1. Interior Design 1 Mrs. Hoth
The Elements of Design
Interior Design 1
Mrs. Hoth

2. Objectives
Summarize the elements of good design and explain why they are useful
Suggest strategies for changing the apparent size of a space
Demonstrate ways to use line to create specific effects
Analyze the effects created by forms and shapes in particular designs
Explain how texture can be used to create desired effects
Explain why color is the most significant element of design

3. Elements of Design
Space
Line
Form
Texture
Color

4. Elements for Success
The guidelines used by artists, designers, and architects to create pleasing, orderly designs
The design elements and principles provide a road map for success
You’ll be more aware of design elements and will be able to create pleasing designs

5. Space
Space is the three-dimensional expanse that a designer is working with as well as the area around or between the objects within the expanse
Designers must consider the size of the space and the arrangement of the objects in the space
Different sizes of space create different feelings

6. The Arrangement of Space
2 choices in space: fill the space or leave much of it empty
What is the effect the designer wants to achieve?
It’s possible to arrange small spaces to appear larger or large space to seem smaller
To make a small space seem larger: leave as much space open as possible (less furniture), install mirrors, choose furniture with dual purposes

7. The Arrangement of Space
When a space is too large for its purpose, it can be divided with permanent or temporary room dividers or screens.
Divide space by arranging furniture in small clusters (as if each group were in walls)
Use area rugs to divide a large room
Consider the feeling the size of the space conveys
Keep in mind the effect space has on people and how the design elements are used in the space

8. Line Line is often called the most basic design element
Line delineates space, creates form, and conveys a sense of movement or direction
When lines intersect they create 2-dimensional planes
Lines mark the edge of the wall, floor, or ceiling
Lines can convey strength, serenity, gracefulness, or action
Lines make up patterns or zigzags
Vertical lines suggest strength and stability
Horizontal lines suggest rest
Diagonal lines suggest movement and excitement

9. Creating Effects with Line
Use a variety of lines in home design
A person’s eye follows the line of the design

11. Different types of lines have different effects on design.
Line is the visual direction of a design. It can be used to emphasize a pleasing element or disguise an undesirable one.
Different types of lines have different effects on design.

12. Vertical Lines
Vertical lines lead the eye up, adding height, formality, and strength to a design.
Can be seen in:
Tall furniture
Columns
Pillars
Striped wallpaper
Long narrow draperies

13. Vertical Lines
Vertical lines can make rooms seem more spacious than they actually are and ceilings appear higher.

14. Horizontal Lines Can be seen in:
Long, low roofs
Long, low furniture pieces such as sofas and chests
Horizontal lines lead the eye to the left or right, suggesting informality and restfulness.

15. Horizontal Lines
Horizontal lines can make buildings, rooms, and furniture seem wider and shorter.

16. Diagonal lines suggest action, movement and excitement.
Can be seen in:
Staircases
Cathedral ceilings
Gable Roofs

17. Diagonal Lines
Diagonal lines can be overpowering and tiring, so they should be used sparingly in design.

18. Too many curved lines create a busy look.
Can be seen in:
Doorway arches
Ruffled curtains
Curved furniture
Rounded accessories
Too many curved lines create a busy look.

19. Curved lines add a softening, graceful effect to designs.

20. Line
In design, one type of line should dominate. Others can be added for interest.
For example, if horizontal lines dominate a room, accessories with diagonal or curved lines may be added.

21. What do you see?
Man or woman
Vase or face?

22. Eyes form lines that don’t exist

24. SHAPE

25. Shape is a flat image with two dimensions:
Length and Width.

26. Shape
Shape is created by intersecting lines to form squares, rectangles, and triangles.

27. Connecting one continuous line to make a circle also creates shape.

28. Shape
These are perfect geometric shapes, which are very pleasing to the eye.

29. Shape
Shape
Imperfect geometric shapes tend to create tension and attract greater interest.

30. Shape Shape may be: Shiny and reflect images- mirrors
Transparent and create visual effects - window glass
Textured and absorb light and sound - window treatments and carpeting
Hard or Soft
Plain or patterned
Colored light or dark

31. FORM

32. Form is the outlined edges of a three-dimensional object.
It has length, width, and depth (or height) as well as volume and mass.

