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Principles of Design Proportion/Scale Balance Rhythm Emphasis Harmony/Unity Today we will be learning about the principles of design. The principles of design are guidelines to follow with the elements of design. The principles of design will help ensure that your design is pleasing and attractive. At first you may have a hard time identifying the principles of design but as you train your eye identifying the principles will become second nature to you. Eventually, you will be able to use the principles to help you create interior decorating that is pleasing and attractive to the eye. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Proportion The size relationships that can be found within an object or design. The ratio of one part to another or one part to the whole. Proportions often expressed as ratios Most people prefer rectangles to square Unequal divisions of space are more appealing than equal divisions of space 3:5, 5:8, and 8:13 ratios are more effective Proportion and scale are often confused. They are related but are different. Proportion is the relationship of one part to another or one part to the whole. For example the base of a coffee table in relationship to the table top of the same coffee table. The table top and the base need to be in proportion to each other (relationship of one part to another). If the base is too small, the table will not look right. If the base is too large the table will not look right. The base and the table top have to be in proportion for the table to be pleasing. Proportion also matters when choosing the items to place on the coffee table. The items for the table and the table need to be in proportion to each other (one part to the whole). Proportions are often expressed as ratios. The length compared to the width. Think of a rectangular area rug. If the length is 6ft and the width is 3ft. The ratio would be 2:1 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Proportion A B Assuming that both coffee tables are constructed in a sturdy manner and of sturdy materials, which coffee table do you think is in proportion? Consider the size of the base in relation to the size of the table top. Coffee table A is more appealing to the eye due to the ratio of the base to the table top. Coffee table B looks like it is too short. The ratio of the base to the table top is not appealing. This is an example of ratio of one part to another. The base to the table top. Which Coffee table do you think is in proportion? Why? Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Proportion The best way to learn to recognize good proportion is to study the shapes and sizes of actual objects, rooms and homes. Take a look at this picture: Are the windows in proportion to the home front? Are the windows in proportion to each other? Are the windows in proportion to the space between the windows? What would happen if the windows were square and place exactly the same distance from the top and bottom of the home front and from each other? Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Scale The relative size of an object in relation to other objects. Scale of furnishings should relate to the space they occupy to be visually pleasing. Scale of furnishings also applies to the size of the person using the item. Scale is the relative size of an object in relation to other objects. Scale of furnishings should relate to the space they occupy to be visually pleasing. For example, you would not place a king size bed in a small room. It would not be visually appealing. You would look for a smaller size bed to create a visually appealing room. You would not place a twin bed in a very large room because it would not be visually appealing. The bed would look too small and the room would not look appealing. You would look for a larger bed or a bed with a large headboard. The items in a room must also be in scale with each other. For example a large sofa requires a large coffee table. A small coffee table would not look right in front of the large sofa. It is important to take into account the size of the person who will be using an item or a room when deciding on scale. For example, you would not place the desks in this class room in a kindergarten class room. The desks would not be in scale to the kindergartener that would be using them. The kindergarten student would not be able to write comfortably, their feet would be hanging (not able to reach the floor). By the same token, you would not be comfortable with kindergarten desks in this class room. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Scale Visual Weight is the perception that an item weighs more or less then it actually does. Thick lines, bold colors, rough textures and large patterns add visual weight. Slender lines, light colors, smooth textures and small patterns create a lighter visual weight. When decorating a large room, look for items that are dark bold colors with large patters so that they are in scale with the large space. When decorating a small room, look for lighter colors and smoother textures to prevent the space from looking too crowded. In theory, you could take two chairs that are the same dimensions. Chair A is dark wood, with the seat cushion upholstery of red textured fabric. Chair A would seem to take up too much room in the small entry way. Chair B is lighter colored wood (maybe even white) with a smooth light sky blue upholstery on the seat cushion. Chair B would seem to fit in the small entry way. This is an example of visual weight. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Scale This entry way (foyer) appears to be a large space due to the high ceiling. The chair and chest are both dark wood. The dark color creates visual weight to help fill the space. The chair and chest are in scale with the large space. What would the room look like if the chair and chest were white? The accessory items on the chest are also in scale with the chest. They are large to balance the largeness of the chest created by the dark color of the wood. Imagine a small bud vase with one flower and a small lamp on the same chest. They would not be in scale with the size of the chest or the size of the entry way. