the five principles of design 1.proportion 2.scale 3.balance 4.emphasis 5.rhythm written by pat...
TRANSCRIPT
The Five Principles of Design
1. Proportion2. Scale3. Balance4. Emphasis5. Rhythm
Written by Pat Thrash
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 – Formal/Symmetrical
If you like the Symmetrical look of formal balance, but it seems too, well, “formal”, you can achieve a less “formal”, more relaxed look by making small changes in the items to the left and right of the center, being careful to choose items that are similar in form and size and placement. Note the different side tables – not identical, but visually they match in form, size, and placement, and do not disrupt the symmetry of this design.
Balance – Informal/Asymmetrical
The arrangement above the sofa is an example of an asymmetrical arrangement. You could not divide this shelf in half and have an identical arrangement on each
side. Notice the arrangement of the sofa pillows and the end tables is symmetrical, but the books on the coffee table are purposely stacked off-center and adds interest as
it repeats the asymmetrical arrangement of the shelf.
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.
Rhythm - Transition
Curved lines that carry the eye over an object create
rhythm through transition.
In this room, the curve of the window causes the eye to
“move” from one side of the window to the other.
Sources
Images
• Southernliving.com
• Potterybarn.com