Elements of Design Line

Line Most basic element of design Line forms the edges or outlines of objects and areas Shows direction and causes the eye to move from one point to another

Types of line Straight Vertical Horizontal Diagonal Curved

Vertical Lines Causes the eye to move up and down Communicates – height, strength, dignity and stability Examples : Lines in window treatments, striped wallpaper. Grandfather clocks, highboys, armoires, tall picture frames.

Horizontal Line Parallel to ground directs your eyes across the space Communicates feelings of relaxation, calmness and restfulness. Examples: fireplace mantels, bookcases, long sofas, shelving, and fabrics

Horizontal lines

Diagonal Lines Levels of activity ranging low to high – level of energy Transition from one level to another Feeling of excitement

Curved Line Can be part of a circle, or free-form shape. Range from slightly to very curved Curved lines reflect organization, eternity, uniformity, femininity Slightly curved – free form lines – natural and flowing movement, softness, freedom and openness

Combination of lines

What Line is this room?

What line is this room?

What line is this room?

What lines do you see here?

FORM Form is the physical shape of objects. It outlines the edges of a three-dimensional object and contains volume and mass. Form also has height, width and depth

4 Types of Form Realistic Abstract Geometric Free form

Realistic Form Communicates a lifelike traditional and familiar feeling For example: this couch has realistic form because of its specific form. It is easily recognized as a couch

Abstract Form Rearranges or stylizes a recognizable object The abstract form has traits that look like the real item, but altered. Abstract form communicates a contemporary, changing creative, and artistic feeling

Geometric form Uses squares, rectangles, circles, and other geometric figure to create form. It communicates organization, order, planning, and tailored look Found in home furnishings, such as square tables, round lampshades, and various shapes of pillows.

Free form Random and flowing Found in nature - in plants, stones, and wood Does not have geometric design. Communicates a sense of freedom, free form is untraditional, unfamiliar, and different from realistic form

Using form in housing decisions Forms follow function Related forms are more agreeable than unrelated forms A gradual change in form smoothly directs the eye.

Forms follow function The function of an object should be considered first in the design process. Then the form should be chosen Example: Chairs in a family room should have a form that lets people sit comfortably and relax. Which form is better for relaxation?

Related forms are more agreeable than unrelated forms Your eyes feel comfortable looking at similar forms. Example: Rectangles are used throughout the room to give it a crisp, organized look

A gradual change in form smoothly directs the eyes Seeing an abrupt change in form or too many different forms together may be unpleasant and confusing.

Refers to the area around a form and the area inside a room Space Refers to the area around a form and the area inside a room

Consider 2 factors The size of the room Its arrangement

Size of room Affects who will use the space and how they will use it. Example: Bedroom 10X12ft. – too small for 2 teens who need 2 beds, 2 dressers, 2 desks and chairs. But for 2 small children lnly needing 2 beds and 1 shared dresser the room could be adequate.

Size of space communicates positive and negative feelings Large space – communicates openness, grandeur or freedom Small space – feel cozy, intimate or comfortable

Arrangement of space First need to evaluate the space and decide what design effect you want You can arrange space to make large spaces look smaller, small spaces to look larger

Expanding space Windows, use of mirrors or remove walls

Decrease size Divide space into separate areas – using area rugs, or cluster furniture

Mass The amount of pattern or objects in a space. It refers to how crowded or empty a space appears. Two types of mass High Mass Low Mass

High Mass Refers to a space that is visually crowded – a lot of pattern or lines – room has many items in it.

Low Mass Refers to space that is simple and sparse – only essential furnishings are used Communicated clean and airy feelings

Texture Tactile texture - How the surface feels to the touch. You can see and feel tactile texture Visual texture – texture that you see, but cannot feel. Ex. Scenic wall paper or fabric patterns Use specific textures to communicate different feelings in a room

Rough textures – textured plaster or paint treatments create a more casual feeling

Smooth surfaces – glass, polished wood or brass, elegant feeling Glass walls and shiny floors. Smooth surfaces communicate both strength and elegance

Texture affects of visual size of room Heavy or rough textures absorbs light – room looks smaller Hard smooth textures – reflect light creates illusion of a larger space