Nº155/Elements of Interior Design

Whether you are working with existing furnishings and fabrics or ìstarting from scratch with an empty room, you should always use the elements and principles of design as a guide in choosing everything.  The elements are your tools or raw materials, much like paints are the basics to a painter. The elements of design include space, line, form, color, and texture. The principles of design relate to how you use these elements and are balance, emphasis, rhythm, proportion and scale, and harmony and unity.

Element #1: Space
Space defines the boundaries and sets the limits on the functional and decorative things you can do.  Usually, you will not determine the space; instead, you will be faced with the challenge of using the existing space effectively.

Element #2: Line
The lines in a room are second only to color in importance when it comes to setting the overall mood or feeling of a room.  The lines of window fashions should support the dominant line of the room. In most situations, the dominant line is straight (vertical, horizontal, or diagonal) rather than curved. Your choice of emphasizing the direction of lines will determine the mood you want to create.  
A.   Vertical lines add height and dignity, creating a more formal atmosphere. Vertical lines also balance the horizontal lines found in most furniture.
B.   Horizontal lines tend to create a restful, informal feeling. They work well in casual rooms or as relief to the strong verticals of formal rooms.
C.    Diagonal lines attract attention and lead the eye. They can be disturbing unless supported by verticals or opposing diagonals.
D.   Curved lines add a softening effect and keep the room from becoming too stiff. Use curved lines with some restraint to keep the room from becoming too soft and overly feminine.

Element #3: Form
Lines that join together produce the form, or shape, of an object, which in turn impacts the overall feeling of a room.  Straight lines create rectangles, squares, and triangles. Curved lines form circles and ovals. The rectangle is the most popular form and is often the dominant shape in a room. Triangles provide stability, and curved shapes soften the contours of objects.

Element #4: Color
More than any other element, color can make a room beautiful. Color can set the mood. It can make a room warmer or cooler, larger or smaller. It can hide unsightly features or call attention to the center of interest. Even with the simplest furnishings, the proper use of color can transform a room.

Element #5: Texture
Texture is playing an increasingly important role in home decorating. Visual texture is a materialís apparent smoothness or roughness. To maintain and enhance a casual feeling, use fabrics that are more heavily textured, nubby, or rough in visual texture. Smooth, shiny surfaces such as silk, moirÈ, chintz, and silk-like looks support a more formal feeling in a room.  Using several levels of complementary textures adds variety and maintains interest. However, it is a good idea to avoid dramatic contrasts in texture.

Please feel free to contact us through our website or by phone to schedule a consultation. We would love to hear more about your project and discuss how we can help.

Additionally, remember to check out our shop for an exquisite selection of decorations that can enhance the look and feel of your space. We have everything you need, from lighting to accessories, to create a beautiful and functional environment.

Thank you again for considering ARCHDEKOR®. We look forward to working with you and bringing your design dreams to life!