Elements and Principles of Design

Elements and Principles of Design

Principles are the guidelines you follow to create certain effects while USING the different elements. Elements vs Principles • Elements are the different “raw materials” of a design.

The Five Elements of Design

There are many factors that can effect a design. The elements that make up those factors are referred to as the Elements of Design. 1. Line 2. Shape 3. Space 4. Texture 5. Color Elements of Design

Line • Provides a sense of direction • – causes eye to move side to side • or up and down • Vertical lines - point to the sky • Horizontal lines - relaxation, informality • Diagonal lines - activity, movement • Curved lines - activity or relaxation, depending on the degree to which they are curved

Shape • Make up the object’s shape – outline of the object • Shape becomes three-dimensional, gains depth and is known as form • Shape can make object appear heavy or light

Space • Refers to area around or between objects within that space • Also the three-dimensional area to be designed (room itself). • Can greatly impact “feel” • of room • cozy vs crowded

Texture • The way an object's surface feels. • Also includes visual texture • This can effect the mood of the room as well as the apparent size and heaviness of furniture, etc. • Shiny vs dull • Smooth vs rough • Plush vs hard

Color • Gives great life and beauty to room • Expresses the personality of entire family • Set the mood of a room • Make room seem warmer or cooler • Change the apparent size and shape of a room • Tie other design elements together • Disguise architectural flaws • Creates a center of interest

Color • Primary • Secondary • Tertiary

Common Color Schemes

The Five Principles of Design

When used together in design, the Elements of Design (color, line, form, shape, and texture) make sense only when certain principles of design are applied to them. They are: 1. Proportion 2. Scale 3. Balance 4. Emphasis 5. Rhythm Principles of Design

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. There can also be gradations in color- from light to dark, etc.

Sources • Images • Southernliving.com • Potterybarn.com Information • Residential Housing & Interiors

Elements and Principles of Design