PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN…

The designer works with the 4 tools or elements of design: line, form, color, and texture. But now they must follow the “RULES” about using those tools.

The rules are called the principles of design.

There are 5 principles of design:

balance proportion/scale RHYTHM harmony

emphasis

RhythmRhythm Rhythm is defined as continuous, Rhythm is defined as continuous,

recurrent, or organized movement. recurrent, or organized movement. It allows for underlying unity and variety in It allows for underlying unity and variety in

a design.a design. We can create rhythm in 5 different ways…We can create rhythm in 5 different ways…

Rhythm by Repetition…Rhythm by Repetition…Can be achieved through…

Repeated lines, shapes and forms, colors, textures, or patterns.

Rhythm by Gradation…Rhythm by Gradation…Completed by increasing or decreasing

one or more qualities, such as height or width or overall size.

Rhythm by Transition…Rhythm by Transition…Often subtle.

Leads the eye in a gentle, continuous, uninterrupted visual flow from one area to

another or object to another. Arches are much smoother, less abrupt, than doorways with

square corners.Curved lines are a sign of transition.

Rhythm by Rhythm by Opposition…Opposition…The direct placement of lines, forms, or colors

to create opposition by an abrupt change.

Ornate objects placed in simple backgroundsOld versus newComplementary colors next to each otherIntersecting lines

Square corners

Rhythm by Radiation…Rhythm by Radiation…All parts of a composition are balanced and

repeated around a central axis.

Petals of a daisyChairs around a tableCircular objects such as plates, bowls, light fixtures, textile patterns, hanging plants and chandeliers

Not used as frequently as other types.

RhythmRhythm The key to rhythm is The key to rhythm is

continuity….continuity…. The organized movement of The organized movement of

recurring or recurring or developing patterns into a developing patterns into a connected whole.connected whole.

It’s all about the movement It’s all about the movement of your eyes on an of your eyes on an object or object or around a room!around a room!

Types of RHYTHM in Design by Your Name

Transition can be found in

components of interior design that have curved lines,

such as in this sofa.

1.Using magazines or catalogs, find pictures of objects or

other components of interior design to illustrate the 5

different types of rhythm.

2.Select sheets of paper, white or colored, for this

assignment. Also select paper in a color appropriate for picture mats. The pages

should all be the same color.

3.For each page, you may

use a computer to add a title, your name,

and a description of

the type of rhythm and the

source of rhythm in each

picture (ex: transition on

sofa).

4.The title should include

the word “rhythm”.

5.Mat and mount the

pictures on the paper. You may have

more than one picture on a

sheet of paper if desired, but

no more than 3 pictures per

sheet.