Design elements and principles

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Design Elements and Principles scribe fundamental ideas about the practice of good visual design that are assumed to be the basis of all intentional visual design strategies. The elements form the 'vocabulary' of the design, while the principles constitute the broader structural aspects of its composition.

[edit] Elements of Design

The Elements of design play an important role in the creation and success of a piece of art, whether it's for outdoor, indoor, digital or print medium. These elements are:

Space: Space is the area provided for a particular purpose. It may have two dimensions (length and width), such as a floor, or it may have three dimensions (length, width, and height). Space includes the background, foreground and middle ground.Space refers to the distances or areas around, between or within components of a piece.There are two type of space:positive and negative space.Positive space refers to the space ao shape representing the subject matter.Negative space refers to the open space around the subject matter.

Line: Line is the basic element of art which refers to the continous movement of a point along a surface,such as a pencil or brush. The edges of shapes and forms also create lines. It is the basic component of a shape drawn on paper. Lines and curves are the basic building blocks of two dimensional shapes like a house's plan. Experiment in design by adding or changing lines such as the lines of the floor plan of a house.Every line has length, thickness,and direction. There are curve,horizontal,vertical,diagonal,zig-zag,wavy,parallel,dash,and dotted lines.

Color: Color is the most expressive element of art and is seen by the way light reflects off a surface. Color accures when light hits the surface of an object and is reflected back to the eye and is used to create illusion of depth, as red colors seem to come forward while blue seems to recede into the distance. Color, and particularly contrasting is also used to draw the attention to a particular part of the image. On some cases of interior design, color can be added to increase visual appeal such as the natural colors of wood of a china cabinet. Color may add visual appeal to a home decor just as colored flowers can add beauty to a field on a prairie.There are:primary color,secondary color,and tertiary color.Primary consist of red,blue,and yellow.Secondary consist of orange,purple(voilet),and green;secondary color is made by mixing two primary colors on either sides of the color wheel.Tertiary consist of red-orange,red-purple,blue-purple,blue-green,yellow-orange,and yellow-green.Tertiary colors are made by mixing a primary and secondary color.Tertiary color always tart with a primary color.Complimentary colors are colors the=at are opposite to each other on the color wheel.Complimentary color are used to create contrast.Analogous colors are colors that are found side by side on the color wheel and analogous colrs can be used to create color harmony.Monochramatic means tints and shades of one color.Tint of one color color is to add white to the color and shade is to add black to the color.Warm colors are a group of colors that remind us of warm places and things such are red,yellow,and orange.For example fire,sun and fireworks.Cool colors are group of colors that remindsus of cool places and things such as purple,green,and blue.For example ice,cool,and the sea.

Shape: Shape is an area enclosed by lines.Shapes are two dimensional and in other word flat. shapes can also show prespective by overlaping. It can be geometric or organic. Importantly, a shape automatically creates a around it. Shapes in house decor and interior design can be used to add interest, style, theme to a design like a door. Shape in interior design depends on the function of the object like a kitchen cabinet door. Natural shapes forming patterns on wood or stone may help increase visual appeal in interior design.In a landscape, natural shapes, such as trees contrast with geometeric such as houses.

Texture: Texture is the way the surface of an object actual feelof the fabrics,colors,and room accessories..In the artistic world,we refer to two types of texture Tactile and Implied.Tactile Texture(real texture)is the way the surface of an object actual feel.Example:sandpaper,cotton balls,tree bark, puppy fur(etc).Implied Texture is the way the surface on an object look like it feel.Example:Texture may look rough, fizzy,scoffy or gritty,but can not actual be felt. this type of texture is used by artist when drawing or painting.

Form: Form is any three dimensional objects. Form can be measured, from top to bottom (height),side to side(width),and from jback to front(depth).Form is also defined by light and dark.There are two types of form which are geometric(man-made)and natural(organic form).May be created by the forming of two or more shapes. It may be enhanced by tone, texture and color. It can be illustrated or constructed.

Value: Value is an element of art which refers to the relationship between light and dark on a surface or object and also helps with Form. It gives objects depth and perception. Value is also referred to as tone. Basically shading.

Type: Type is the use of letterform to add a message that would be otherwise challenging to create through the other elements.

[edit] Principles of design

Design is the organized arrangement of one or more elements and principles (e.g. line color or texture) for a purpose.