33. Form Three dimensional Encloses space
Spheres, cylinders, cones, cubes, pyramids....

34. Form
An element of art that is three dimensional (height, width, and depth) and encloses volume. For example a triangle, which is two dimensional, is a shape, and a pyramid, which is three dimensional is a form.
Examples of forms include: Cubes, Spheres, Ovoids, Pyramids, Cones and Cylinders.

35. Form Form describes the shape and structure of solid objects
Form may be 2D or 3D
Walls and rugs are 2D
Chairs and sofas are 3D
Large heavy objects (piano) give feelings of stability
Massive appearance gives solid feeling to the room
This can also be achieved by grouping small objects
Objects have “apparent weight” based on the size or “heaviness” of their form
Contrast plays into this idea

36. Large, heavy forms provide stability to a design scheme.
Other examples of forms are found in furniture and architecture.
Thin, delicate forms appear fragile, even when built of sturdy materials.
Large, heavy forms provide stability to a design scheme.

37. The same is true for architectural features.
Form
Related forms tend to look better together than unrelated forms.
A room is more pleasing if the form of the dominate piece is repeated in minor pieces and accessories in a room.
The same is true for architectural features.

38. Harmonious Design Is a design in which every item fits well together
Forms need to harmonize with one another
As you work with the design elements ask:
Is this the right form for its function?
Does it blend well with other forms in the room?

39. TEXTURE

40. Texture Texture is a surface’s tactile quality.
Tactile refers to the perception of touch.

41. Texture In design, texture appeals to sight as well as touch. Ribbed
Words used to describe textures:
Ribbed
Crinkled
Rough
Smooth
In design, texture appeals to sight as well as touch.

42. Texture
Often patterns or colors are used to create the illusion of texture.
Smooth surfaces reflect more light than rough surfaces, making them look lighter and brighter.
Rough surfaces absorb more light, making them look darker and less intense.

43. Texture
A room with the same texture throughout is monotonous, but too many different textures can appear disjointed and distracting.
Most well-designed rooms have a dominate texture with accents of contrasting textures.

44. Texture Is the object’s appearance or feel of its surface
When you touch something there is a tactile texture, the feeling of it (rough or smooth)
Printing techniques can fool the eye
Visual texture is the way the surface looks (bumpy, rough) although it might be tactilely smooth

45. Special Effects with Texture
Texture can influence the way people feel in a room (plush carpet=comfort)
Texture can affect the apparent size of an object
Smooth textures reflect light and appear lighter
Rough textures absorb light and appear darker
Texture adds variety and interest in a room

46. Faux Finishes Faux=false A base coat is applied to the surface
Additional colors are added with sponges, rags, or plastic bags
Try on a small piece first
Dragging a dry brush over wet glazes will give the look of textured fabric
Marbling apply a second color, then a thin line to make veins
Antiquing, makes an old world feel like Venetian plaster

47. Color Color is considered the most important element of design.
Each color has three characteristics: hue, value, and intensity.

48. Color Hue is the name of a color.
Red, green and blue-violet are examples of hues.
A color may be lightened or darkened, brightened or dulled, but the hue will remain the same.

49. Color Value is the lightness or darkness of a hue.
The value of a hue can be made lighter by adding white. This produces a tint.
Pink is a tint of red, made by adding white to red.
A hue can be made darker by adding black. This produces a shade.
Maroon is a shade of red.

50. Intensity is the brightness or dullness of a hue.
Color
Intensity is the brightness or dullness of a hue.
Adding some of its compliment can lower the intensity of a hue. The compliment of a hue is the color directly opposite it on a standard color wheel.
Examples of high intensity colors include hot pink and fire-engine red. Low intensity colors include rust and smoky blue.

51. Color Most designers agree that color can be the most significant
People express individuality with color
You can set a mood or create an illusion with color

52. Color
Color can make a cool room seem warmer or a warm room seem cooler
Color works in combination with all the elements
When you combine all the elements with color, it can create exciting design opportunities

53. Color and the Elements of Design

54. Color and the Elements of Design

55. Color and the Elements of Design

56. Resources:
Anderson, D., Livingston, A., Perrin, L. Venzon, C. (2007). Homes and Interiors. McGraw Hill/Glencoe. Peoria, Illinois.