1. Chapter 6 Residential Housing & Interiors Housing – Mrs. Cosper
Elements of Design
Chapter 6 Residential Housing & Interiors
Housing – Mrs. Cosper

2. Elements of Design
Space
Line
Shape
Form
Texture
Color

3. Space Space is the area provided for a particular purpose.
Residential space can be defined by walls, dividers, or other objects.
Any space- no matter the size or shape- can be divided into distinct parts.
EX: The furnishings not walls, define space in this open kitchen.

4. Space Divisions of space can provide a sense of security and privacy.
EX: Fences and hedges are used to accomplish this purpose outdoors and screen out unwanted views and noises.

5. Space Too little space = a feeling of being exposed, loss of privacy.
Too much space = lonely feeling.
It is important to be aware of the feeling of space and use it to enhance design.
Space is affected by the Number and Size of the objects in it.
Space is more pleasing when it changes gradually- instead of abruptly.

6. Line Gives direction to a design.
Can emphasize a pleasing element or disguise and undesirable one.
Different types of lines have different effects:
Vertical Lines
Horizontal Lines
Diagonal Lines
Curved Lines

7. Line- Vertical Lines
Lead the eye up- adding height, formality, and strength.
Often seen in: tall furniture, columns, pillars, wallpaper, and curtains.
Make the ceiling appear higher and rooms tend to seem more spacious than they actually are.

8. Line- Horizontal Lines
Lead the eye to the left or right- suggesting informality and restfulness.
Often seen in: long, low roofs and in long low furniture such as sofas and chests.
Tend to make buildings, rooms, and furniture seem wider and lower.

9. Line- Diagonal Lines Suggests action, movement, and excitement.
Can become overpowering and tiring- should be used sparingly.
Evident in: gable roofs, cathedral ceilings, and staircases.

10. Line- Curved Lines Add a softening, graceful effect to designs.
Too many curved lines can create a busy look.
Seen in doorway arches, ruffled curtains, and curved furniture.

11. Line In design, one type of line should dominate.
Others may be added for interest.
EX: Horizontal lines may dominate a room, while accessories with diagonal or curved lines may be an accent.

12. Shape 2-Dimensional element of design. Length & Width.
It is a flat or silhouette image, rather than one containing volume or mass.
Created by intersecting lines to create squares, rectangles, and triangles. Or one continuous line connecting to make a circle.

13. Shape They may also look irregular.
Irregular shapes attract greater interest.
The surface treatment of a shape can affect its overall appearance.
Shiny- reflects images, creates a transparent visual effect.
Bright, Smooth- adds interest.
Highly textured- absorb light and sound.

14. Shape Surfaces can also be: Hard or Soft Plain or Patterned
Be of Light, Medium, or Dark Value

15. Form 3-dimensional Length x Width x Depth x Volume x Mass
Cubes, pyramids, cones, and spheres are common forms.
Other examples of form can be found in furniture and architecture.
Forms, such as furniture should be chosen after considering how they relate to the interior space.

16. Form Form can also convey a fragile or stable appearance.
Thin Forms = delicate & fragile.
Heavy Forms = stability & sturdy
Related forms tend to look better together rather than unrelated forms.
A room is more pleasing if the form of the dominant piece is repeated in minor pieces and accessories within the room.

17. Texture
Texture = how a surface feels to the touch or how the surface looks like it would feel to the touch.
Appeals to sight as well as touch.
Ribbed, Crinkled, Rough, and Smooth are common textures.
Patterns and Colors are used to create the illusion of texture.

18. Texture Texture can affect color by intensifying or subduing it.
Smooth Textures = reflect light, look lighter and brighter.
Rough Textures = absorb light, look darker and less intense.
EX: Red carpet looks darker and duller than red ceramic tile.
vs.

19. Texture A balance of textures is needed in a well designed room.
A room decorated in the same texture all the way throughout is Monotonous.
Too many textures can look disjointed and distracting.
The idea is to have a dominant texture with contrasting accents.

20. Color Color is considered the most important element of design.
We will cover it in detail in chapter 7.

21. Assignment
Handout assignment sheet and rubric for Elements of Design Samples.
Example on next slide!

22. Vertical Lines
The columns on the front of this home are a perfect example of how vertical lines are used as an element of design. The columns make the house appear tall, narrow, and very formal.