Basic Interior Design Principles

This arrangement is symmetrically balanced.

Interior designers adhere to a certain set of artistic principles in creating an aesthetically pleasing and functional space for their clients. The principles of interior design differ from the elements of design; the elements are what the client "sees" and include color, texture, pattern and lighting. The principles of interior design are less concrete and, like the foundation of a house, are not visually evident; but without them, the design would fall.

Scale and Proportion

Scale as a principle in design describes the visual weight of objects in a room as well as the overall size of the space. To achieve scale in a design scheme, the visual weight of furnishings and patterns must relate to the scale of a space. When these relationships work, the objects in the space are proportionate to the space and to one another.

Balance

Balance describes the visual stability within a space; the furnishings are arranged in such a manner as to maintain equilibrium throughout the room, which is achieved through symmetry, asymmetry or radial balance. Symmetry is best described as mirror imaging; two bookcases flanking a fireplace with two chairs placed in front of the fireplace is an example of symmetrical balance. Asymmetrical balance uses similarly weighted objects to either side of an invisible line, but the objects are not the same. A queen size bed placed to one side of a room may be balanced by two small upholstered chairs placed on the other side. Radial balance is circular balance. A round dining room table with chairs placed in the center of the room may be balanced by a round clock face on one wall and a round wall sculpture on the opposite wall.

Emphasis and Rhythm

Emphasis is the anchor of the room or the focal point, usually either an architectural element, such as a fireplace, or a functional piece, such as a television. Emphasis is the thing that first attracts the eye when a person enters the room. Rhythm is the flow of objects and items within the space. Repetition in the room through the use of pattern, color and form creates rhythm. Furniture arrangement creates rhythmic traffic flow. Crown molding is a rhythmic element in a room. Rhythm works best when it radiates out from the focal point and brings the eye back to that point.

Harmony

Harmony is the culmination of the elements and objects in the room, all of which express unity and variety. The scale and proportion of the furnishings are in sync with the architecture of the room and with one another and are arranged to achieve a pleasant balance in the space. The room is unified through the use of repetition and progression in color, texture, form and pattern and creates emphasis within the space on the focal point. All of these come together in a unified whole. Yet the space exhibits visual variety. Several colors, tints and hues harmonize with different textures, and these elements are expressed in various patterns. Harmony is when it all comes together and sings.

References

• Freshome: 7 Most Important Interior Design Principles
• "Interiors: An Introduction"; Karla j. Nielson, et al; 2002

Resources

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition: Interior Designers