Awareness of the elements and principles in design is the first step in creating successful visual compositions. These principles, which may overlap, are used in all visual design fields, including graphic design, industrial design, architecture and fine art.

The principles of design are as varied as attitudes regarding modern design. They differ both between the schools of thought that influence design, and between individual practicing designers.

The principles govern the relationships of the elements used and organize the composition as a whole. Successful design incorporates the use of the principles and elements to serve the designer's purpose and visual goals. There are no rules for their use. The designer's purpose and intent drives the decisions made to achieve appropriate scale and proportion, as well as the degree of harmony between the elements. Design principles and guidelines are a technical, quick mechanical and artificial method to attempt to produce home architectural and interior design beauty.

The principles of design consist of:

Unity: Unity refers to a sense that everything in the artwork belongs there, and makes a whole piece. It is achieved by the use of balance, repetition and/or design harmony. Two objects like a living room and a dining room can be unified by giving these similar features like a shared hardwood floor design. Unity helps the objects like furniture look like these belongs together. Unity is also when the object like a fixture such as a scone looks like it belongs in its room.

Balance: Can be either symmetrical or asymmetrical depending on if the right or left side is identical or not. Also refers to a sense that dominant focal points are balanced and don't give a feeling of being pulled too much to any part of the artwork. Some people may have a tendency or urge to want to balance objects like furniture locations or flower arrangements. Balance by location: distribute furniture and accessory locations more evenly throughout a room, fill an empty wall area with wall paper, a painting or accent wall. Balance can be balance by location of objects such as windows on a house, balance by volume or sizes of objects, balance by color (like desired brightness in a room). Balance lighter colors with darker colors, balance natural colors and patterns with synthetic colors, balance bold colors with light neutral colors, colors with high contrast in a room may be more visually pleasing to younger people.

Harmony: Harmony is achieved through the sensitive balance of variety and unity. Color harmony may be achieved using complementary or analogous colors. Harmony in design is similarity of components or objects looking like these belong together. Harmony is when some or many of the components (usually three or four objects depending on size of project or room) such as a furniture, drapes in a room share a common trait or two. A common trait could be: color(s), shape(s), texture, pattern(s), material, theme, style, size, or functionality. For example a drapery could share the same color that is on a pillow or wallpaper. This is called color coordination in wall paper design. Harmony and unity generally make designs more visually appealing, organized and interesting. It is a technical and artificial process for attempting to produce interior design beauty. Design harmony may be used to produce a hidden or difficulty to see order or organization especially in interior design. Design harmony or unity sometimes produce balance in: design, furniture and accessory selection, and organization of furniture placement in most cases.

Contrast: Contrast is the occurrence of contrasting elements, such as color, value, size, etc. It creates interest and pulls the attention toward the focal point. Color contrast or "pop" also helps people navigate easier in a dark room. Contrast or "pop" in home colors may be visually pleasing.

Repetition (rhythm, pattern): The recurrence of elements within a piece: colors, lines, shapes, values, etc. Any element that occurs is generally echoed, often with some variation to keep interest. Rhythm in interior design also may be used to reduce randomness. For example, placing four plant pots in a row and evenly spaced apart on a floor produces an organized look. Natural patterns like pattern on polished solid granite countertops may add visual appeal or interest to a home design. Add rhythmic patterns as some wall paper on a room wall to add interest, color and visual appeal to a room.

Variety (alternation): The use of dissimilar elements, which creates interest and uniqueness. Variety like a painting or some reflective wood panels added on a plain wall may be used to reduce monotony. Helps infuse color to a house decor to attempt to increase design beauty. Decor interest as variety or more decor usually increases the visual appeal of architecture and interior design.

Emphasis (dominance, focal point or area in a room's decor): Areas of interest. Guides the eye into through and out of the image through the use of sequence of various levels of focal points, primary focal point, secondary, tertiary, etc. Emphasis hierarchy may give direction and organization to a design, and avoid subconscious confusion to sometimes improve the design's (like a house) visual appeal and style. Emphasis hierarchy or focus is not giving each object (like a bed or curtain) in a project (like a bedroom decor) equal dominance. Emphasis or dominance of an object can be increased by making the object larger, more sophisticated, more ornate, by placing it in the foreground, or standout visually more than other objects in a project. The primary focus point or area receives the largest emphasis in a room. Emphasis hierarchy avoids style confusion.

