1. The Elements of Design

2. Space The area around a form/shape, such as the area around a table
Interior space is often defined by height, length, and width
Affects what the room can be used for
Ex.) 10 x 12 room possibly too small for two teenagers, but could accommodate two small children

3. Positive Space

4. Negative Space

5. How does design affect space?
Design can be used to change the visual size of the room
Ex.) To open/expand spaces you use mirrors or remove walls
Ex.) Make a room more cozy by dividing room into separate areas by using area rugs, clustering furniture

7. Density -How crowded or empty a space appears
High Density
Low Density

8. Line
The linear marks made with a pen or brush or the edge created when two shapes meet.
Show direction and cause the eye to move from one point to another.

9. Line

10. Types of Lines
Horizontal: parallel to the ground, create a feeling of relaxation, calmness and restfulness
Examples: fireplace mantels, long sofas, fabrics or wallpapers

11. Horizontal Line

12. Types of Line
Vertical: perpendicular to the ground, moves your eye up and down, suggests height, strength, dignity and stability
Examples: window treatments, columns, striped wallpaper, grandfather clocks

13. Vertical Line

14. Types of Line
Curved: part of a circle, a circle or oval, communicates softness, freedom and openness

15. Curved Line

16. Types of Line
Diagonal: angle between horizontal and vertical, communicate different levels of activity from low energy to chaos
Examples: furniture placement, roof lines, staircases, lampshades

17. Shape/Form
The physical shape of objects, outlines the edges of a three-dimensional object
Contains volume, mass, height, width and depth
Basic Shapes:
Cone (round on bottom) (lamp shade, vase)
Cube (ottoman, TV)
Cylinder (column, candle)
Sphere (ball, globe)
Pyramid (square on bottom)(lamp shade, metronome)

18. Forms
Cone
Cube

19. Forms
Cylinder
Sphere

20. Forms
Pyramid
Forms that lead the eye

21. Form that leads the eye 1. Form follows function
2. Related forms are more agreeable than unrelated forms
3. Gradual change in form can direct the eye smoothly
4. Repetition of shape leads the eye around the room

22. Mass The weight or bulk of an item.
The apparent weight of an object depends on it’s color or texture.
Black box study…
Faux finishes…

23. Mass

24. Texture
The way a surface feels or looks

25. Visual texture You can see, but not feel
Example: scenic wallpaper or picture
A photograph of a stone fireplace

26. Tactile texture How the surface feels to the touch
Bumpy, rough, soft, smooth, grainy, porous, hard
Definitely try things out for comfort

27. Structural vs. Applied Texture
Structural Texture
Applied Texture
What it is made from or how it is made causes it to have a texture.
Example: baskets have a texture because they are woven
Example: Fireplaces have texture because they are made of stones or brick
The texture is added on after the object is made
Example: carving is added to a piece of wooden furniture
Example: Decorative embellishments are glued onto a lamp or vase

28. Texture
Structural Texture
Applied Texture

29. How do you use texture in design?
Communicate feelings
rough textures create more casual feelings
Smooth textures can communicate elegance
Polished stone/marble show elegance and strength
Heavy/rough textures absorb light-makes a room appear smaller
Smooth textures reflect light-make a room appear larger
Vary textures, but don’t go crazy

30. COLOR The most important element of design!!!
What do you think about this slide compared to the previous slides??????
1st decision when decorating a room
Sets the mood and leaves a lasting impression
(more to come on color later!!!!)