Whether you are working with existing furnishings and fabrics or
“starting from scratch” with an empty room, you should always use the
elements and principles of design as a guide in choosing everything. The
elements are your tools or raw materials, much like paints are the
basics to a painter. The elements of design include space, line, form,
color, and texture. The principles of design relate to how you use these
elements and are balance, emphasis, rhythm, proportion and scale, and
harmony and unity.
Element #1: Space
Space defines the boundaries and sets the limits on the functional and
decorative things you can do. Usually you will not determine the space;
instead, you will be faced with the challenge of using the existing
space effectivel
Element #2: Line
The lines in a room are second only to color in importance when it comes
to setting the overall mood or feeling of a room. The lines of window
fashions should support the dominant line of the room. In most
situations, the dominant line is straight (vertical, horizontal or
diagonal) rather than curved. Your choice of emphasizing the direction
of lines will determine the mood you want to create.
• Vertical lines add height and dignity, creating a more formal
atmosphere. Vertical lines also balance the horizontal lines found in
most furniture.
• Horizontal lines tend to create a restful, informal feeling. They work
well in casual rooms or as relief to the strong verticals of formal
rooms.
• Diagonal lines attract attention and lead the eye. They can be disturbing unless supported by verticals or opposing diagonals.
• Curved lines add a softening effect and keep the room from becoming
too stiff. Use curved lines with some restraint to keep the room from
becoming too soft and overly feminine.
Element #3: Form
Lines that join together produce the form, or shape, of an object, which
in turn impacts the overall feeling of a room. Straight lines create
rectangles, square and triangles. Curved lines form circles and ovals.
The rectangle is the most popular form and is often the dominant shape
in a room. Triangles provide stability and curved shapes soften the
contours of objects.
Element #4: Color
More than any other element, color can make a room beautiful. Color can
set the mood. It can make a room warmer or cooler, larger or smaller. It
can hide unsightly features or call attention to the center of
interest. Even with the simplest furnishings, the proper use of color
can transform a room.
Element #5: Texture
Texture is playing an increasingly important role in home decorating.
Visual texture is a material’s apparent smoothness or roughness. To
maintain and enhance a casual feeling, use fabrics that are more heavily
textured, nubby or rough visual texture. Smooth, shiny surfaces such as
silk, moiré, chintz and silk-like looks support a more formal feeling
in a room. Using several levels of complementary textures adds variety
and maintains interest. However, it is a good idea to avoid dramatic
contrasts in texture.
