Basic Design Principles

Basic Design Principles

1) Symmetry/Balance

Think of symmetry and balance when deciding to pick furniture, accessories, fabrics, etc. for your space. Aesthetically, symmetry and balance bring the room together to create a harmonious visual appeal. Choosing furniture pieces that are similar in appearance and shape. Fabrics are fun to play around with, but too much, can be over powering. Try choosing fabrics that incorporate the same colour scheme, but with different pattern or texture.



Symmetry & Balance in a Bedroom

 

2) Proportion/Scale

Choosing the appropriate size of objects for the space and for the surrounding objects around the larger pieces. The smaller objects surrounding the large objects should be proportionate to the larger objects and the large objects should be proportionate to the room shape and size. If you deicide to go with an object that isnt proportional
by itself, try adding multiples of the same object.



Lighting fixtures porportional to the dining table


 3) Unity/Harmony

A long with symmetry and balance, unity brings the space together and makes a hamonious visual appeal. No object is of greater importance then the other. Objects in the space unitfy and define eachothers existance. This can be acheieved through location, position, size, colour, similarity and/or themes.

Colour, shape and size unify
eachother in this bedroom space.

4)Rhythm/Movement





Repetition and movement
through the wall paneling

Rhythm can be created using repetition and/or alternate objects. This allows the audiences eyes to move flowingly throughout the space.

5) Simplicity

Keeping the space simple with combinations of pattern, colours, shapes and sizes, that balance eachother out and not having too much of one or many things in the space. For example, when choosing a ornate piece

of furniture, try accessorizing with objects that arent so ornate by picking up a simple pattern that reflects the ornate detail on the piece.

The brick wall acts as an accent wall with the dominant colour and
texture. The surrounding objects are more simpliar in
colour and texture but relfect the rectangular
shape from the bricks.

 6) Dominance

Where your eye is drawn to first the space and from there where it draws your eye next. Elements, such as, focal walls or objects have greater dominance in a space because  they are usually large in scale, colour, size and shape. Elements, such as, accessories, have a smaller dominance in the space because they are usually smaller in scale, colour, shape and size. Distinguishing what area of the space you want to draw the most attention to is the most important factor that will reflect your over all look and feel for the space.

The dark, patterned chairs, stand out
against the light background.

Try and follow these six basic steps by incorporating and keeping theses principles in mind while designing your own personal space.  These principles are the basics to good design practice.

*Remember, these guidelines arent set in stone and can be played around with and tweeked to create your own personal vision!!! Have fun!!

Aly