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Balance Two main kinds of balance. The amount, size or weight of objects on both sides of a center point is equal. Symmetrical Balance Convey formality, dignity and calmness. Unequal objects or groups of objects appear to be equal. Asymmetrical Balance Informal Two kinds of balance. In the first, the amount, size or weight of objects on both sides of a center point is equal. The items on one side of the center point create a mirror image on the other side of the center point. If you created an imaginary line down the middle, both sides would look exactly alike. This is called Symmetrical Balance and is considered formal balance. Symmetrical balance creates dignity, quiet and calmness because both sides are the same. If symmetrical balance is overused, the room or design can appear boring and monotonous. In the second kind of balance unequal objects or groups of objects appear to be equal but are different. This kind of balance is called Asymmetrical Balance. Different shapes, sizes forms, textures and colors can be combined to create balance on both sides of the center point. When balancing items be sure to consider visual weight of the items. For example a lamp made of dark material may not be in balance with a cluster of picture frames that are light colored even if they take up the same amount of space as the lamp. The lamp may appear to be larger due to the dark color. An odd number of items creates the most pleasing asymmetrical balance. For example a large vase on one side and two smaller items on the other side of the imaginary center line. Three items total. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Balance Radial Balance: radiates outward from the center.
Vertical Balance: The top and bottom parts are equal. Horizontal Balance: The left and right parts are equal. Copyright Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Balance Symmetrical Balance If you were to draw an imaginary line down the center of the blue wall you would have a mirror image on either side. Two butterfly pictures, one nightstand and a lamp on either side of the imaginary line. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Balance Asymmetrical Balance If you were to draw a line down the center of the chest of drawers you would see that the items arranged on top of the chest are different on both sides of the center line. They are an example of asymmetrical balance. The larger light colored lamp is balanced with the three candle holders because they have some dark color to help create the balanced look. Notice that there is an odd number of items on the chest top (seven). The odd number of items helps to create visual interest and reduce the possibility of monotony. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Balance Is this symmetrical or asymmetrical balance? The entry arch is an example of symmetrical balance. Both sides of the wall have the same decoration. If you drew an imaginary line down the center of the arch both sides would be a mirror image of each other. Look further. The mantle is an example of asymmetrical balance. There is a tall floral arrangement on the top of the mantle balanced with some large vases below the mantle. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Rhythm Occurs when an element of design (line, form, texture, color) forms an organized pattern. Can add interest to a room but if overused can cause the room to be boring. There are various ways to achieve rhythm. Regular/Repetition Graduated Gradation Random Rhythm occurs when an element of design (line, form, texture, color) forms an organized pattern. Rhythm can add interest to a room but if overused can cause the room to be boring. There are various ways to achieve rhythm. Regular/Repetition Graduated-come closer or move further apart as they move Gradation- same item with one time change each time (increasing or descreasing) Random- random or irregular intervals Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Rhythm Regular/Repetition- a repeated element (line, color, shape form or pattern). The repetition may be an alternating pattern Leads the eye from one place to another Repetition is created with a repeated element (line, color, shape form or pattern). The element A may be repeated: A A A A A The repetition may be an alternating pattern: A B A B A B The repetition leads the eye from one place to another. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Rhythm Regular/Repetition- Rhythm repeats itself over and over again. Repetition of black picture frames above the head board. Takes the eye from one end of the wall to the other. Repetition of red pillow on the bed. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Rhythm Gradation is when objects increase or decrease in size. Nesting tables is a good example. Your eye tends to follow the line created. Other examples of gradation could be nesting tables or a display of teapots on a shelf. Beginning with the largest and progressing to the smallest. Color value can also create gradation; going from dark to light or light to dark. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Rhythm Random Rhythm is irregular patterns that move you eye along a space. Your eye tends to follow the line created. Other examples of gradation could be nesting tables or a display of teapots on a shelf. Beginning with the largest and progressing to the smallest. Color value can also create gradation; going from dark to light or light to dark. