Eight Interior Design Principles

Courtesy of Exquisite Interior Designs for Executive Homes Realty

When designing your home it is necessary to think of the house as a totality; a series of spaces linked together by halls and stairways. It is vital to choose a common theme and style to run throughout. Not all design elements need be the same, but they should work together to strengthen the composition. One of ways to achieve this is through the use of color. A common method is to use three or four colors in varying shades throughout the house.

1. Visual Balance

The visual weight of a room is equally important as the colors

you choose. There are three types of balance to consider: symmetrical, asymmetrical

and radial.

Symmetrical Balance

Most commonly found in traditional interiors, it is

characterized by the same objects repeated in the same positions on either side of a

vertical axis. This also reflects the human form, making us

innately comfortable in such a setting.

Asymmetrical BalanceIn this method, balance is achieved with dissimilar

objects that have equal weight and visual attraction. This is a casual approach to balance,

but it is more difficult to achieve. Asymmetry suggests

movement and results in a more lively interior.

Radial SymmetryThis occurs when all the elements of design and

arrayed around a center point. Though not often used in

interior décor, it can provide an interesting counterpoint if

used appropriately.

2. Focal Points

Your biggest enemy in home décor is boredom. A well-

designed room always has at least one focal point. A focal

point is dominant and interesting enough to

encourage the visitor to look further into the room. It should

create a lasting impression while still being an integral part of the room. Your focal point should emphasize the

scale, style, color and/or theme of the space.

Choosing a Focal Point

If your space doesn’t have a natural focal point (such as a fireplace) you can create one by highlighting a particular

piece of furniture, artwork or contrasting paint color. Still

enforce one of the principles of balance so that the focal point

doesn’t hog all of the attention.

3. RepetitionBy using the same element

more than once throughout a space you create rhythm and

movement for the room. Traditionally this is done

through pattern, color, texture or a personal collection.

4. ProgressionCharacterized by taking an element and increasing or

decreasing one or more of its qualities. The most obvious

implementation of this would be graduation by size. This

principle can also be achieved by color, where different

shades of the same hue are used.

5. TransitionThis element is a bit harder to

define. Transition is characterized by a smooth flow, where the eye glides naturally from one area to

another.

6. ContrastAlthough this is a

straightforward principle it can easily be overdone. Typical practice of contrast would

include the variety of pillows on your sofa. Contrast can also be introduced by using circular and square pieces in the same

room.

7. Scale & Proportion

These two principles rely on each other. Proportion is the

ratio of one design element to another or to the room as a

whole. This is especially important when deciding the height of your furniture to the

ceiling height. Scale is determined by the size of one object compared to another.

8. Finishing Touches

Details are absolutely vital to making a room feel complete. They enforce the mood of your home. Commonly used details

would be piping along the edges of your couch cushion or

coordinating the drawer handles in your kitchen. This is the tedious part of design and when it is neglected the whole

room suffers.

Get Started!The process of designing your

home can be compared to writing the theme song for your space.

Each song needs a rhythm, each home needs the right

consistencies in order to be unified as one continuous space.

Above all else, have fun decorating, your home should be the best representation of you!

One of the best ways to get started is by creating a mood

board. Simply gather the elements you want represented in your home and the rest will follow!