Interior Design

1. Interior Design The 6 Elements of Design

2. Space • Space is the area in which we work • It defines limits and sets boundaries of our design • It is limited by width, length and height • To make space seem larger - use soft, light, cool colors • To make space seem smaller – use patterns or dark, warm colors

3. Line • Line establishes shape and form • It suggests movement and leads or moves the eye around the room • Lines are either straight or curved • Straight lines are considered to be more masculine

4. Vertical lines suggest formality and dignity

5. Diagonal lines create a sense of drama

6. Horizontal lines are relaxed, restful and casual.

7. Curved lines add interest and relief • Curved lines are softer, so are considered to be more feminine

8. Form • The shape of an object is form (square, rectangle,round, oval) • Forms in a room should be harmonious • Rectangular shapes are more pleasing to the eye than square shapes • Rectangles are most often the dominant shape in a room

9. Squares suggest a rational, stable form with no direction

10. A circle implies unity and completeness

11. Triangle is a stable, but dynamic shape

12. Texture • The surface of an object, its smoothness or roughness, is another important decorating tool • The use of several complementary textures can add variety and keep interest alive • Be careful to avoid dramatic contrasts between the textures • It is not a good idea to use casual, rough burlap in the same setting with a soft and formal moiré

13. Texture cont. • Heavily textured, nubby, rough surfaces absorb more light. They are more casual in feeling; they seem to be darker and they are good at absorbing sound • Smooth and shiny surfaces are more formal; they appear to be lighter and are more reflective of light

14. Pattern • Pattern is the repetition of a decorative motif on a surface • It is closely related to texture, but individual elements of pattern appear as individual items and texture appears as an overall tone. • Pattern provides the spice in decorating • Scale is important in the use of pattern • If a large print is used on a small object the pattern will get lost

15. Pattern cont. • You can safely use a floral pattern with a geometric pattern, a stripe or check • Be careful not to create an effect that is too busy • Use patterns that are in proportion to each other • A large floral would be out of proportion with a small check

16. Color • Color is one of the most powerful tools used in interior design/ decorating. • Color should be studied both psychologically and emotionally to be understood and used correctly. • The amount of light also affects color • Dim lighting reduces a color's value and diminishes its hue

17. Color cont. • High lighting levels can either intensify the hue or make the color appear washed out • Color swatches should be tested in their actual location under the expected lighting conditions before final decisions are made • The amount of area covered affects color • Color intensifies as the area of color increases • It is also important to remember that interior colors should be chosen inside and exterior colors outside

18. Now that you know the six Elements of Design , you can better understand them and you can make them work for you