Principles of Interior Design

Having covered the 7 elements of Interior Design – Space, Line, Form, Light, Colour, Pattern and Texture – it seems only right to turn to the 7 principles. Think of the former as the components within an Ikea flat pack and the latter as the manual on how to put them together. The elements and principles work hand-in-hand to guide design decisions in order to reach the end goal: balance and unity in composition. Or, in order words, the finished SLÄKT bed frame.

As with all these things, the principles should act as a guide – it’s great to understand and consider them, but they should not be obsessed over. Rather, I feel it’s best to follow your gut, to do what feels right…

One

Balance

According to Launchpad, “the principle of balance refers to the ordered distribution of elements of equal visual weight to achieve a visual equilibrium.” There are three main types. Symmetrical balance is defined by one central axis. The room is cut in half, with each side equally weighted – the same objects are repeated in the same position each side. This reflects the human form; indeed, we are more comfortable in balanced settings (Freshome) and often see beauty in symmetrical faces. Whilst this balance is more traditional, it can be quite formal, constrictive and monotonous. Asymmetrical balance has an imaginary axis around a central piece, such as a table or painting. Objects that are dissimilar but are of equal weight are used. This balance is harder to achieve, but results are less ordered or contrived and there is a natural, energetic and casual feeling. Radial balance occurs when “the elements of a design are arrayed around a centre point”, such as a spiral staircase or a dining table (Freshome). This balance is rarer but more interesting.

Two

Rhythm

Rhythm is the organised movement between different elements or the ‘visual tempo’ (Launchpad). With the aim of moving the eye around the room, it can be achieved through repetition, progression, transition and contrast. Much of the reading I have done makes a comparison to music. Rhythm in music is about creative repetitive beats, while in design, it is about the repetitive use of elements throughout a space, like colour and texture, or physical attributes, such as lights. Progression is the increasing or decreasing of a quality of an element – perhaps the most obvious are a gradation in size or colour. Transition is smoother, allowing the eye to glide and is common in curved lines such as a garden path. Contrast is a principle in its own right and is described below…

Three

Contrast

Defined as “the state of being strikingly different from something else in juxtaposition or close association”, contrast can be achieved through most of the elements, from colour to space. It adds interest and drama, emphasising both of the ‘things’ that are in contrast. However, it should not be overdone – too much contrast loses the distinctiveness that makes it so interesting in the first place.

Four

Emphasis

According to The Spruce, a room where everything is equal in importance can appear boring or scattered. To avoid this, you need a focal point – an attention grabber, an anchor. Normally, this is an architectural feature such as a fireplace or window. However, if a room lacks a pre-existing standout point, one can be created through the use of furniture or art. As Launchpad states, elements like colour, pattern and texture, as well as space, line and light, can be used to ensure the focal point dominates the rest of the décor. Surrounding elements should complement this, to ensure the focal point is emphasised.

Five

Scale and Proportion

Scale and proportion are often confused – perhaps because they are so intertwined. Scale is “the relative size or extent of something” and proportion is “a part, share, or number considered in comparative relation to a whole.” So, “scale is about one object’s visual weight while proportion is about comparing that object’s visual weight to another object’s around it or to the interior as a whole” (Jennifer Cederstam). This all seems a bit wordy to me – such principles basically ensure that things look like they belong to a space and to each other. For example, in a room with high ceilings, high rise furniture should be favoured. On a small bed, many overstuffed pillows may look too crowded. Simple, right?

Six

Detail

The above five principles look at the room as a whole; the big picture. Detail encourages us to zoom in, focusing on the small but certainly not inconsequential parts of the room (Jennifer Cederstam). Detail in the decorative items – from the picture frames and cushion piping to the furniture handles, light switches and wire colours – transform a room from good to really good. They don’t need to be obvious. Rather, they need to be just right, enhancing the overall feel of the room.

Seven

Unity

The elements and above principles should work together to create a sense of harmony and project a unified message. Jennifer Cederstam suggests that it is about looking at the space as a whole – rooms linked together by halls and stairways (Freshome) – and understanding how each element plays a part in meeting the function of the space. Balance should create visual equilibrium; rhythm should move the eye around the room, smoothing the transition between spaces; contrast should add interest and drama; emphasis should anchor the room to a focal point; scale and proportion should ensure things are not overwhelming or indeed underwhelming; and detail should be the ‘cherry on top’. A common style should run through the space to bring everything together and achieve that all important unity.