LINE

There are 4 elements of design: LINE, Form, Color, & Texture. Elements of design are “tools”. Just like the carpenter has a hammer and saw, the designer has the elements. There are 4 elements of design: LINE, Form, Color, & Texture.

There are 4 basic types of lines: Line: the extension of a point Line delineates space, outlines form, and conveys a sense of movement or direction. It can be straight or curved. Line can express various feelings and emotions. There are 4 basic types of lines: Horizontal Diagonal Vertical Curved Lines are derived from nature…

• Horizontal Lines: Solidity, stability, peaceful/restful, • Horizontal Lines: Solidity, stability, peaceful/restful, harmonious, weighty, secure Horizontal lines suggest a solid, harmonious relationship with the Earth; the Earth's gravity has no further pull. This gives a stabilizing, peaceful harmonious effect to window treatments. When found in a connecting architectural detail such as molding, horizontal lines provide a smooth transition between rooms or areas. If they lead to a focal point, they help to emphasize it. When horizontal lines lead to a window, the eye stops at the outside view or the beauty of the decorative window treatment. Too many horizontal lines in an interior may become boring and lack visual interest. Horizontal lines make a room appear wider or longer.

Vertical lines: dignified, stable, formal, imposing, strength Vertical lines lift the eye upward and suggest tallness or height. They have the ability to lift the mind and the spirit as well. As such, vertical lines are purposeful tools for architects and designers of churches and public buildings because they inspire awe and tend to diminish the significance of human scale. Vertical lines are stable because they represent a perpendicular resistance to Earth's gravity. They convey a feeling of strength and dignity and are quite appropriate in formal living areas, as well as offices and public meeting and performing spaces. However, this formality can bring stiffness or a commanding feeling to the interior. Too many vertical lines can cause a feeling of uneasiness, of too much confinement and predictability. People will feel they must pay more attention and sit up straighter, which can become tiresome.

• Diagonal Lines: Action, movement, interest, stability. Diagonal lines are flexible because their exact direction may vary from shallow to steep angles. Diagonal lines generally suggest movement, action or dynamism, perhaps because diagonal lines are associated with going places—up or down a staircase or escalator, the taking off or landing of an airplane, for example. Diagonal lines are interesting, possibly because the angles seem to defy gravity and the eye and mind are stimulated. Yet diagonal lines also can be secure, such as the reinforcing diagonals of a roof truss system. Too many diagonal lines, particularly on a wall or at the window, can be over stimulating, compete with horizontal or vertical lines and perhaps become tiresome.

• Zigzag Lines: Exciting, lively, rhythmic movement. Zigzag lines are short diagonal lines that reverse upon themselves and form a regular or irregular pattern. A zigzag line can be one single line or several in a set. A set of regular zigzag lines is called a chevron or herringbone pattern, and irregular zigzag lines are typically called a flamestitch pattern. Angular zigzag lines can add energy and life to an interior. If too many zigzag lines are incorporated, however, the effect can be confusing, frenzied and agitating. Chevron or Herringbone Flamestitch

Generously curved lines are viewed as feminine. Curved Lines: Soft, humanizing, gracefulness, joyful. Curved or circular lines provide relief and softness to straight and angular lines and balance the harshness of too many straight lines. Curved lines give a human quality to interiors; they can be easy on the eyes and pleasing to view. Tightly curved lines can add playfulness, frivolity, and zest. A series of curved lines, such as an arcade (a procession of arches), gives a rhythmic cadence to an interior, suggesting graceful movement. In architectural components, round or elliptical segments (sections of circles or ovals), such as archways and arched transoms or fanlights, provide graceful dignity to interiors. Generously curved lines are viewed as feminine. An excess of curved lines may become too decorative and consequently, visually demanding.

Eclectic: a combination Eclectic is a word that is used widely in the field of housing design. It simply means “a combination”. When using line in design, it means that several different types of line are present in significant amounts. The designer must be careful not to combine the different types of line in a manner that appears confusing or lacking in “taste”. One line will often be planned to dominate in order to accomplish a desired effect. Curved, horizontal, diagonal, and vertical lines are present. What do you think?

LINE The End

DIAGONAL LINE: Interesting 1. Select a specific design “object”. This example uses a clock, so you must choose something else. Perhaps a window treatment, silverware pattern, a table lamp, etc. Line Project Assignment: Select a sheet of colored 8x10” paper, and use it horizontally or vertically. Title your project: Identifying Line in Design Add your name and identify your design object Mount the pictures; you may want to mat them for neatness Label each picture with the type of line and one or two words about the effect of the line Apply a border if desired 2. Find 4 colored magazine or catalog pictures of your object that illustrate all 4 types of line… making sure the line is part of the structure of the object, not just the print on fabric. Identifying Line in Design By Your Name Design Object: Clock DIAGONAL LINE: Interesting CURVED LINE: Easy on the eyes; pleasing to view HORIZONTAL: Sturdy VERTICAL: Dignified

Identifying Line in Design By Your Name Design Object: Clock CURVED LINE: Easy on the eyes; pleasing to view DIAGONAL LINE: Interesting VERTICAL: Dignified HORIZONTAL: Sturdy

Line Project Assignment: Select a specific design material, either wallpaper OR fabric. Line Project Assignment: Find 4 actual samples of your design material (not pictures), illustrating all 4 types of line. The line should not be part of the structure, but will be in the actual print. Select a sheet of colored 8x10” paper, and use it horizontally or vertically. Title your project: Identifying Line in Design, add your name, and identify your design material. 5. Mount the samples; you may want to mat them for neatness Wallpaper samples should be labeled with the type of line AND the room of the house where you would put this paper. Fabric samples should be labeled with the type of line AND the specific room and item of furniture that would be adorned with this fabric (dining room chairs). Identifying Line in Design By Your Name Design Object: Interior Decorating Fabric Vertical print: the upholstery on the sun porch furniture Curved print: design on the sheets in a preschool girl’s room Diagonal print: used to cover throw pillows in the family game room Horizontal print: seat cushions on the kitchen dinette 7. Apply a border if desired.

Identifying Line in Design By Your Name Design Object: Interior Decorating Fabric Vertical print: the upholstery on the sun porch furniture Curved print: design on the sheets in a preschool girl’s room Diagonal print: used to cover throw pillows in the family game room Horizontal print: seat cushions on the kitchen dinette