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.Professional interior designers will usually
follow a set of informal "rules & regulations."based on specific interior design principles and elements.These interior design elements include space,line,forms,light,color,texture and patterns and keeping them balanced is the key to creating an aesthetically pleasing interior.
SPACE:
The foundation of an interior,space is the fundamental concept to understand,ensuring,you are best equipped to take advantage of what is available to you.The available 'space' usually cannot be easily changed so,you need to work with what you have within the physical boundaries of the room.
The balance will be influenced by the client's needs in the specific area/room and its required functionality For example, negative space is required for traffic paths.It is also crucial to consider the scale and size of the furniture and objects placed in a room,as this can be used to make the space appear
larger or smaller given the desired outcome.A tall object such as a book case can give the illusion of height.
Different design styles will lend themselves to different uses of space - for example,a minimalist design will have far more negative space then your average eclectic design.However no matter what your design brief,how you use and balance the space available to you can be the different between hitting the mark with your design concept or missing out on your next commission.
LINE:
Horizontal,vertical and dynamic lines help to shape a room and guide the eye,Creating lines using the room's furnishing and structural design can harmony,unity contrast.
Horizontal lines,created by features such as windows and doorways, evoke feelings of freedom and strength.On a functional level,accentuating vertical lines often gives the illusion of a room being taller.Often suited to use in dinning rooms,entries and offices,vertical lines must be incorporate wisely so as not to leave inhabitants feeling uneasy.
Interior designer will strike a balance with the incorporation of different lines.This is typically done by selecting one dominate feature line,in accordance with the client's brief and the desired feeling they wish to convey in the space.
FORM:
Form is the shape of the room,as well as any objects within the room. In other words, it relates to the physical form of anything that is three dimensional.Forms can usually be described as either geometric or natural. Geometric refers to hard lines and square edges, often looking man-made, while natural relates to more organic forms that seem to be created by nature. Forms can also be open – objects that can be looked into or closed – self-contained.
LIGHT:
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 (adding ambience)
When considering lighting, it is important to address the activities that will be undertaken in the space. Both the quality and quantity should be assessed here. For example, an office will require bright lighting so that the workers can see clearly and act alert. On the other hand, living room lighting can be applied with a softer touch. Applying a dimmer has the ability to make a space much more versatile. Natural lighting should always be taken into consideration, and can be manipulated through clever placement of doors, windows and even mirrors.
COLOR:
Color is a science all on its own, and is another extremely important element that interior designers master. It has the ability to create mood, define unity and alter the perception of how large or small a space is.The psychology of color shouldn’t be underestimated, and will be used to full advantage by any skilled interior designer. Color can evoke memories and stir emotions, stimulating a physical and psychological response in our bodies. For example, greens and blues entice calmness and are suited to bedrooms, whereas red entices appetite and therefore often features in kitchens.When considering the color of a room, first think about what the room will be used for and the activities that will occur in that space.
Secondly, consider how both natural and artificial lighting will affect your selected color across the day and night, given that light can alter our color perception. Finally, consider the size of the space. Interior designers will often incorporate lighter or brighter colors in smaller spaces to give the illusion of more space. Darker color can give a powerful dimension to a larger space.
TEXTURE:
Texture refers to the tactile surface of an object or finish. It’s an element that is often overlooked, but really does have the ability to bring a unique dimension to the room. Just like mixing color and pattern, an interior designer mixes the textures within a space to give a subtle sense of depth. Think glossy, coarse, smooth... From furniture to accessories to fabric, texture has the ability to add interest and detail, making it visually pleasing to the eye.
Texture comes in two forms – visual texture and actual texture. Visual texture refers to texture that is perceived by the eye. In other words, this is the impression of texture one gets by only viewing an object.This effect is usually found in the form of pattern. Actual or tactile textures can be seen or felt and has 3D characteristics. For example, a fluffy, colorful cushion can be appreciated not only with the eye but also with touch.
PATTERN:
Paired with color, pattern offers a similar use to texture in that it can add appeal to a room. A pattern is created by the use a 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.
When implementing pattern, it’s best to firstly consider the size and style of a room. Introducing pattern in a small room should be done sparingly, to avoid overwhelming the space. However, as discussed in the element of line, patterns that create vertical or horizontal lines can be used to give a heightened sense of space. Complex patterns made up of contrasting colors and lines can liven up a room, however they are best used in the form of a feature wall. Large scale patterns can flourish in a large space and become a distinct focal point to the room.
0 Comments