Elements and

Principles of

Design

Elements vs Principles

• Elements are the different “raw materials” of a design.

• Principles are the guidelines you follow to create certain effects while USING the different elements.

The Five Elements of

Design

Elements of DesignThere are many factors that can effect a

design. The elements that make up those factors are referred to as the Elements of

Design.

1. Line

2. Shape

3. Space

4. Texture

5. Color

Line

Provides a sense of direction

– causes eye to move side to side

or up and down• Vertical lines - point to the sky• Horizontal lines - relaxation, informality• Diagonal lines - activity, movement• Curved lines - activity or relaxation,

depending on the degree to which they are curved

Shape Make up the object’s shape – outline of the

object Shape becomes three-dimensional, gains

depth and is known as form Shape can make object appear heavy or

light

Space Refers to area around or between objects

within that space Also the three-dimensional area to be

designed (room itself). Can greatly impact “feel” of room

cozy vs crowded

Texture• The way an object's

surface feels.– Also includes

visual texture

• This can effect the mood of the room as well as the apparent size and heaviness of furniture, etc.

– Shiny vs dull

– Smooth vs rough

– Plush vs hard

Color

• Gives great life and beauty to room• Expresses the personality of entire family• Set the mood of a room• Make room seem warmer or cooler• Change the apparent size and shape of a

room• Tie other design elements together• Disguise architectural flaws• Creates a center of interest

Color

• Primary• Secondary• Tertiary

Common Color Schemes

The Five Principles of

Design

Principles of DesignWhen used together in design, the Elements

of Design (color, line, form, shape, and texture) make sense only when certain

principles of design are applied to them. They are:

1. Proportion

2. Scale

3. Balance

4. Emphasis

5. Rhythm

Proportion

Proportion is the ratio of one part to another part or of one

part to the whole.

The coffee table and sofa in this room have good

proportions to each other.

In general, a coffee table that is two thirds the length of a couch is more pleasing than one that is the same length

or half the length of the couch.

Scale

Scale refers to the size of an object in

relation to a standard or familiar

size.

The table and chairs in this child’s bedroom is in scale with the size of the children who will

be using it.

Balance – Formal/Symmetrical

Formal Balance is achieved through the placement of identical objects on both sides of a central point.

Notice the identical arrangement of plates, pillows, side tables, accessories, lamps, and the window treatments on each side of the large mirror.

Balance – Informal/Asymmetrical

This room, at first glance, seems to have formal or symmetrical balance, however, a second look will identify the difference in the side tables and accessories on these tables. The tables here are similar in form – if one had been heavy and

chunky, the balance in this arrangement would have been compromised.

Emphasis – Focal Point

The center of interest in a room is usually a fireplace,

window, work of art, or dominate piece of furniture.

In this master bedroom, the bed creates the focal point. This bed is emphasized by

its tall headboard, the placement of artwork on the

wall above it, and by its place as the center of the

symmetrical arrangement of the bed, side tables, lamps

and artwork.

Rhythm - Repetition

Rhythm is seen in this room in the repetition of the three square windows, the repetition of color in the green ceiling, upper wall,

bedside table, and decorative pillows on the bed.

Rhythm - Radiation

The wooden floor planks in this entryway radiate out from

the central star design.

Rhythm - Gradation

Gradation in size is evident in the two ladder-style bookcases leaning against the wall. Note the large bottom shelf with each shelf

getting smaller towards the top.

There can also be gradations in color- from light to dark, etc.

Sources

Images

• Southernliving.com

• Potterybarn.com

Information

• Residential Housing & Interiors