A new year is the perfect time for a new look. What better place to start than at home? Whether you need to overhaul the whole interior or just reinvent one room, you might be at a loss on where to begin. Keep in mind the following rules that professional designers use every day. They are the basic principles and elements of interior design, the cornerstones of a great room. Here’s a brief summary of the six elements.
Form
The element of form makes up the design of a room. It is the walls, ceiling, and floor; the lines of bead board wainscoting; the shape of a round mirror; and the plumpness of a well-stuffed sofa. Whatever they are, the combination of forms is important to setting the tone in a space.
Scale
Scale is the comparison of the size of one object to the known size of another. Placing furniture in a large, open space or hanging artwork above a diminutive antique settee are examples of using scale in a room. The sizes you choose impact the overall look of the design.
Color
Color is a recognizable design element because it really establishes the mood of a space. Choose color based on how you want to feel in the room. Warm colors—reds, oranges, yellows—evoke vibrancy and happiness, which is often desired in kitchens or kids’ play areas. A cool color scheme in shades of blue and purple helps create a peaceful environment good for a bedroom or bath.
Texture
If every surface in a room is smooth and sleek, the space appears cold and uninviting. This is where texture comes in and why it is so important to a room’s design. Texture, the way an object looks or appears to look, adds interest and reinforces the decorative style.
Pattern
Like texture, pattern enhances a room’s design. Stripes, flowers, and polka dots are all examples of pattern, which is a repeated element on an object. Bold floral print drapes make a dramatic statement; a chair upholstered in soft pinstripes has a more subtle impact.
Light
The effect of lighting in a room plays a role in all the other design elements because it affects the way everything is seen. Think of light in terms of illuminating the tasks taking place in a room through general and task lighting or highlighting special areas such as art or a textured wall using accent lighting.
So, what does knowing about these basic design elements really mean to you? They give you a starting point for redecorating using some knowledge practiced by design pros. No matter what your style—classic, contemporary, or country—they’ll work to create a more inviting space to live.
If you can start on the right track with knowledgeable information, you might be more likely to follow through. And since most traditional resolutions are waning by the end of January, that’s a great thing.
Reference:
- Ballast, David K. Interior Design Reference Manual. Belmont, CA: Professional Publications, Inc., 1998.
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