1. Principles of Design
Chapter 18

2. Proportion
Proportion is the relationship of objects to one another and to the design as a whole
The most effective proportion is a ratio of 2:3
Uneven proportions are more pleasing such as: threes, fives, sevens
Furniture should always be in visual proportion to other pieces of furniture in the room & the wall in which it will be placed

3. How is this room in proportion?

4. Scale
The proportion of an object or a space to human beings and to the objects or spaces in a design
Furniture should be in proper size relation to other furnishings and to the room itself
Rooms & furnishings should be designed for the people who will use them

5. How is scale shown in this room?

6. How is scale shown in this room?

7. Balance
Symmetrical balance is the arrangement of forms on one side of an imaginary central line is the mirror image of forms on the opposite side
This type of balance is more formal and the easiest to achieve
Asymmetrical balance is when elements on either side of an imaginary central line are unmatched but appear to be in balance
Different sizes, forms, textures and colors may be used to achieve this look

8. Which type of balance is this?

9. How is this asymmetrical balance?

10. Rhythm
Principle that creates an effect by using certain colors, lines, forms, or textures in a regular pattern; can be achieved with repetition, radiation, & gradation

11. Repetition can be found in the repeating stripes on wallpaper, design in a tile floor, or woodwork that runs at the top or bottom of a wall

12. Radiation occurs when lines radiate from a central point; chairs around a round table, small items grouped around a large one

13. Gradation is the gradual increasing or decreasing of color, size, or pattern; gradual change is more pleasing than an abrupt one

14. Emphasis creating a focal point
Special expression that lends importance to an item that is singled out. Guidelines to follow when choosing something to emphasize:
Item or feature should be worthy of attention
It should dominate the room, but not overpower the rest of the room design
No other item or feature should compete for attention with the one singled out

15. What object is being emphasized?

16. Unity & Variety
Unity occurs when all the parts of a design are related by one idea; this creates harmony
Can create unity by repeating like items in a design, but its not sameness
Variety occurs when different styles and materials are combined
Adds interest to a design, but too much creates confusion

17. What elements add variety to this room?

18. What elements make this room unified?