Transcript Principles of Design

Principles of Design
You need to use your notes and follow
along. Answers are highlighted in blue.
3 hole punch your notes and keep
them in you binder, we will use these
every class. Also, you will get points for
completing and turning these in with
your portfolio
Rhythm
• If we would speak about music we would
describe rhythms the beat of pulse of the
music.
• In interior design, rhythm is all about visual
pattern repetition.
• Rhythm is defined as continuity,
recurrence or organized movement.
How do you find rhythm in interior
design?
• To achieve these themes in a design, you
need to think about repetition, progression,
transition and contrast.
• Using these mechanisms will impart a
sense of movement to your space, leading
the eye from one design element to
another.
• Rhythm in design doesn't come from strict
adherence to color and style. It arises from
the artful blending of intensity and hue.
• The eclectic mix of shape and size.
• The almost invisible repetition of texture
and detail. All combine to create a
pleasant visual tapestry and a source of
well-being you can't quite put your finger
on.
• Variations in color from contrasting palettes,
both subtle and sharp, set the base rhythm of
the room.
• As different instruments in music blend to please your
ear, mixing shape, style and space in a room creates a
visual symphony that pleases your eye and mind.
• Rhythm defines your connection to your room. When a
room is in rhythm, you can almost feel its inviting call.
Best of all, each room can have its own rhythm to
complement your mood and lifestyle.
Proportion
• Scale and Proportion - These two design
principles go hand in hand, since both
relate to size and shape.
• Proportion has to do with the ratio of one
design element to another, or one element
to the whole.
• Scale concerns itself with the size of one
object compared to another.
• Grandmother’s four poster bed is rich in sentiment and
size. Although the guest room may be small, an overscaled piece is perfect when positioned with other
furnishings in a room.
• Proportion is not defined by size, but the intricate
balance of space, shape and weight in each room of
your home.
• Accents carefully placed, and in the right
proportion, can dictate the feel of a particular
space.
• The careful choice and placement of a particular piece
creates a room’s focal point while keeping it in balance.
Balance
• Have you ever noticed how some rooms just feel
good? And how others, no matter how tastefully
decorated, seem lacking? More than likely, it’s a
question of Balance.
• Each room in your home has a visual balance
point, both horizontally and vertically.
• The right design finds that point and puts your
room in equilibrium by orienting color, furniture
and form around it.
• Balance can be symmetrical, asymmetrical or radial. In
most rooms they are applied together. Here the lamps,
pictures and even the throw pillows emphasize
symmetry.
• Pattern, style and color are carefully blended
around the dark woods of the bed frame to
create a visual balance on the vertical axis.
• The separate placement of the easy chair and ottoman are an
example of asymmetrical balance. By setting them apart, visual
depth is created and radial balance is achieved.
Emphasis
• Every room in your home has a visual
center of its own.
• Finding that place, bringing it to the front
with color, texture and pattern, is how it
becomes your centered, comfortable place
as well.
• Color, carefully blended from the same palette, draws
your eye gently to its dominant splash above this room’s
natural focal point, the hearth or fireplace.
• Subdued, complementary textures and patterns lead you
to the secondary focus of this room – the bay window –
to create balance and interest.
• Finally, delicate detail guides you to the warm, inviting
center of the room, the place where friends and family
can gather to reconnect with each other.
Harmony
• Harmony and Unity in design make your room
feel complete.
• Here, variations of red in fabric, wood and floor
covering generate a warm, inviting feel. From
the other side of the spectrum, the greens and
blues match the base pigments in the red. The
effect is harmony. The result? A soothing,
welcoming room for you and your family after a
typical busy day.
• When your room is in harmony, every piece just seems
to belong. Textures and patterns seem to blend and
complement one another.
• The gentle repetition of curves throughout the room brings
everything together. Your mind puts aside the jumble of daily living
and relaxes in a positive environment.
• There are no set rules for creating harmony and unity in
your rooms, but when scale, form, color, texture and
patterns all align, the effect is something special.
Contrast
• What is the recipe for a successful dinner party?
• As a blend of spices adds flavor and variety to
the menu, the blend of contrasting elements and
design in a room is food for the eye and brings
freshness, vitality and richness in the mix of
wood and fabric, crystal and porcelain.
• White on white, bowed fabric chair covers can
add elegance to a rustic pine farm table.
• A certain period or style of furniture need not
limit your options. Your old pieces take on new
life with a contrasting approach to detail.
• Country charm becomes casual sophistication
with the addition of an elegant chandelier or a
luxurious wall treatment.