Elements of Design

Basic Design Elements To Consider:

What does the shell of this room look like? Is it in good condition or in need of repair? Do the floors need to be replaced? Do the walls need to be painted or wallpapered? What is the focal point in the room? Is there a fireplace? Is my room large or small? Is it square, rectangular, or L shaped? Are there large windows to let natural light in or no windows at all?

As you probably already realized, there are many questions at the start of any decorating project. But what you may not realize is that there are many elements to consider when it comes to good design.

Let's talk about each of these to give you a better understanding, so that you can utilize each of these important design elements in your own rooms.

Style - In decorating, your personal style is a reflection of you! It's an expression of who you are, what you like, your tastes, your moods, your life experiences, travel, education and so forth.
Color - What colors do I really like? Maybe warm colors, like reds and yellows? Or cool colors, like blues and greens? How does each color make me feel? Happy? Sad? Comfortable? Uncomfortable? Calm? Depressed? Remember, warm colors appear to come closer to you, and cool colors recede, or pull away. Are there windows to let in natural light? Will I need more artificial light? Remember, lighting does affect the way colors look. Don't be afraid to experiment. You can always change your mind. *Tip: Start with a poster size color sample of the color(s) you are choosing from. (At least 24" by 24" color samples.) Narrow your choices to two or three colors. Tape these samples on your wall and live with them for a day or two. Note the color change from day to night and from artificial light to natural light. (Lighting will change the colors. You will notice the change from daylight to nighttime.)
Form - In the fine arts, the mediums of painting, drawing and printmaking are two-dimensional. Adding depth, or volume to a two-dimensional form creates a three-dimensional form, which interior design is concerned with…space or rooms within a room. There are 90-degree rectilinear, or box-like forms, and non-rectilinear, or sloping or curving forms.
Function - What is the primary function of the space? Do you eat, sleep or entertain in this space? The function of the space will help determine the types of furniture needed and where it should go. Also, will there be a secondary function of the space, like, will you use the second bedroom as a home office?
Focal Point - A very significant point of interest that the eye automatically turns to first in the room. It can be the bed or bay window in the bedroom, or the fireplace or large picture window in the living room. If there is no large window or fireplace, the grand piano can be the focal point, or play up the large wall with fabric, picture frames, tapestries or artwork.
Size - Width times length is the square footage(SF) of the size of the room. You need to know the size of the room, to determine your space you have to work with, before you start any interior project. This will help to determine what and what not to put into the room.
Scale & Proportion - The proper proportion or size of an object, in relation to the space they will inhabit. Designers don't choose small pieces to go in large spaces, nor do they choose large objects to fit tiny spaces. Good scale means that all pieces feel right in their space.
Balance - Symmetrical and Asymmetrical. Think of an imaginary central dividing line and both sides mirroring each other. Everything the same. This is symmetrical. Asymmetrical means not the same on both sides. In design, the identical visual weights of both sides equal, create a more formal, dignified look. This is symmetrical. When each side is not the same, one side lighter or heavier, creating a more casual look. This is asymmetrical.
Harmony & Unity - All the combined elements in a room relating with each other and to the overall theme of the design.
Variety - As they say, variety is the spice of life. In design, variety is a good mixture of color, pattern, texture, and even your choice of furniture & accessories.
Contrast - Placing opposite objects side by side, like soft by hard, shiny by dull, black by white. Contrast heightens or gives impact to the overall space. The trick is to balance the contrast, so that the overall unity is not sacrificed.
Texture - Appeals very strongly to the sight and touch senses. Texture is how a material looks and feels. Texture releases emotion in the space, in the sense that it looks good and feels good. Texture can be found in our upholstery, our furniture, in our accessories, in our paint, on our floors, walls, and ceilings.

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