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Emphasis Creating a center of interest or focal point in a room. Can give order and direction to a room Everything else should relate to the emphasis through color, texture, scale or theme. The item or feature should be dominant but not overpower the room not compete with other features Be worthy of the attention it will receive Emphasis is created by the feature of the room that is noticed first upon entering the room. Emphasis can create a feeling of stability and unity in a room. Color can create emphasis in a room. Things that can create emphasis: Furniture groupings Rugs Works of art Mirrors Windows Fireplaces Collections Shelves of books Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Emphasis What do you think creates emphasis? What is the first thing you notice when entering the room? How is the foal point tied into the other elements in the room? The fireplace or accent wall color around the fireplace creates a focal point. Some may say the window but consider what is larger and where is the eye drawn when entering the room. The fireplace (accent wall included) is the first thing that is noticed when entering the room. The color of the accent wall is tied into other elements and items in the room. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Emphasis What do you think creates emphasis? What is the first thing you notice when entering the room? How is the focal point tied into the other elements in the room? The dark cabinets create emphasis in the room. The first thing that is noticed upon entering the room are the dark wood cabinets. The dark wood is tied into other elements. Notice the trim on the dining room chairs and the color of the roman shade over the window. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Harmony/Unity Unity is when all parts of a design relate to one design idea. Consistent shape, color or line in design elements Consistency of style You see the room as a whole instead of as a collection of items. Unity is created by selecting items that have a similar trait. The similar traits can be: Shape – having all rectangular items Color – Many of the items and features are the same color or material Line – Many of the items have curved lines The items tie the room design together. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Harmony/Unity The emphasis or focal point is the wood flooring. Unity is achieved in the room by the use of wood or dark brown to tie all the design elements together. The stools have a wood seat, the side tables on either side of the sofa are constructed of wood that is the same color as the flooring. The coffee table and picture frames placed on it are all constructed of the same dark color or wood. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Harmony/Unity Harmony is what a designer strives for in design. Styles and materials should be compatible. Unity with some variety creates interest. One common mistake is using a different decorating style in each room of a small home. When different styles and materials are combined variety is achieved. The styles can be from different eras or from different style groups. For example you may have a room of modern furniture with one antique piece. The antique piece may be the same color as the modern furniture or constructed of the same material. Styles and materials should be compatible. Unity with some variety creates interest. The variety may be purposeful of the result of a family heirloom piece of furniture or accessory. One common mistake is using a different decorating styles in each room of a small home. This creates too much variety in a small space. The rooms should flow into each other with some common unifying element. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Harmony/Unity This is an example of variety used effectively. The sofas are upholstered in different fabrics and different colors. The coffee table and side tables are constructed of both wood and metal. The artwork adds variety but it is all tied together with the use of the slate blue color throughout the room. The slate blue arm chair, slate blue in the pillows and in the artwork pull the design together. When different styles and materials are combined variety is achieved. The styles can be from different eras or from different style groups. For example you may have a room of modern furniture with one antique piece. The antique piece may be the same color as the modern furniture or constructed of the same material. Styles and materials should be compatible. Unity with some variety creates interest. The variety may be purposeful of the result of a family heirloom piece of furniture or accessory. One common mistake is using a different decorating styles in each room of a small home. This creates too much variety in a small space. The rooms should flow into each other with some common unifying element. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Review Yourself! What are the 5 Principles of Design? 1.) Balance 2.) Rhythm 3.) Proportion/Scale 4.) Emphasis 5.) Harmony/Unity What are the 5 types of balance? 1.) symmetrical 2.) asymmetrical 3.) radial 4.) vertical 5.) horizontal What is the golden mean? 3:5 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Review Yourself! What is regular/repetition rhythm? The same repetition every time Which form of rhythm measures random or irregular intervals? Random rhythm What is emphasis? The focal point of a space What is another word for harmony? Unity Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

Review Yourself! What principle describes the best size for a particular design element. Scale Which principle is the most personal aspect of design? emphasis Which principle of design radiates outward from the center? radial balance Which principle of design is used when the top and bottom part are equal? Vertical balance Copyright © Texas Education Agency, All rights reserved.

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