Now that you know what makes up a design, (check previous post on Design elements) its time to get into the rules that you should use to achieve a functional and beautiful home. Here are Design Principles and how to apply them in your space.
Emphasis/Focal point
This is a strategy in design that targets to draw the viewer’s attention to a specific design element. The aim is to create a focal point in the design which stands out from the rest of the design elements. You can take advantage of this to divert the viewer’s attention from noticing a less desirable area of the space.
How to achieve Emphasis
Art Work– add a peculiar huge piece of art that steals almost all the attention in the room. For a better effect, ensure that it is at eye-level.
Accent Wall– this is mostly the wall furthest from the entry point and can attract attention by using bold paint colour, patterned wallpaper, unusual fireplace,
Enormous Mirror– this will light up the space and make it appear larger.
Shape-Use interesting Shapes on pendant lights, tables, pillows, an accent chair
Lines– you can use the flow of lines to highlight a room’s direction e.g. by having a striped rug.
Courtesy; Pinterest
2. Contrast
This is where two or more elements that have opposite characteristics are placed together– “opposites attract” The element can be of different colour, shape, texture, material or scale. Contrast creates a dynamic composition in a room.
Courtesy; Pinterest
3.Repetition
Duplicating elements such as colours, textures, shapes, or patterns to tie a design together and strengthen it.
Examples;
Colour- same colour of pillow and flowers, curtains with rug, piece of art and table
Texture- matte vase on a glossy cabinet
Shape- the table can match a similar shape with the stools/ottoman
Pattern- similar pattern of wallpaper and one or two pillows, rug and vase
Courtesy; Pinterest
4. Scale and Proportion
Scale refers to the size of one object in relation to the other objects in a design
Proportion is how the objects relate to the overall context. It refers to the size of the parts of an object in relationship to the other parts of the same object.
Courtesy; Pinterest
5. Balance
The distribution of visual weight of objects, colours, texture, and space to create a feeling of stability and equilibrium. Larger, darker, brighter and highly textured objects typically feel heavier while smaller, lighter, and minimal texture objects feel less heavy and calming.
Courtesy; Pinterest
6. Harmony
This is the cohesiveness and visual satisfaction effect of combining similar or relates elements in a design. It is the sense that all the elements of your design fit together; aesthetic, theme, style or mood.
Courtesy; Pinterest
