Transcript Principles of Design

The Five Principles of Design
1. Proportion
2. Scale
3. Balance
4. Emphasis
5. Rhythm
Proportion
Proportion is the ratio of one
part to another part or of one
part to the whole.
The coffee table and sofa in
this room have good
proportions to each other.
In general, a coffee table that
is two thirds the length of a
couch is more pleasing than
one that is the same length
or half the length of the
couch.
Scale
Scale refers to the
size of an object in
relation to a
standard or
familiar size.
The table and
chairs in this
child’s bedroom is
in scale with the
size of the children
who will be using it.
Balance – Formal/Symmetrical
Formal Balance is achieved through the placement of identical objects on both
sides of a central point.
Notice the identical arrangement of plates, pillows, side tables, accessories,
lamps, and the window treatments on each side of the large mirror.
Balance – Informal/Asymmetrical
This room, at first glance, seems to have formal or symmetrical balance, however, a
second look will identify the difference in the side tables and accessories on
these tables. The tables here are similar in form – if one had been heavy and
chunky, the balance in this arrangement would have been compromised.
Emphasis – Focal Point
The center of interest in a
room is usually a fireplace,
window, work of art, or
dominate piece of furniture.
In this master bedroom, the
bed creates the focal point.
This bed is emphasized by
its tall headboard, the
placement of artwork on the
wall above it, and by its
place as the center of the
symmetrical arrangement of
the bed, side tables, lamps
and artwork.
Rhythm - Repetition
Rhythm is seen in this room in the repetition of the three square
windows, the repetition of color in the green ceiling, upper wall,
bedside table, and decorative pillows on the bed.
Rhythm Radiation
The wooden floor planks in
this entryway radiate out from
the central star design.
Rhythm - Gradation
Gradation in size is evident in the two ladder-style bookcases
leaning against the wall. Note the large bottom shelf with each shelf
getting smaller towards the top.
Sources
Images
• Southernliving.com
• Potterybarn.com
Information
• Residential Housing & Interiors