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Elements and Principles of Design

Interior Decoration

  • Interior design is the art and science of enhancing the interior to achieve a healthier and more aesthetic environment for the user.

  • An interior designer is someone who plans, researches, coordinates, and manages such projects.

 

Types of Design

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1. Structural design

Structural design is the structure of the object made by size, form colour of an object. It should be beautiful simple proportional and suited for its purpose.

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2. Decorative design

Decorative design is the surface enrichment of the structural design by adding any colour or material to luxury. It should be used in moderation and with proper emphasis.

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Elements of Design

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  • It is designed as the visual components used in interior decoration

  • These elements are:

- Line

- Form

- Texture

- Colour

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1. Lines

  • Lines gives birth to forms and shapes

  • Lines are categorised into three types-

- Horizontal lines (resting lines) adorn structures like tables, chairs and beds

- Vertical lines (ready to act lines) can be found on windows, door, almirahs

- Dynamic or (movement lines) add drama and can be seen on structures like stairs, floors.

 

2. Form

  • Forms mean shapes, an outline of any three-dimensional object in the space.

  • It is created by combining two or more shapes and can be accentuated with the help of other elements like texture, patterns and colours.

 

3. Texture

  • Texture refers to the roughness or smoothness of the surface of any object.

  • Textiles such as pillow cover, bed spreads or drapes, wall paint or wallpapers have a texture.

  • Silk, damask satin gives a formal texture while muslin, furs, tweeds gives informal texture.

 

4. Colour

  • Colours establish an aesthetic connection between objects and set the mood.

  • Colours must be chosen based on the psychology of the guest.

  • Eg; Red is an excellent choice for dining room as it encourages appetite and blue for bedroom as it helps in destressing.

 

Principles of Design

  • Ways of arranging and organising elements of design is called the “Principles of Design”

  • Elements of design are used according to the principles of design.

 

1. UNITY & HARMONY

  • It stresses on the fact that there should be a sense of uniformity or harmony among all the elements used.

  • All the elements used should complement one another.

  • A good understanding of alignment of objects, similarity of colour/ pattern/ texture, proximity (spacing) of objects to be kept in mind.

 

2. BALANCE

  • Balance refers to equal distribution of objects in a room to create visual balance

  • It is created by grouping shapes and colours around a centre that there are equal attractions on both sides from the centre.

 

Types of Balance

  • Symmetrical/ Formal Balance

  • Asymmetrical/ Informal Balance

  • Radial Balance

 

A. Symmetrical/ Formal Balance

  • Formed by placing objects of equal weight on each side at equal distance from the centre.

 

B. Asymmetrical/ Informal Balance

  • Formed by placing objects on either side which are unmatched but still visually balanced.

  • These balances are lively, more energetic and natural

  • Informal balance is more creative than formal.

  • Informal balance lets us stay interested.

 

C. Radial Balance

  • Objects are placed around a central focal point either outward or inward.

  • They are mostly circular and used in round rooms, dining rooms, swimming pool, atrium, conference room or staircases at times.

 

3. SIZE AND PROPORTION

  • The principles of scale and proportion ensure that objects placed in a space look like they belong to each other. Be it the size, dimension, shape or colour of the objects, a harmony should be established between them and a proportion has to be maintained.

  • Example: A high ceiling environment implies that high rise furniture should be preferred over low-rise furniture like ottomans.

 

4. EMPHASIS

  • Also known as Focal Point.

  • This can be achieved by placing central piece of art, unusual texture or furniture that grabs attention of a space.

  • Elements must be used in such a way that the focal point dominates the rest of the décor items and pulls the room together.

 

5. RHYTHM

  • Rhythm refers to movement.

  • It is a visual flow that makes the eye move smoothly across the room.

  • It may be rhythmic or organised.

 

Rhythm may be attained by:

A. Repetition

  • Repetition of elements of design like colours, line, shape, texture in an organised way.

B. Alternation

  • This is created by placing two or more elements in alternative platform.

 

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ACCESSORIES

  • Accessories are additional furnishings needed to make room viable or attractive.

  • It includes small objects both functional and decorative.

  • Eg; Richly coloured vases

 

TYPES OF ACCESSORIES

  • Books and magazines

  • Clocks

  • Lamps

  • Pictures

  • Mirrors

  • Wall hangings

  • Small art objects

  • Flower arrangements

 

PLACEMENT OF ACCESSORIES

  • Wall – paintings, masks, carpets

  • Shelves – ceramics, toys

  • Floors – planters, statues, pots

  • Tables – ashtrays, vases

  • If figured or decorated place against plain wall

 

HOW TO PLACE ACCESSORIES

  • Use accessories in moderation

  • Use according to season and theme

  • Use paintings at eye level

  • Use bright colours to create a focal point

  • Place mirrors in case of empty space

  • Keep balance in mind

  • Plain surfaces – place patterned accessories

  • Patterned areas – plain accessories

  • Shiny textures – dull textures

  • Room with straight lines – curved lines

  • Calm room – bright and bold accessories

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