Design Principles of interior design

Design Principles of interior design Contents:What is meant by principles of interior designPrinciples of interior design Balance SpaceFocus/emphasisRhythm UnityWhat Is meant by principles of interior design The Principles of interior Design are the ways that designers use the Elements of interior design to create good Compositions (decoration/arrangements).Design principles are ways of arranging or organising design elements. These principles evaluate each element in a design (magnificent vs. mediocre, right vs. wrong). The way the elements are arranged to create a feeling of stability in a work. Principles of interior design Balance SpaceFocus/emphasisRhythmUnity

Balance :Balance in the interior design refers to the proper distribution of objects in a room to create visual balance.Balance refers to the distribution of visual weight within a composition. Lack of balance disturbs the harmony of a composition. A work that is unbalanced visually creates tension. Balance is created when there is an equilibrium of elements that need each other and together they create Unity.Balance typesTheres three different kinds of balance: Symmetrical (formal), Asymmetrical (informal) Radial.Symmetrical formal balanceEasiest way to achieve balance is by using the symmetrical or formal form, objects are repeated or mirrored along a central axis.Its when the space is evenly split into two sides that mirror each other.Symmetry is created by dividing a space and the elements within it equally. Symmetry can create order, formality, calmness and stillness. Symmetry Makes Design Simple.

symmetrical custom cabinetry allows the tufted head of the bed to act as the focal point in this bedroom, since it serves as the cabinetry's centre axis. Objects repeated on the shelving bring an additional calmness

Although it's primarily a practical space, a bathroom works its best when it's beautiful as well as functional. In this symmetrical layout, custom his-and-her vanities on either side of the central bathtub divide the space. The dark wood pops beautifully against the neutral bathtub and tiles.

Asymmetrical balance Asymmetrical design is typically created with an odd number of disparate elements.Lines, colours, forms and textures are balanced in a space without duplication.The two sides of a work of art are not exactly the same, but are still visually balanced. Asymmetry can look informal, natural and energetic. A design effect in which elements on either side of an imaginary central line are unmatched but appear to be in balance. Asymmetrical balance makes for a more relaxed and lively interior space.This balance scheme uses a central line but relies more on the eye's sense of balance to complete the design. Rather than having identical objects on either side of the central axis, asymmetrically balanced spaces have different objects of equal visual weight on either side of the line. Asymmetry Helps Us Stay Interested.Asymmetrical interiors tend to feel more dynamic and less rigid because in these spaces a variety of objects types are working together to create balance.This form of balance can be more difficult to achieve it often requires an eye for design.In this living room, the left side of the fireplace serves as the central line. The height and weight of the sofa and cushions on the right balance the console on the left. The height of the fireplace surround also balances out the tall bookshelves

You wouldnt guess that the above photo of Microsofts new office, designed is balanced, but it is. This is because its balanced in an asymmetrical way using variety in the visual weight of objects

Asymmetrical elements can be as big as statement furniture or as small as table decorations

Radial balance When there is a central focal point with other elements radiating from it or around it, this is radial balance. Radial balance is almost circular distributed arrangement of items around a central point either extending outward or inward. You see radial balance less often in traditional homes; round rooms are difficult to link to other spaces. But the result can be stunning. The central elements of a radially balanced room like the dining table and light fixture in this dining space become the immediate focal points. The chairs, sculpture and print all radiate out from this central point.

The central elements of a radially balanced room like the dining table and light fixture in this dining space become the immediate focal points. The chairs, sculpture and print all radiate out from this central point.

We can use radial symmetry in the landscape not only to create a focal point, but also as a practical approach to design. This swimming pool is offset into a circular retaining wall; the circular stepping stones show people the way to the pool and add balance and stability

Visual balanceThere are instances when this is the desired effect, but for the majority of spaces one goal is visual balance. This is achieved by distributing the visual weight of objects within a space to achieve a feeling of equilibrium. The size, colour, texture, shape of an element can change its visual weight. For example, larger, darker, brighter, highly textured, complexly shaped objects typically feel heavier and require balance through the placement equally heavy items or multiple less heavy items.

Visual balance very dark or saturated areas of colour demand attention within a composition. An area of high contrast, even at a small size, will automatically draw the viewers eye.Forms placed near the edge of a page can also draw more visual attention than forms placed directly in the centre of a page.

Space Space is the area in and around something.Designing involves arranging design elements in space.The distance or area between, around, above, below, or within things. Three-dimensional designs have: form length width height and occupy space.

