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Elements of Design
Interior Design
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2. Today we will be learning how the elements of design are at work in this room to create a pleasing and attractive look.

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Line
Most basic element of design
Shows direction
Takes your eye from one place to another.
Types of line:
Horizontal
Vertical
Diagonal
Curved
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Horizontal Line
Parallel to the ground.
Make a space appear wider.
Communicates:
Peace
Relaxation
Calmness
Restfulness
Horizontal Line – The barn door design along the perimeter of the room
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Vertical Line
Perpendicular to the ground.
Draw the eyes upward.
Create height.
Communicates:
Height
Strength
Dignity
Formality
Permanence
Stability
Vertical Line – the two columns on either side of the fireplace
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Diagonal Line
Communicates activity.
Level depends on the degree of the angle.
Creates movement, interest and excitement .
Create a feeling of transition from one place to another.
Diagonal line – the flow of the stairway
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Curved Line
Curved lines seem softer than straight lines.
Create natural, soothing and flowing movement.
Communicate:
Softness
Freedom
Openness
Curved line – the flow of the stair way
Compare this picture to the previous picture. Ask students to describe the different feeling each line creates in the room.
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Form
The physical shape of objects.
3 dimensional
Has height, width and depth
4 types of form:
Realistic Form
Abstract Form
Geometric Form
Free Form
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Realistic Form
Looks like the real thing.
Communicates:
Lifelike
Traditional
Familiar
Realistic form – the round leather ottoman
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Abstract Form
Alters a recognizable object.
Communicates:
Contemporary
Changing
Creative
Artistic
Abstract form – the vases on the chest
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Geometric Form
Uses geometric figures to create form.
Squares, rectangles, circles, etc.
Examples: Square tables & lampshades.
Communicates:
Order
Organization
Planning
Tailored look
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Free Form
Random & flowing.
Found in nature.
Plants, stones and wood.
Communicates:
Freedom
Untraditional
Unfamiliar
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3 Rules of Form
Form follows function. Consider function before form.
Related forms are more pleasing to the eye than unrelated forms.
A gradual change in form smoothly directs the eye. Too many changes in form is confusing
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Space
The area around a form.
The area in a form (like a room).
Small space communicates:
Cozy
Intimate
Comfortable
Large space communicates:
Openness
Grandeur
Freedom
Discuss whether this is a large space or a small space.
Point out how the carpet creates a small space in a larger space to make the living area more cozy.
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Altering Spaces
To make large spaces smaller
Divide the space into separate areas
To make small spaces larger:
Expand a window area
Use mirrors
Remove walls
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Mass
The amount of pattern or objects in a space.
How crowded or empty the space
2 types of mass
High Mass
Low Mass
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High Mass
Space that is crowded.
Fabric with many patterns or lines
A room with many items in it
Communicate:
Impression of formality
Weightiness
Cluttered
High mass – the room is filled and has many patterns
Creates a feeling of formality
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Low Mass
Simple and sparse space.
Only essential items in the space.
Communicates:
Clean
Airy
Functional
Low mass – only essential items in the space
Imagine the upper cabinets not reaching the ceiling. Decorator items place on the top of the cabinets would create a high mass setting
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Texture
The way a surface feels or appears to feel.
Two kinds of texture:
Tactile
Visual
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Tactile Texture
The way the surface feels to the touch.
Rough to the hand.
Create a casual feel.
May make a room appear smaller
Tactile texture – the shag carpet
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Visual Texture
Texture that you see but can not feel.
Smooth to the hand.
Communicate an elegant feel.
May make a room appear larger
Visual texture – the painting on the wall
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Color
May be the most impactful element of design.
One of the first design decisions made.
Color creates the mood of a room.
Color may leave a lasting impression.
Color will be discussed at length in the next lesson.
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