Proportion (scale): Proportion involves the relationship of size between objects. Proportion is also relative sizes of surface areas of different colors in a room. The proportion of color areas such as on a wall of a living room may be chosen to be visually pleasing. Proportion also depends on functionality of object. For example, for the best proportion between a room and furniture, the sizes of furniture depends on the size of the room. In interior design, proportions like the floor to ceiling height of 8.3 to 9 feet tall may be used to obtain good visual appeal, functionality and grandeur in home design. Proportions relative to one's height is also a design element; a large living room or kitchen is usually more appealing than small ones. Furniture and art paintings usually looks better and more luxurious in larger rooms with brighter lighting than in small dimly lit rooms. If you take a close look in catalogs, galleries and display rooms, furniture stores and interior decorators for this reason like to display their products in large and brightly lit spaces.

Functionality: A design must have good functionality. For example a bedroom must function well as a place to sleep and store clothing as well as looking nice. Proper functionality is simply the best possible design and best possible location of this design that the occupant(s) requires. The requirements may be medical services, medical supervision, professional assisted living, easy use of home and/or handicap access. Such a home design is clean, nearly sterile, tidy, brightly lit, warm, visually appealing, is relatively dry, has relatively clean and healthy breathing air, complies to high level health and safety standards, uses genuineness of function like a hospital.

Attraction and design styling: Attraction is how much an observer is attracted to a particular design such as a particular style of a house. May involve studying the psychology why certain people are attracted more to particular designs than other designs. Consider the psychological effects of color, shapes, design, design style in interior design that may occur sometimes on prospective home owner when designing a home. In architecture and interior design, styling the design is important; the designer should make a home style that the prospective owner will like. For example some people may perhaps prefer to buy an upgraded Victorian traditional style home while young people perhaps want a trendy new modern style home.

Artistic unity: Artistic unity is staying on the story (like a science fiction novel) topic or story line, telling only one story at a time, staying on the style of a home in interior design. Avoids distraction or subconscious confusion in house decor style. Helps strengthen the style of a house, gives a clear design style communication.

Genuineness of media, form and function: Genuineness in media and form in architecture and home interior design is using real material for finishes rather than faux. The beauty of natural patterns of stone or wood, and real crystallized metals may be used to enhance the visual appeal of an interior design. Using real metal, glass or crystal instead of plastic or paint simulations, because these (real) are usually better aesthetically and functionally. Real style, prestige, glamour or luxury rather than pretense. For example, an arborite (faux stone) kitchen counter top cannot duplicate the mirror reflectivity, natural beauty and functionality of granite counters for long. Use the beauty of nature such as polished granite slab as countertop to increase the visual appeal of a kitchen. In some cases, furniture and cabinets made of real wood could look nicer than faux wood (photographic wood) like in "top of the line" kitchen cabinet design. When making furniture do not use fake wood and fake metal; the faux wood board samples or plastic gold look alike in the store may look nice, but the faux finished pieces will likely not have the luxurious or prestigious look, and light reflectivity of the real materials that the customer desires. Use good quality (grade A) pieces of wood; preferable hardwood. Some wood photographs on particle board are not even water resistant. Some faux wood have repeating patterns of four or fewer colors that are not as complex as real wood. Finishes like wood moulding and trim without finishing errors like accidental paint smudges, gaps (holes), splinters, or crooked cuts, as high quality finishes usually looks better and more prestigious. Palaces needs real materials for finishes, not faux (phony stone or wood). Genuineness of form is using a real structure in design rather than a facade. For example, genuineness of form is using a real brick wall rather than phoney brick tiles on drywall. A real structure like a real brick wall usually looks more prestigious or grander than a facade or faux wall. Genuineness of function includes using real materials that is best for its function. For example, using real metal instead of plastic for bathroom faucets may be better functionally and aesthetically. Genuineness of form means using real structure rather than simulations; for example using real solid stone wall rather than phony stone tiles on drywall. Genuineness of form could also mean using realism rather than fantasy and pretense in home design. Genuineness of form is also when one object is not disguised as another; for example a phoney fireplace is not disguised as a real one. Genuineness of function could mean using the correct construction material(s) for the function; for example a hospital structure is made from steel, concrete, real stone and/or brick that is strong and are fire resistant, noise resistant, germ resistant. Genuineness of function also is using the best possible construction for a structure like a hospital building that exceeds government minimum health and safety standards (building codes); for another example a modern solid stone fence would be better than a rickety wooden fence, because the stone is stronger, more weather resistant, germ and mold resistant and probably will look better and more hygienic than a worn wooden fence.

