Interior design is one of the most exciting and creative professions. A combination of art, science and technology that manipulates space, form, texture, color and light to enhance the quality of human life. It is also about understanding people's behavior to create functional spaces within a building. We spent an increasing amount of our lives indoors and built environment We wake from a night sleep in some form of interior space and go to school to learn, work or play in another space that gives a sense purpose to our lives.
When you know the basic interior design principles
you can transform any space to look fabulous. You know what it feels like when you walk into a well-designed room. You can sense how everything feels cohesive and put together. It feels just right. You can achieve that effect in your own home with a little knowledge basic design principles. Pair that knowledge with practice and experimentation on your way in creating a beautiful home. Balance In design, balance creates a feeling of equilibrium. It is all about equalizing or approximating the visual weight of objects. Balance is created not just through shape, but through color, pattern and texture as well. There are 3 different kinds of balance
Number 1: Symmetrical or Formal Traditional or formal spaces call for symmetrical balance where the space is evenly split into two sides that mirror each other. For example, two chairs on either side of a coffee table can be said to be symmetrically balance. This kind of balance is easy to achieve as design elements are repeated on each side. Number 2: Asymmetrical or Informal. The visual weight of lines, colors, forms and textures are balanced without exact duplication. It is not as ordered as symmetrical balance and can be more complex and interesting. For instance, a sofa can be balanced by placing two chairs on the other side. Number 3: Radial balance. Radial balance is achieved when there is a central focal point with other elements radiating from it to around it. An example would be a round dining table with chairs arranged around it. There is a lot of repetition of form, texture and color. The second principle is Rhythm.
As in music, rhythm in design is all about creating patterns of repetition and contrast
to create visual interest. You can achieve this by using the same color or shape at different intervals. It's purpose is to move your eye around the room. For instance, you can establish a rhythm by using a color in the pillows, picking it up in a painting and echoing it again in a rug. These repetitions will help carry your eye around the room. The third principle is Harmony. Harmony is created when all the elements act together. to create a unified message. Just as rhythm can create excitement. Harmony creates a sense of restfulness. For instance, you can create harmony by using just one color, even though your forms vary greatly in shape, size and texture. The fourth principle is Emphasis. Emphasis on architectural spaces often have points of interest such as a fireplace or a window with a beautiful view. For interiors, you can choose to enhance the built-in focal point by arranging furniture around it to emphasize it. In a room that lacks such a built-in point of interest, you create one through groupings of furniture or using an unusual or a large piece. The fifth principle is Proportion and Scale. Proportion is the ratio between the size of one part to another and scale is how the size of one object relates to another or to the space in it to its place. For instance, a large overstuffed sectional in a small room will be out of scale. These 5 principles of interior design are keys in creating inviting spaces that family and friends will love spending time in. When thinking about interior design, words like creativity and flair immediately spring to mind but many would be surprised to find there is a degree of science involved. These interior design elements include space, line, forms, light, color, texture, and pattern. Keeping them balanced is the key to creating an aesthetically pleasing interior. Getting these elements to work together in harmony will also bring an increased functionality. Space is the foundation of an interior and is a fundamental concept to understand. Space can be split into two categories: positive space is space containing objects while negative space is the open empty space. Lines help to shape a room and guide the eye. Horizontal lines give a sense of stability, formality, and efficiency. Vertical lines of both feelings of freedom and strength. Dynamic lines provide energy and movement. The form is the shape of the room, it relates to the physical form of anything that is three-dimensional. Geometric refers to hard lines and square edges looking they're made while Natural relates to more organic in nature forms. Natural or man-made light is a critical aspect of any space. Without it, all of the other elements would not be able to shine to their full potential. Light can be broken into the categories of Task
lighting, Accent lighting and Mood lighting.
Color is a science all on its own. It has the ability to create mood, define unity, and alter the perception of how large or small spaces. Color can evoke memories and stir emotions, stimulating a physical and psychological response in our bodies. Greens and blues entice calmness and are suited to bedrooms, whereas, red entices appetite and therefore often used in restaurants. Texture refers to the tactile surface of an object or finish. It's often overlooked but really does have the ability to bring a unique dimension to the room. Visual texture refers to texture that is perceived by the eye. while actual are tactile textures can be seen or felt and has 3d characteristics. A Pattern is created by the use of repetitive design and can be found in wallpaper, soft furnishings, rugs, and fabrics Patterns come in various types such as stripes, geometric, pictorial, organic motif, and animal prints.