The Elements of Design

What does it take to come up with a design? Designs are made up of seven principles and seven elements.  Most of the time, designers and artists don't purposely consider every single principle and element, but that doesn't mean they aren't included in the design.  In fact, they are always included in the design in some form or fashion!  The elements of design are the more tangible parts while the principles are used to create a design as a whole.  The following are the seven elements of design.

Point
A point is a single position, usually presented by a dot, in a design.  A point doesn't "go anywhere" like a line, or appear to have movement.  It's a very stationary element.

http://www.e-maildir.com/a-wide-variety-of-styles-of-flooring.html

The tile floor in this image is a great example of point.  Each little black tile on the floor represents a point.  The tile itself is not leading to a different location, it is simply representing a small spot on the flooring.  While the floor as a whole has many "points" that work together to make the design and move the eye across the room, the individual points stand alone.


Line
Line is the connection of two points with some sort of media, in the case of interiors, it's often the materials used to make furniture.  Therefore, lines move the eye from one place to another.  Different types of line evoke different emotions.  For example, a horizontal line represents peace and rest while a zig-zag line creates energy and lots of movement.  In Victorian style homes, curvy lines bring elegance and luxury to the interiors.

http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/8-elegant-victorian-style-dining-room-designs/pictures/index.html

The curvy lines in the chandelier, chairs and windows help to add a more luxurious feel to the dining room while the horizontal lines of the tables and book case help to move the viewers eye down the length of the room.


Shape and Plane
Lines are generated from the connection of two points and shapes are generated from the connection of lines.  Planes are the "faces" of objects that are made of shapes.  Just like lines, different shapes bring a different feel to a room.  For example, a room filled with rectangular shapes feels more serious than a room of circular shapes.

http://www.hgtv.com/living-rooms/our-favorite-color-infused-living-rooms/pictures/index.html

  Because this living space is filled with lot of rectangular shapes, it has an organized and sophisticated feel to it.  It doesn't seem like a room where children run and play.  However, the addition of the two rounded seats and yellow vases break up the seriousness of the room.


Form and Mass
Mass refers to the density of an object, or in this case, the furniture.  Pieces that appear heavy in mass often fill the room much more than a piece that is hollow or smaller.  This is useful when trying to fill a large space on a budget or when trying to utilize a smaller space.

http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/small-space-solutions-for-the-kitchen-and-living-room/pictures/index.html

In this small apartment, lightweight furniture adds space to the area.  The small table in the center provides lots of foot room underneath and the cabinet on the right appears to take up very little space with so much open space underneath.


Space and Volume
In layman terms, space the area of a room that is available to use.  There are two types of space, positive and negative space.  Positive space is where objects are placed and negative space is the empty areas around those objects.

http://www.hgtv.com/bathrooms/high-end-bathroom-tile-designs/pictures/index.html

 Space is utilized very well in this bathroom.  The counter tops, ottoman and bathtub take up positive space, but are surrounded by lots of negative, or empty, space.  Because the proportion of negative to positive space is fairly balanced, the room appears very spacious.


Color
Color is the most considered element when it comes to design.  The impact of color on a room can be tremendous.  Color is not merely just a red, blue, purple, etc, but consists of values, hues, intensity, and can transform a bland room into a cozy space or give a room the illusion of being very large.  Darker colors pull a room inward, making it appear smaller while lighter colors push the walls outward and expand the space.  A touch of vibrant color however will energize an area.

http://www.hgtv.com/bedrooms/tour-the-worlds-most-luxurious-bedrooms/pictures/index.html

The darker grey walls of this room give it the cozy feel many people desire in their bedrooms.  However, the accents of turquoise on the chair and pillow bring energy and brightness to the room.


Texture
Texture can affect an interior just as much as color can.  Different textures have different impacts on spaces.  Generally, smooth textures are make a room feel formal while rougher textures can feel casual.

http://www.hgtv.com/living-rooms/hot-design-styles-for-your-living-room/pictures/index.html

For example, the appearance of texture in the walls and floor in combination with the rugs and curtain add unique interest to the room.  However because the floor and walls are actually smooth, the room doesn't feel too overwhelmed with textures.


--God Bless,
     K