Proximity: Proximity in home decor is the placing of similar objects closer together physically, and unlike objects (decor) further apart. Helps to produce harmony by grouping like objects. For example, different furniture styles with different colors compressed in a small bedroom does not look as nice as the same furniture placed further apart in a very large living room.

Color theory: Color theory in interior design includes the color wheel. The color wheel are the colors of the rainbow arranged in a circular array. Color theory also involves the idea of how color affects human thought and emotions. Pastel colors are considered as soothing colors. Red on sports cars is considered a daring color, or may be used to bring emphasis to a part in a design. Colors that have red such as orange, reddish-brown and yellow are assumed to be warm colors because we associate these with sunlight. Woody browns are considered as cozy colors. Colors than have blue are cool colors because we associate blue will cool water and ice. Ice cream packages with white, blue and silver colors may be associated with cool so that buyers may be inclined to buy ice cream on a hot summer day. Color harmony is a pleasing combinations of colors and the amount of these colors in a design like a room decor. Color harmony could also be a visually pleasing color combination that enhances the style and character of a design like a home interior design. Color harmony is also using a limited number of colors in a color palette usually seven or less initially to help preserve design unity. A visually pleasing color combination may be chosen for the color palette of a room for a particular age group and gender. Light neutral colors as dominant colors in a room seem more visually pleasing for people over age 35, because perhaps it resembles the colors in natural stone or wood. Natural colors like white, woody browns easily found in nature may produce a sense of realism and is usually visually pleasing for people over age 35.

Decluttering, organization and harmonization of accessories: Neatness, clean rooms, construction precision and organization in interior design, architecture and home appliances is important. Some belief that decluttering a house from too many redundant objects makes it look better. A neat, and tidy or organized room, and backyard usually looks better. Redundant objects or accessories like broken radios, broken appliances, broken vases, cardboard boxes are hidden in storage or re-cycled. Clothing can be stored in closets. Organize and declutter your closet also, and hang the clothes spaced apart evenly; this will help circulate air and keep your clothes fresher, and makes the closet look better. During decluttering, the best looking objects and accessories are kept that are in design harmony with the room's design and accessories. This should make the rooms activity and guest ready which usually makes the room more pleasing. Sometimes making the rooms activity (like school homework) ready is more important that using it for too much storage. When there is too much storage in rooms, activity (like school homework, paper work) space must be made by decluttering, organizing and general cleaning (dusting, vacuuming, grime scrubbing).

Lighting and light reflection: Lighting is important in home interior design. It allows the observer to clearly see the design. Home interior design decor and furniture usually looks better in brighter lighting. Use lighting to set mood and ambiance in interior design. Lighting may be needed also for comfort; children need bright bedrooms, and women perhaps usually prefer brighter living rooms. Finishing materials could be selected that reflect more light like a fresh coat of semi-gloss white paint on drywall, light colored real wood panelling as wall or brightly colored wallpaper. A mediocre basement with poor lighting can be made brighter and more visually appealing with more lighting like pots lights, with brighter colors and finishes (sparkle and sheen) that reflect more light. For example, at a bathroom mirror place dim lighting high above the head, on the left and right side of mirror; men may perhaps sometimes look better with dim lighting above the head.

Lighting coloration: Light coloration is important to setting the mood in a photograph or work of visual art. Use various types of lights to denote specific mood changes. For example, a red-light may be used to denote an alert of some sort in the form of a beacon. Differences in lighting hardware can affect the mood as well. Halogen lamps and fluorescents can give a cooler feel to visual design works. These can be replicated through psychological studies (citation needed). In digital mediums, lighting can be applied through a variety of filters. For example, filtering out noise and changing hues in a subtle manner can give a simple but tolerable logo feel to a red-alert beacon.

