PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN  Rules or guidelines for using the Elements of Design “There are no absolute rules for the creation of good design. However, there are suggested principles that lead to a greater amount of success.”  Balance, Scale / Proportion, Rhythm, Emphasis, Unity, Variety, harmony ( passionate strong boys romance every unusual valentine heart)

Balance Visually gives a sense of equilibrium in a design. Visually gives a sense of equilibrium in a design. Visual weight is created in four ways: Visual weight is created in four ways: Size Size Color Color Texture Texture Number of objects Number of objects

Balance Characteristics…. Large objects and spaces appear heavier than small ones, but a grouping of small objects can balance a large object. Large objects and spaces appear heavier than small ones, but a grouping of small objects can balance a large object.

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

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

Balance Objects above eye level appear to be heavier than objects placed below eye level. Objects above eye level appear to be heavier than objects placed below eye level. Contrasting textures, patterns, and colors have greater impact than close harmonies. Contrasting textures, patterns, and colors have greater impact than close harmonies.

Balance Brightly-lit areas attract more attention than dimly lit areas. Brightly-lit areas attract more attention than dimly lit areas. Strong contrasts add weight. Strong contrasts add weight.

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

Types of Balance… Symmetrical Symmetrical Asymmetrical Asymmetrical Radial 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 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 Suggest restraint, orderliness, quiet, restful, and formality Easiest balance to create Easiest balance to create

Symmetrical Balance

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

Asymmetrical Balance

Radial Achieved by placing identical objects around a central point. Achieved by placing identical objects around a central point. Creates a sweeping, dramatic, circular motion Creates a sweeping, dramatic, circular motion in a room.

Radial Balance

What kind of balance do you see?

Balance Assignments Fireplace Mantel Think of at least 3 items that might be displayed on a fireplace mantel. Create a sketch showing 2 different arrangements to present these items. Mount these 2 designs on the same page. Give it a title and explain which types of balance are seen and how. Fireplace Mantel Think of at least 3 items that might be displayed on a fireplace mantel. Create a sketch showing 2 different arrangements to present these items. Mount these 2 designs on the same page. Give it a title and explain which types of balance are seen and how. 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. 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.

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

Room Balance Composition part 2 Look at your room arrangement and decide what type of balance you created (symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial). Write this down on the back and explain how it represents this type of balance. Look at your room arrangement and decide what type of balance you created (symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial). Write this down on the back and explain how it represents this type of balance.