Chapter 3
Design Principles
Balance, Rhythm, Emphasis, Scale,
Proportion and Harmony
Review:
What are the elements of design?
Space
Line
Form/shape
Texture
Ornament
Pattern
Introduction
No one can set absolute rules for creating exceptional design,
but by understanding the raw ingredients (elements) and
knowing how to combine them in an organized manner
(principles), one will have a better chance of creating a
pleasing interior.
What are the principles of design?
Abstract concepts that constitute the theory or
governing ideas that determine the success of
a design.
Each element in a space can be evaluated
according to these principles
Balance
Rhythm
Emphasis
Scale and Proportion
Harmony
Balance
Defined as equilibrium
Important to all aspects of life, from
balancing work with family to balancing our
checkbook.
In an interior, you will work with visual
weights of components, elements and
furnishings.
Visual Weights
Does not necessarily relate to the physical weight
of an object. It is determined more by the
psychological impact it makes on us and the
attention it demands.
Groupings of small objects can counterbalance a large
mass.
Busy or heavy texture will hold more attention than a
smooth plain surface
Objects placed above eye level appear heavier than those
placed below
Brightly lit areas attract more attention than dim ones
Three Types of Balance
Symmetrical
Asymmetrical
Radial
Symmetrical Balance
Formal Balance
Mirror Image
Easy to appreciate
and create
Quiet and restful
Lends itself to
classical and
traditional interiors
Creates a logical focal
point
Asymmetrical Balance
Informal Balance
Visual weights are equal
Elements differ on each side of the axis
Suggest movement, arouses our curiosity
Provokes thought
Has more lasting appeal
Less obvious than symmetrical balance
Found in contemporary rooms
Relies totally on a sense or feeling of being balanced.
What elements were used to create asymmetrical balance in this interior?
Radial Balance
All parts are
balanced and
repeated around a
center point.
Offers a refreshing
counterpoint to
rectangularity.
spokes on a bicycle
Chairs around a circular
table
Chandeliers
Rhythm
The 2nd major principle that assists the eye
in moving easily about a room from one
area to another, creating a flowing quality.
Similar to the beat in music
Four Methods to Rhythm
Repetition
Progression
Transition
Contrast
Repetition
Simplest method of
rhythm
Repeated use of various
elements (color, pattern,
line, ornament, texture,
etc.)
Can be more interesting
if alternated with other
elements.
Too little repetition lacks
unity and leads to
confusion
Be careful not to repeat
the elements too much
or ..
The room will be
over unified and
monotony will
occur.
What type of rhythm is used in this interior? What elements are
repeated in this interior? What type of balance?
Progression/ Gradation
A sequence produced by
increasing or decreasing one or
more qualities.
Shape/Mass: size large to small
Color: light to dark
Ordered, systematic change
that suggest movement toward
a goal
More dynamic than simple
repetition.
Examples of Progression/Gradation
Flour Canisters
Rugs with borders from
dark to light
Nesting tables
Stair step design in
windows
Transition
More subtle form
of rhythm
Lead the eye in a
gentle, continuous,
uninterrupted
visual flow
Often achieved
through curved
lines
Opposition/Contrast
Deliberate placing of
forms or colors to create
opposition by abrupt
change instead of
gradual.
Exciting
Old and new
Ornate with plain
Vertical lines meeting
horizontal lines
Emphasis
Deals with focal points
Considered in terms of dominance and
subordination
Without emphasis, interiors are monotonous
Avoid too many focal points that compete for
attention.
Limit to 3-4 and vary dominance levels
View out of window, fireplace, artwork, expensive
piece of furniture etc.
Scale and Proportion
Both are closely related.
Relate to size and shape of things
Proportion
is relative, describing the ratio of one part
to the whole, or of one object to another.
Example: the relationship of a chair seat or
back to its base.
Drapery tie backs: 1/3 way up
Chair rails 1/3 way would look out of
proportion
Is either called satisfactory or
unsatisfactory.
Golden section
Refers to proportions of parts to one
another and to the whole
3 to 5, 8 to 13, 21 to 34 etc are
considered pleasing ratios.
Multiples of this are also considered
pleasing: ie: 12 x 20 is a multiple
of 3 x 5. 3 x 4=12 and 5 x 4 = 20
Great way to figure proportioned
rooms
Scale (in scale or out of scale)
deals with the absolute size, character
and visual weight of an object or
space compared to other objects in
the same space. (spindly table next to
a massive sofa is out of scale)
Described as large or small as
compared to something else.
Grand scale describes a space that
is oversized and massive. A space of
grand scale needs very careful
attention to scale, because people
could easily feel lost and intimidated.
Public spaces are often designed on a
grand monumental scale.
Furniture
should be
scaled to fit the
room. Always
consider
human scale
when planning
an interior.
This bed has an
odd proportion.
Harmony
Should exist in ALL environments.
Without harmony, the elements seem to be thrown together
arbitrarily and they can even compete with each other.
Defined as agreement and peace among parts.
It suggest carrying through a single unifying theme that
consistently relates the varied components of an interior,
whether a single room or and entire house.
Harmony (Unity and Variety)
Results when two aspects, UNITY and
VARIETY are combined.
Unity without variety is considered
monotonous and variety without unity is
over stimulating and confusing.
Unity
Unity is achieved through repetition (rhythm).
One type of flooring throughout a space can
create a unified interior.
One color for walls and trim work.
Matching patterns and textures.
Variety
Brings diversity and stimulation to design.
Can be subtle as in slight differences in color,
texture and light.
Can be surprising contrast, such as old furniture
mixed with contemporary.
Excessive variety without some unity will be
chaotic, cluttered and confusing.
Harmony is
achieved by:
Unity and Variety
What have you learned?
Identify the principles and the elements used
in the following slides.
In Conclusion
The elements and principles of design are seldom
applied self-consciously. It will take much practice to achieve
good design through the use of the elements and principles.
By studying designs that work for different situations, we can
start to develop a sense of good design.
