spaces linked together by halls and stairways. It is vital to choose a common theme and style to run throughout. Not all design elements need be the same, but they should work together to strengthen the composition. One of ways to achieve this is through the use of color. A common method is to use three or four colors in varying shades throughout the house.
1. Visual Balance
The visual weight of a room is equally important as the colors
you choose. There are three types of balance to consider: symmetrical, asymmetrical
and radial.
Symmetrical Balance
Most commonly found in traditional interiors, it is
characterized by the same objects repeated in the same positions on either side of a
vertical axis. This also reflects the human form, making us
innately comfortable in such a setting.
Asymmetrical BalanceIn this method, balance is achieved with dissimilar
objects that have equal weight and visual attraction. This is a casual approach to balance,
but it is more difficult to achieve. Asymmetry suggests
movement and results in a more lively interior.
Radial SymmetryThis occurs when all the elements of design and
arrayed around a center point. Though not often used in
interior décor, it can provide an interesting counterpoint if
used appropriately.
2. Focal Points
Your biggest enemy in home décor is boredom. A well-
designed room always has at least one focal point. A focal
point is dominant and interesting enough to
encourage the visitor to look further into the room. It should
create a lasting impression while still being an integral part of the room. Your focal point should emphasize the
scale, style, color and/or theme of the space.
Choosing a Focal Point
If your space doesn’t have a natural focal point (such as a fireplace) you can create one by highlighting a particular
piece of furniture, artwork or contrasting paint color. Still
enforce one of the principles of balance so that the focal point
doesn’t hog all of the attention.
3. RepetitionBy using the same element
more than once throughout a space you create rhythm and
movement for the room. Traditionally this is done
through pattern, color, texture or a personal collection.
4. ProgressionCharacterized by taking an element and increasing or
decreasing one or more of its qualities. The most obvious
implementation of this would be graduation by size. This
principle can also be achieved by color, where different
shades of the same hue are used.
5. TransitionThis element is a bit harder to
define. Transition is characterized by a smooth flow, where the eye glides naturally from one area to
another.
6. ContrastAlthough this is a
straightforward principle it can easily be overdone. Typical practice of contrast would
include the variety of pillows on your sofa. Contrast can also be introduced by using circular and square pieces in the same
room.
7. Scale & Proportion
These two principles rely on each other. Proportion is the
ratio of one design element to another or to the room as a
whole. This is especially important when deciding the height of your furniture to the
ceiling height. Scale is determined by the size of one object compared to another.
8. Finishing Touches
Details are absolutely vital to making a room feel complete. They enforce the mood of your home. Commonly used details
would be piping along the edges of your couch cushion or
coordinating the drawer handles in your kitchen. This is the tedious part of design and when it is neglected the whole
room suffers.
Get Started!The process of designing your
home can be compared to writing the theme song for your space.
Each song needs a rhythm, each home needs the right
consistencies in order to be unified as one continuous space.
Above all else, have fun decorating, your home should be the best representation of you!
One of the best ways to get started is by creating a mood
board. Simply gather the elements you want represented in your home and the rest will follow!
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