Principles of Design

There are seven principles of design as well.  They are as follows.
Balance
Emphasis
Rhythm
Movement
Proportion
Unity
Variety.

Balance, in terms of interiors, is when the room feels stable.  Where one side of the room doesn't feel heavier or busier than the other.

http://www.hgtv.com/living-rooms/budget-friendly-living-room-updates-from-designers/pictures/index.html

This is a perfect example of balance because both sides of the room are symmetrical.  It is clear that the equilibrium of the room is at the coffee table and middle cushion of the back couch.

Emphasis is essentially the creation of a focal point in the room.  This could be a piece of furniture, artwork, fireplace, etc.

http://www.hgtv.com/dream-home/hgtv-dream-home-2012-family-room-pictures/pictures/index.html

 In this photo, it is clear that the four artworks above the fireplace are the focal point of the room.  They are placed higher than everything else but not too high that they are out of view.  Also, the blues in the furniture help to attract attention to the blues in the artworks.

Rhythm is the repetition of shapes or colors in the room that help to direct the eye to different locations.

http://www.hgtv.com/outdoor-rooms/stylish-and-functional-outdoor-dining-rooms/pictures/index.html

This photo shows a lot of repetition with the weaved pattern in the chairs.  Because there are chairs closer and in the background, the repitition draws the eye toward the fireplace.  Also, the repetition and perspective of the brick ground pulls the eye toward the background.

Movement goes along with rhythm in that it really moves the viewer's eye around the room.

http://www.thecoolhunter.net/cloud/view/stores/SHOO-BIZ/

There is a lot of movement in this room with the bottles on the shelves and curvature of the shelves to move the viewers eye from the right side to the back left corner.

Proportion is the relationship of the size of one object to another.  This could be the size of a lamp in relation to a desk or the size of a bed in relation to the room it is in.

http://www.hgtv.com/kids-rooms/glamorous-teen-girls-room/pictures/index.html

There are lots of different proportions and scales in this photo.  For example, all of the ornaments on the table are very small in proportion to the table itself.  The leopard print jar is much smaller in relation to the flower vase while the kleenex box and jewelry box are about the same size.  If the flower in the vase had been smaller, it would have been disproportional as the vase would "swallow" the flower.

Unity is the combination of the elements in the room to create visually pleasing environment.

http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/10-bedroom-trends-to-try/pictures/index.html

This photo displays unity in several ways.  For one, the green and pink colors tie the walls with the bed with the flowers, etc.  Also, the headboard is made relevant by the pink flowers on the table and bed.  Finally, the wood toned lamp helps add to the botanical feel of the room with the flowers and floral print bed-spread.

Variety is adding a conglomerate of elements to a room such as colors and textures.

http://www.hgtv.com/kids-rooms/12-simple-design-ideas-for-girls-bedrooms/pictures/index.html

This room is the epitome of the term variety.  There are at least seven different shades and colors used while also incorporating at least five different patterns and textures.

These are the principles!

God Bless,
K