4.01 Elements of Design – Your Tools

Line Form Space Mass Texture Color

Line Line– creates direction and movement Line communicates: horizontal (relaxation) vertical (strength, dignity) diagonal (action) curved (calmness, softness). Line

Line The most pleasing effect will have: a balanced mixture of lines one type of line taking the lead role the “lead” line chosen based upon the feeling to be achieved. Line

Form Form is the PHYSICAL SHAPE of objects It contains volume and mass (height, width, and depth). With shape and form, think of those pleasing to the eye and that are well proportioned and complement each other. If you like geometric forms, you’ll need to soften it by adding curved pieces. This will accomplish balance and harmony and ultimately a more comfortable feel. Form

Form can be: Realistic – when it looks very much like the real thing Abstract – when it rearranges or stylizes a recognizable object Geometric – when it uses squares, rectangles, circles etc. Free Form – random and flowing Form

Remember: The FUNCTION of an item should be considered first before its form RELATED forms are more agreeable than unrelated forms A GRADUAL CHANGE in form smoothly directs the eyes. Form

Space Two types of space: Filled area is positive space Unfilled area is negative space Rooms need both of these in balance. . Incorporate both, or the appearance of both, in your home. Traffic paths are negative space in a room yet functionally important. An example of too much positive space is filling a small room with oversized furniture. You can use large pieces in a small room balanced by massing, placing together, smaller scale items that allow for more negative space in between (this is also an example of asymmetrical balance). Space

Mass Mass: The size or amount of space taken up by the elements A space can be high mass or low mass. Mass

Low mass space: relaxing, peaceful

High Mass Space: busy, enhances conversation

The way a surface feels (TACTILE) or appears to feel (VISUAL). All fabric has texture but a faux wall treatment can also give the appearance of a texture when, to the touch, it may be completely smooth. The textures of fabric and treatments need to be compatible but varied for harmony. In a monochromatic room, texture is a critical element to plan for and vary to please the eye and maintain attraction. Texture

Tactile Texture Texture

Visual Texture Texture

Color is the most significant element of design Color can be used to express a person’s individuality or to create a certain mood or illusion Color can make a warm room seem cooler and make a cool room seem warmer. Element of Color

Element of Color Monochromatic – varying values of one hue Analogous – 3-5 hues beside each other on the color wheel Complementary – opposite hues on the color wheel Split complementary - one hue and the two hues on each side of its complement Triadic - three hues equally spaced on the color wheel. Element of Color

Factors used in determining color(s) Mood Lifestyle Lighting Location Existing color

The Psychology of Color Color influences human behavior Social areas should be decorated in colors that make all members feel comfortable. Personal areas can be decorated using individual color preferences. The Psychology of Color

Red is bold, exciting, and warm Red stimulates the nervous system and increases blood pressure, respiration rate, and heartbeat. Red © Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Permission granted to produce for educational use only.

Orange expresses friendliness, courage, hospitality, energy, and hope Orange is cheerful, warm, and less aggressive than red. Orange © Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Permission granted to produce for educational use only.

Yellow is cheerful, friendly, and warm Yellow is associated with happiness, sunlight, prosperity, cowardice, and wisdom Yellow makes a room appear light and airy. Yellow © Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Permission granted to produce for educational use only.

Green is the color of nature Green is refreshing, cool, peaceful, and friendly Green is often associated with hope, envy, and good luck. Green © Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Permission granted to produce for educational use only.

Blue is cool, calm, and reserved Blue communicates serenity, tranquility, and formality Blue can be depressing if too much is used. Blue © Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Permission granted to produce for educational use only.

Violet is the color of royalty, dignity, and mystery Violet is dramatic. Violet © Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Permission granted to produce for educational use only.

Black Black is mysterious, severe, and dramatic Black symbolizes wisdom, evil, and death Black can be oppressive and claustrophobic in large amounts. Black © Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Permission granted to produce for educational use only.

White is the symbol of youth, freshness, innocence, purity, faith, and peace. © Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Permission granted to produce for educational use only.

Guidelines for working with the Elements of Design Principles of Design Guidelines for working with the Elements of Design

Proportion The relationship of parts of the same object OR The relationship between different objects in the same group.

Golden Rectangle---sides in a ration of 2:3 Golden Rectangle---sides in a ration of 2:3. short sides are 2/3 the length of the long sides This is the BEST proportion Proportion

Scale Refers to the relative size of an object in relation to other objects. When furnishings are scaled to the space they occupy, they are visually pleasing.

Furnishings need to be: Within a room, furnishings need to be in scale with one another. Large sofa----large coffee table. Furnishings need to be in scale to the people using them. A large person---substantial size chair Child needs small table and chairs

BALANCE Equilibrium among parts of a design. When there is balance, there is a sense of equal weight on both sides of a center point. Formal Balance —identical objects are arranged on both sides of a center point. Also known as symmetrical balance. Informal Balance---different but equivalent objects are arranged to the sides of a center point. Also known as asymmetrical balance. BALANCE

Formal Balance in Interiors . Formal Balance in Interiors

Formal Balance in Exterior Design

Informal Balance In this garden the right and left sides are not the same. However, it is visually balanced. Notice that the large green tree and rocks (L) balance the larger rock formation (R)

EMPHASIS Emphasis creates a center of attention or a focal point/center of attention in a room Every well designed room has a focal point. The eyes are immediately drawn to that point when entering the room. The focal point should be worthy of attention. The focal point should dominate the room, but not over power it.

Emphasis cont….

Emphasis cont. Some common focal points in rooms are: Windows Fireplaces Artwork arrangements Entertainment centers Emphasis cont.

Rhythm smoothly leads the eyes from one area to another in a design. Rhythm results when an element of design forms an organized pattern. Rhythm is achieved through Repetition Gradation Radiation Opposition Transition RHYTHM

Rhythm -- REPETITION Created when an element of design--- such as color, line, form or texture -- is repeated

Rhythm -- GRADATION ….created by a gradual increase or decrease in size

Rhythm -- RADIATION … formed when lines flow from a central point.

Rhythm --- OPPOSITION …..formed as lines meet to form right angles

Transition: Curved lines carries the eye

Unity/Variety/Harmony Unity: ALL parts of a design are related by ONE idea or theme Variety: Objects that relate to the idea to bring interest to the design Ex: Beach theme: walls blue, carpet beige, furniture white, accessories: lighthouses, shells, birds, umbrellas, etc. Harmony: ALL parts of elements and principles working together Unity/Variety/Harmony