USING ELEMENTS OF INTERIOR DESIGN
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. The science would include the design elements include space, line, forms, light, colour, texture and pattern; and keeping them balanced is the key to creating an aesthetically pleasing interior.
SPACE
The foundation of an interior, space is a fundamental concept to understand, ensuring you’re best equipped to take advantage of what is available to you.In interior design we have the luxury of working within three dimensional space (length, width and height). This three dimensional space can be filled or left empty, depending upon what you need to achieve from a functionality and design perspective.
LINE
Horizontal, vertical and dynamic lines help to shape a room and guide the eye. Creating lines using the room’s furnishings and structural design can form harmony, unity and contrast.Ideally, interior designers will strike a balance with the incorporation of different lines. This is typically done by selecting one dominant 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.Adding forms of similar shapes can create harmony and balance, while adding too many differing shapes can have a confusing result. A space is typically more pleasing if the dominant form is repeated in minor objects throughout the room.
LIGHT
Natural or man-made light is a critical aspect of any space. Beyond its functional purpose, light has the ability to set the mood and atmosphere of a space while defining colour, line and texture. Plus, any good interior designer also knows that the lighting fixtures are a visual feature in themselves, which can add the right tough to any design.
COLOUR
Colour 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. Interior designers will often incorporate lighter or brighter colours in smaller spaces to give the illusion of more space. Darker colours can give a powerful dimension to a larger space.
TEXTURE
Texture refers to the tactile surface of an object or finish. The placement of each object in comparison to the texture of the object beside it will also add emphasis and contrast to the finished design.
PATTERN
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.