1. 4.01 Elements of Design – Your Tools

2. Line
Form
Space
Mass
Texture
Color

3. Line Line– creates direction and movement Line communicates:
horizontal (relaxation)
vertical (strength, dignity)
diagonal (action)
curved (calmness, softness).
Line

4. Line The most pleasing effect will have: a balanced mixture of lines
one type of line taking the lead role
the “lead” line chosen based upon the feeling to be achieved.
Line

5. Form Form is the PHYSICAL SHAPE of objects
It contains volume and mass (height, width, and depth).
With shape and form, think of those pleasing to the eye and that are well proportioned and complement each other. If you like geometric forms, you’ll need to soften it by adding curved pieces. This will accomplish balance and harmony and ultimately a more comfortable feel.
Form

6. Form can be:
Realistic – when it looks very much like the real thing
Abstract – when it rearranges or stylizes a recognizable object
Geometric – when it uses squares, rectangles, circles etc.
Free Form – random and flowing
Form

7. Remember:
The FUNCTION of an item should be considered first before its form
RELATED forms are more agreeable than unrelated forms
A GRADUAL CHANGE in form smoothly directs the eyes.
Form

8. Space Two types of space: Filled area is positive space
Unfilled area is negative space
Rooms need both of these in balance.
. Incorporate both, or the appearance of both, in your home. Traffic paths are negative space in a room yet functionally important. An example of too much positive space is filling a small room with oversized furniture. You can use large pieces in a small room balanced by massing, placing together, smaller scale items that allow for more negative space in between (this is also an example of asymmetrical balance).
Space

9. Mass Mass: The size or amount of space taken up by the elements
A space can be high mass or low mass.
Mass

10. Low mass space: relaxing, peaceful

11. High Mass Space: busy, enhances conversation

12. The way a surface feels (TACTILE) or appears to feel (VISUAL).
All fabric has texture but a faux wall treatment can also give the appearance of a texture when, to the touch, it may be completely smooth. The textures of fabric and treatments need to be compatible but varied for harmony. In a monochromatic room, texture is a critical element to plan for and vary to please the eye and maintain attraction.
Texture

13. Tactile Texture
Texture

14. Visual Texture
Texture

15. Color is the most significant element of design
Color can be used to express a person’s individuality or to create a certain mood or illusion
Color can make a warm room seem cooler and make a cool room seem warmer.
Element of Color

16. Element of Color Monochromatic – varying values of one hue
Analogous – 3-5 hues beside each other on the color wheel
Complementary – opposite hues on the color wheel
Split complementary - one hue and the two hues on each side of its complement
Triadic - three hues equally spaced on the color wheel.
Element of Color

17. Factors used in determining color(s)
Mood
Lifestyle
Lighting
Location
Existing color

18. The Psychology of Color
Color influences human behavior
Social areas should be decorated in colors that make all members feel comfortable.
Personal areas can be decorated using individual color preferences.
The Psychology of Color

19. Red is bold, exciting, and warm
Red stimulates the nervous system and increases blood pressure, respiration rate, and heartbeat.
Red
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20. Orange expresses friendliness, courage, hospitality, energy, and hope
Orange is cheerful, warm, and less aggressive than red.
Orange
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Permission granted to produce for educational use only.

21. Yellow is cheerful, friendly, and warm
Yellow is associated with happiness, sunlight, prosperity, cowardice, and wisdom
Yellow makes a room appear light and airy.
Yellow
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Permission granted to produce for educational use only.

22. Green is the color of nature
Green is refreshing, cool, peaceful, and friendly
Green is often associated with hope, envy, and good luck.
Green
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Permission granted to produce for educational use only.

23. Blue is cool, calm, and reserved
Blue communicates serenity, tranquility, and formality
Blue can be depressing if too much is used.
Blue
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Permission granted to produce for educational use only.

24. Violet is the color of royalty, dignity, and mystery
Violet is dramatic.
Violet
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Permission granted to produce for educational use only.

25. Black Black is mysterious, severe, and dramatic
Black symbolizes wisdom, evil, and death
Black can be oppressive and claustrophobic in large amounts.
Black
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Permission granted to produce for educational use only.

26. White is the symbol of youth, freshness, innocence, purity, faith, and peace.
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Permission granted to produce for educational use only.

27. Guidelines for working with the Elements of Design
Principles of Design
Guidelines for working with the Elements of Design

28. Proportion The relationship of parts of the same object OR
The relationship between different objects in the same group.

29. Golden Rectangle---sides in a ration of 2:3
Golden Rectangle---sides in a ration of 2:3. short sides are 2/3 the length of the long sides
This is the BEST proportion
Proportion

30. Scale
Refers to the relative size of an object in relation to other objects.
When furnishings are scaled to the space they occupy, they are visually pleasing.

31. Furnishings need to be:
Within a room, furnishings need to be in scale with one another. Large sofa----large coffee table.
Furnishings need to be in scale to the people using them. A large person---substantial size chair
Child needs small table and chairs

32. BALANCE Equilibrium among parts of a design.
When there is balance, there is a sense of equal weight on both sides of a center point.
Formal Balance —identical objects are arranged on both sides of a center point. Also known as symmetrical balance.
Informal Balance---different but equivalent objects are arranged to the sides of a center point. Also known as asymmetrical balance.
BALANCE

34. Formal Balance in Interiors.
Formal Balance in Interiors

35. Formal Balance in Exterior Design

36. Informal Balance
In this garden the right and left sides are not the same.
However, it is visually balanced.
Notice that the large green tree and rocks (L) balance the larger rock formation (R)

39. EMPHASIS
Emphasis creates a center of attention or a focal point/center of attention in a room
Every well designed room has a focal point.
The eyes are immediately drawn to that point when entering the room.
The focal point should be worthy of attention.
The focal point should dominate the room, but not over power it.

41. Emphasis cont….

42. Emphasis cont. Some common focal points in rooms are: Windows
Fireplaces
Artwork arrangements
Entertainment centers
Emphasis cont.

43. Rhythm smoothly leads the eyes from one area to another in a design.
Rhythm results when an element of design forms an organized pattern.
Rhythm is achieved through
Repetition
Gradation
Radiation
Opposition
Transition
RHYTHM

44. Rhythm -- REPETITION
Created when an element of design--- such as color, line, form or texture -- is repeated

45. Rhythm -- GRADATION
….created by a gradual increase or decrease in size

46. Rhythm -- RADIATION
… formed when lines flow from a central point.

47. Rhythm --- OPPOSITION
…..formed as lines meet to form right angles

48. Transition: Curved lines carries the eye

50. Unity/Variety/Harmony
Unity: ALL parts of a design are related by ONE idea or theme
Variety: Objects that relate to the idea to bring interest to the design
Ex: Beach theme: walls blue, carpet beige, furniture white, accessories: lighthouses, shells, birds, umbrellas, etc.
Harmony: ALL parts of elements and principles working together
Unity/Variety/Harmony