PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN Rules, instructions, or guidelines for using the Elements of Design that will lead to a more successful overall design. Balance, Scale, Proportion, Rhythm, Emphasis, Unity, Variety, harmony passionate strong boys romance every unusual valentine heart

http://www.hgtv.com/video/the-art-of-balance-video/index.html Balance

1. Balance Visually gives a sense of equilibrium or weight in a design. Visual weight is created in four ways: Size Color Texture Number of objects Odd number is more pleasing

5. Types of Balance… Symmetrical Asymmetrical Radial

Symmetrical / Formal Balance Achieved by placing identical objects on either side of central point. One side of the room is the mirror image of the other Suggest restraint, orderliness, quiet, restful, and formality. Easiest type of balance to create.

Symmetrical Balance

Symmetrical Balance

Asymmetrical / Informal Balance Achieved by placing objects of equal visual weight on either side of a central point. Most interesting arrangements – Visual weights are equal, but elements are different in size, form, color, pattern, and spacing Relaxed and informal feel More difficult balance to achieve.

Asymmetrical Balance

Radial Achieved by placing objects around a central point. Creates a sweeping, dramatic, circular motion in a room. Chairs around a table, a clock, mirror

Radial Balance

3. Methods to achieving balance Large objects and spaces visually appear heavier than small ones. A grouping of small objects can visually balance out a larger object. http://www.hgtv.com/video/the-art-of-balance-video/index.html http://www.hgtv.com/video/symmetrical-sanctuary-video/index.html

Opaque materials appear heavier than transparent materials. Bright, warm, dark-patterned colors appear heavier than grayed, cool, light colors.

Textures and patterns hold one’s attention longer than smooth, plain surfaces. Typical shaped objects settle into the background.

Contrasting textures, patterns, and colors have a greater impact on creating visual weight or an imbalance than close harmonies do.

Objects above eye level appear to be heavier than objects placed below eye level.

Brightly-lit areas attract more attention than dimly lit areas.

5. Balance is ever changing 1. When a person enters the room, the balance of the room is charged. The clothing they are wearing and the places they move will also change the balance. 2. The constant changing of natural light is another factor. Sunlight at different times of day 3. The little things that happen every day Reading materials placed in a room, toys, fading of carpets and furniture, etc.

Symmetrical House Clip http://www.hgtv.com/video/symmetrical-sanctuary-video/index.html

Balance Assignments Fireplace Mantel Create 2 sketches of the same fireplace drawn side by side on the same page. Think of items that might be displayed on or around a fireplace mantel. Create 2 different arrangements of items to represent 2 different types of balance. The items do not need to be the same for both pictures. On the back, explain which of the 2 types of balance are seen, how the 2 types of balance were achieved, and the feeling they created.  

Room Balance Composition Divide a white piece of paper in half (hamburger style) Draw or cut out, Color, and Design a room arrangement. Use the couch and the templates for the Arrangement. Include: furniture and a wall arrangement. Glue your room arrangement onto half of the white paper. SAVE YOUR PAPER SCRAPS FOR THE 2nd ASSIGNMENT Balance Tear Sheet Find a picture to represent a type of balance. Professionally mount it, include a title of the type of balance, and a description of the balance found in the picture and how it affects the room.