“Styles come and go. Good design is a language, not a style.”

–Massimo Vignelli

Designing a new room with a quality design always speaks to a trained eye. To the professional, there is no doubt the reaction is WOW; that room looks terrific! We will discuss eight design principles to achieve similar astonishing interior design moments every time. Consider these ideas for the next design project. We all can get there; trust the science behind the design.

1. BALANCE

There are five significant types of Balance: symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial, vertical, and horizontal. The most popular of the five is symmetry.

Check out the five most important types of Balance in design.

Symmetrical Balance

Symmetrical Balance is a type of formal Balance that distributes the visual weight of objects, colors, and texture on either side of the design. Ideally, the elements used on one side of the design mirrors the other.

Note: Imagine standing in this hallway at Pinacoteca de São Paulo (Museum), looking straight at the statue’s center. Envision a vertical axis in the center of the room and see the base trims at the bottom and crown moldings at the top. This composition is mirrored the same way on the opposite side. Therefore, equally distributing the same elements on both sides of the hallway; is the epitome of a balanced design.

2. RHYTHM

There are two types of rhythm to consider when designing: random and graduated.

Rhythm is generally created when one or more design elements are used repeatedly to create a feeling of organized movement.

Note: To keep Rhythm exciting and active, include variety. Movement is present in the diagonal backsplash. The vertical wood-planked materials add depth through repetition and using four-bar stools.

Random Rhythm

Random rhythm provides irregular intervals of movement in design. When a pattern or color is exhausted, switch it up to keep the eye bouncing to the next object or shape.

Note: When we hear music, rhythm exists. We naturally want to dance. This artwork shows an irregular rhythmic pattern with various movements, not only in color but in shape. In design, we can use this principle to reflect that movement in the art we choose for statement pieces.

Graduated Rhythm

Graduated rhythm is the repeated element in an identical format increasing gradually in size or height. In art, this principle often displays items to gradually look more prominent as the scale of the object changes; in some cases, things can look smaller or larger.

Note: The Leaning Tower of Pisa is an excellent example of a graduated rhythm. The tower leans over ever so slightly, teasing the eye as the structure leans over. Graduated rhythm is evident as each floor gets smaller, allowing the building to look smaller at the top.

3. REPETITION

Repetition is reusing the same or similar elements throughout the design. When rhythm and pattern are used in tandem, you can typically see a successful strategy become reassured. A pattern can repeat itself in many objects regardless of size. Often, the pattern form symbols all over art and design. Combined with repetition, it activates the elements in the final look, creating unity, another essential design principle.

Note: In this example, we see many things repeated twice, such as the circular area rugs, wood beams, and the dark brown dominant color palette. The design has a sense of cohesiveness with these specific objects and materials.

4. EMPHASIS

Emphasis is part of the design that catches the viewer’s attention. It aims to achieve importance by making one area stand out while contrasting it with other regions. Designers like to incorporate size, color, texture, and shape to execute emphasis.

Note: The arched detail above the window is the primary focal point. The window’s placement centers the room as the ornate motif at the top draws the eye straight to the top.

5. PROPORTION & SCALE

Proportion and Scale are the variety of objects used in different sizes, amounts, and numbers. By using proportion and Scale, the design can begin to convey Unity. The goal is to have elements relate to one another using different sizes, amounts, or numbers.

 Note: This example is quite artistic and playful. The most significant items in the room are the tufted sofa and the large floor lamp. The exciting play of Scale comes through the use of the small pillows. The artist focuses on the light bouncing on these three insignificant objects (the pillows). The rule of threes also helps identify the different size comparisons in the photo. The Lamp’s height, the sofa, and the sizes of the pillows show a great example. This composition is readily acceptable to the eye because of the eye’s ability to move through each object seamlessly.

6. MOVEMENT

Movement is the path the viewer’s eye takes through the design. Often artists provide multiple focal areas. The movement direction is powerfully present using lines, rough edges on multiple surfaces, bold shapes to define a dominant theme, and even vibrant colors to initiate excitement in the design.

Note: This example shows movement on the floors, ceilings, and walls. The different-sized coarse stones give the eye a place to focus. On the right, by the door or panel, intricate wood carvings display Moroccan-inspired motifs, visually entertaining the eye. Look at the beautiful coffee table with Islamic-themed detailing, giving the room a subtle rustic vibe. Lastly, the fringe at the bottom of the sectional shakes things up a bit below the composition.

7. CONTRAST

Contrast can let the viewers focus on a dominant element in the design. The reason is to hold the viewer’s attention and guide the viewer’s eye through and around the work of art.

 Note: This ultra-modern design has a dominant black-and-white theme with subtle tones of creams and soft whites. The balanced proportions of this dining room have a strong sense of symmetrical Balance on either side. The pop of color in the concrete round bowl (green moss) centers your eye to look straight up at the well-designed bookcases in the background.

8. UNITY

At last, we have Unity. Inherently, Unity creates a sense of solid cohesiveness. It makes a harmonious design in the entire body of work.

Everything in this picture exudes a strong sense of foundational design principles. Imagine standing in this room; call out some of the main principles in this picture.

See the list below:
Symmetrical Balance- equally divided mirrors.
Repetition- sconces and mirrors
Emphasis- wood beams on the ceilings
Contrast- black and white palette- See tub.
Unity- wood vanity and wood beams on the ceiling
Movement- herringbone pattern on the tiled floor

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JOURNAL

Le Chateau De Pierre is an Architecture and Interior Design Journal dedicated to sharing and exploring tips for emerging professionals and educating readers about great architecture and building design concepts. Our publication is designed to inspire and inform both new and experienced Interior designers, architects, and those interested in the field of architecture.