Focus / emphasis Accent, stress, or importance placed on a part of a piece of artwork. Focus is used to centre attention. Focus can be created by contrasting elements so that they attract attention. Emphasis is something we all know about. It simply means that every room or space has a focal point, whether it is architectural or an object. A fireplace is the most common architectural focal point.Oversized artwork or a large piece of furniture can also be a focal point in a room. Interior design elements like colour, texture and form are used to add emphasis to a focal point. If you refaced your fireplace with bronze glass tiles, you have used colour and texture to create emphasis. The single element of emphasis in this bathroom is the sink structure. The sink draws your eye to it because of the bold gold and brown colour, the shape and size of the element in the room. The shape provides movement in the space and the colours complement the wall colour behind it. In this small area, the sink dominates the space.

The sofas frame the painting as the focal point of this room, with a white wall-to-ceiling construct juxtaposed against the wall and ceiling for further contrast

RhythmThe design principle that suggests connected movement between different parts of a design by using colours, lines, forms, or textures; also referred to as continuity.Rhythm is visual flow: the eye should be able to flow smoothly across the room.Regular repetition of lines, shapes, or colours that create a movement. Patterns have rhythm .Rhythm refers to a way of utilizing the art elements to produce the look and feel of rhythmic movement with a visual tempo or beat. Rhythm is a feeling of structured movement created by the repetition of elements. Rhythm can be used to create a sense of movement in, through or around a design. Repeated elements and the spaces between them make patterns that we experience as rhythm. This helps to give a composition visual harmony by creating unity in a layout. Examples include the repetition of similar shapes, colours or texturesRhythm Rhythm can be accomplished through the following means: 1. Repetition2. Alternation 3. ProgressionRepetition:The repeated use of certain objects or physical attributes of decor elements. For example: chevron patterns on both your sofa and wall tapestry, a series of similar vases lining a mantle or a stack of books on a shelf. Similarly-themed home ware and arts will also contribute to the theme of your interior design.

Repetition

Repetition is the simplest way to attain rhythm and can be achieved by repeating any of the elements of design (line, colour, texture and pattern, light, and scale and proportion) or other design concepts in an organized and regular way.Repeating the wood slats on the wall of pizza shop creates a playful rhythm and draws your eyes through the space.

Alternation Alternation is used to create rhythm by alternating two or more elements in a regular pattern. The pattern may be ABCABC or ABBABB, but always repeating in the same orderAlternative shapes on wall

a modular sofa with alternating colours of white and green, placing a small roundtable between two armchairs, or even differently-shaped wall recesses can achieve this effect.

This restaurant displays both repetitive rhythm, in the booths and chairs, as well as alternation which can be seen in the pendant lights that hang in groupings with an ABAAAABA rhythm.

ProgressionInterior design elements placed according to size from smaller to bigger ones, or perhaps according to the gradient of their colours.Rhythm can also be achieved through progression. Examples are a gradation of colour or a series of objects that start small and become large in a very regular manner

The Barajas Airport is an good example of rhythm achieved through repetition and progression of colour.

Unity Unity is achieved when all of the different elements in a design work together to create a unified whole. Designers use unity to make elements in a composition appear to belong together.When each elements has a clear visual relationship to one or more other elements, the composition is unified.Unity is what draws the whole design together. Simply put, every single item in your home should contribute to the overall interior design concept, not draw away from it. All Parts of a work of art are interrelated, balanced, and organized to achieve a quality of oneness. A unified design is greater than the sum of its parts; the design is seen as a whole first, before the individual elements are noticed . Unity can be compared to harmony, integrity or wholeness.When unity is achieved: a composition does not become cluttered or confusing. a concept can be communicated more clearly. a design evokes a sense of quality and organizationSome of the ways to achieve unity include: 1. Alignment 2. Similarity 3. Proximity 4. Repetition 5. Continuation 6. OverlappingAlignment Alignment consists of arranging elements so that their edges are lined up. The common alignment allows the eye to group those elements together. A grid is often used to create unity through alignment, not just in a single design but also between related designs (the pages of a magazine or book, for example)

Similarity Similar colours, shapes, values, textures, or lines creates a visual relationship between elements, called correspondence.

Proximity Proximity is based on grouping by closeness; the closer elements are to each other, the more likely we will see them as a group. Proximity is one of the easiest ways to achieve unityRepetition Repetition is based on grouping by similarity; elements that are similar visually are perceived to be related.Any element can be repeated - line, shape, colour, value or texture as well other things such as direction, angle or size.Repetition helps unify a design by creating similar elements and is one of the most effective ways to unify a design.Continuation

Continuation means that something (a line, an edge, a curve, a direction) continues from one element to another. The viewers eye will follow the continuing line or edge smoothly from one element to other and the mind will group the elements because of this connection. Implied lines are one example of continuation.

Overlapping Overlapping design elements can contribute to unity by creating a relationship between separate elements.

Conclusion As you can see the Principles of Design overlap some but through practice and exposure you will see these principles come to life all around youThank you