Design methods: Design by experimentation: experiment with different shapes, materials, sizes of shapes to optimize functionality and aesthetics of design; for example choosing a good size for a sconce. Design by modification: modify an existing design to improve the aesthetics and functionality of a design; for example modify a color of a couch to match the color in a drapery. Design by chance: for example scribble some lines and curves randomly with a pencil on a piece of paper then choose a shape outline seen in it that perhaps may be used as a wood table top. Design by sketching: sketch a house or room design on paper or on computer; sketches and drawings can be easily modified. Design using a moodboard: photographs of lamps and couches, paint swatches, wood samples, textile samples, and room sketches can be placed on the moodboard to help visualize a room design. Design in the mind: may be able to visualize visually pleasing designs of rooms and houses in the mind, entire design project (room decor) can be checked this way inexpensively; this may be the best way to refine a home design. Design with "direct" method: direct is abbreviation for describe, investigate, record, evaluate, construct, and try; for example describe design requirements, investigate design requirements and feasibility, record design progress and plans, evaluate the design to see if design requirements were met, construct the design, and then try or test the home design. Practice: home renovation is not as easy as one thinks. Experience had shown that a person with no experience in renovation or the task, or no formal education on the task will most of the time probably make errors and setbacks (time delays). Construction and finishing errors can reduce the "top of the line" look. Need to do some designing practice first. Learn how to and practice laying tiles before making your large expensive ceramic tile flooring. A family member is helping install your bathroom or floor 1 ' by 1' by 1/4" ceramic tiles for free. You the home owner do not want to sound ungrateful but you have seen better work and are not satisfied with the quality of the work; some of the tile alignments are off by 1/16", some gaps between the tiles were not the same, or has uneven grout lines and the tiles on walls or floor or not flat (not straight, not level) on some locations, is bumpy a little. If the tile alignments or gaps between the tiles are off by over 1 millimetre, the quality of the work is poor and will reduce the luxury or prestige look of the tile work. Making (laying) floor tiles and even television set facades requires a lot of precision for neatness. Practice designing: you can practice on paper, on computer, with a miniature model, with a mood board, in the mind with sample building materials (wood, textile) and paint swatches; you can sketch a home floor plan on paper for example. People's skills usualy improve with practice in their hobbies or work. Designing and renovating your room without any previous experience, without practice and planning is like playing a guitar on stage without having previously played a note.

Originality: A design or design contest rule is: try to use original designs; for home interior designs avoid using already existing furniture, wall paper, textile pattern, accessories (lamps) and fixtures in the initial design process; these components or most of the components of the design should be custom made, your original work or new work. This is how to get new (contemporary) designs. High quality original art (the genuine one of a kind piece) may usually sell for a greater price. Home renovation may involve taking chances and thinking outside the box (trying new ideas). Try different versions of your design preferences to make a nice looking contemporary interior design.

Surface pattern and texture: In home design, quality surface finishes are important. Wood finishes or metal surfaces are made smooth, uniform and untattered. The tidy look looks better and more luxurious. A smooth and uniform surface such as on a new high quality kitchen cabinet wood door an untattered look is usually more visually pleasing; most people probably prefer new cabinets when buying a house. Cleaning and painting a grimy wall that is stained and tattered to a smooth uniform finish usually looks better, clean and possibly more cozy. A smooth and polished 1-inch by 10-inch by 1/2" plank of maple wood usually looks better than a rough-cut plank; smooth and shiny objects like quartz crystals are usually more visually appealing than rough and dull surfaces like rough concrete. Who would not prefer to take a shower in a clean, warm, dry, cozy and visually appealing bathroom? The furniture, accessories (lamp), fixtures (lighting) and drapes and the like are the jewels of a room. When selecting furniture and accessories use: unity, quality rather than quantity, choose good looking furniture that you like. Adding these as fresh quality pieces that are not too casual with renovation can quickly add some luxury, sophistication or prestige to a room. Design harmony, using quality workmanship (finishes) and choosing colors thoughtfully are some of the design secrets of hotel room interior decorators.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

Kilmer, R., & Kilmer, W. O. (1992). Designing Interiors. Orland, FL: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc. ISBN 978-0030322334.
Nielson, K. J., & Taylor, D. A. (2002). Interiors: An Introduction. New York: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ISBN 978-0072965209
Pile, J.F. (1995; fourth edition, 2007). Interior Design. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc. ISBN 978-0132321037

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Design elements and principles

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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[edit] Elements of Design

[edit] Principles of design

[edit] See also

[edit] References

[edit] External links

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