PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
The basic principles of design are balance, harmony and unity, rhythm, repetition, emphasis and focus, unity and complexity; and proportion and scale.
Balance
Balance is a state in which the elements of a composition achieve harmonious, satisfying equilibrium, with nothing that is out of proportion or overemphasized to the detriment of the other parts or elements in the room. Balance assumes great importance–because every room contains a variety of elements of different shapes, colors, pattern, textures, lines and light.
Symmetrical balance occurs when an arrangement of identical elements occurs about a common axis. A living room with identical furniture on either side of a fireplace is a good example of this. Asymmetrical balance is a more informal method of arrangement.
Elements that are more heavily textured or detailed have more visual weight than plain elements. Among objects with similar shapes, forms, colors, and textures, larger objects weigh more than smaller ones, visually. Multiple smaller objects closely grouped together can “balance” a single object of similar volume and area. For instance, if you have a room with a large object, such as a piano, in one corner of the room, you can create balance across from it with several small objects, such as three plants or a significant sculpture. Dark and bright colors lend heavier weight to elements that do lighter and paler colors.
Harmony and Unity
Harmony and Unity is the perfect pair, and you can’t have one without the other. They are achieved when all the elements within a composition or space talk to each other and to the entire space as well.
Harmony is the way in which differing shapes, textures, patterns, colors and forms make sense together and form a satisfying visual arrangement. Harmony can be treated when a number of elements are united by a common characteristic. For instance, you may wish to use different chairs around your dining room table for a fun, eclectic look, but unify the setting by using the same fabric on all of them.
Scale and proportion
Scale and proportion are important in creating a space which feels good to be in and makes sense on a human level. Small rooms with high ceilings, give the feeling of volume, but are deceptive when it comes to furniture size and scale. Simply because an 11’ x 13’ bedroom has tall ceilings does not necessarily mean a king size bed will fit in it. Remember, we are living on the “floor plane”, not the ceiling plane. Also, with regard to scale and proportion, objects need to relate to each other well. An example of scale and proportion would be the correct size of crown moldings for the heights of your ceilings. An eight foot ceiling would look correct with a 5” crown molding, but this molding would look too skinny in a room with fourteen foot ceiling heights.
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TIPS FOR PICKING COLORS
Main Walls:
• Choose slightly muddy colors over “true” colors. A creamy or green–based yellow is easier on the eyes than, say, a lemon yellow.
• Every color has an undertone. To find it (to insure you’re choosing a “livable” color), isolate the paint chip by laying it on a plain white paper.
• Light greatly affects color. Before committing to a color, tape up paint samples of a color on all walls of a room and assess the “test patches” at different times of day over a weekend. How does it look in natural light, artificial light, on a sunny day, a cloudy day, in a candlelight?
• Flat or eggshell paint is recommended.
Accent Walls:
• Accent walls are a great opportunity to incorporate a dramatic color you might not otherwise use.
• Using a complementary color for an accent wall will intensify the original color, and using an adjacent color will give the room a fresher look.
Transitional Spaces:
• It’s not necessary to paint an entire house in the same color. You can paint transitional spaces in different color, just follow these rules of thumb.
• Use the same intensity or tone throughout the house. Mixing light and dark tones can be jarring.
• The exception is a monochromatic scheme; here, using different tones will give a cohesive look.
• In high traffic areas, use paint with an eggshell or satin finish for washability.
Trim:
• Its customary for trim to be painted off–white or cream. For a different look, switch things around: paint walls white and use a color on the trim.
• A monochromatic scheme using one color can also be applied; this is more effective if walls are painted in the darker shade and trims are pale.
• Always paint trims in a semi–gloss finish.
Ceilings:
• It’s common for ceilings to be painted white with 20% of the wall color mixed in, but there are other options:
• For uniformity, paint the ceiling the same color as the trim especially if you have crown molding.
• Using an adjacent color scheme like pale blue walls and a pale green ceiling can create a soft look. Also popular is a complementary scheme, like a soft blue ceiling with apricot walls.
Complementary Colors:
Complementary colors are colors that are located opposite each other on the color wheel. When viewed together, complementary colors intensify each other, making for a lively and visually pleasing outcome.
Monochromatic Colors:
A monochromatic color scheme combines light and dark tones of one color from the color wheel. A monochromatic palette produces a calm and soothing interior. It also acts as a good background for showcasing furniture or an art collection.
Contrasting Colors:
For a dramatic effect, use a contrasting scheme: choose two primary colors from the color wheel and pair them with black or white. Use red for an accent wall, or on side chairs or in a Persian carpet. Black accents anchor a room and lend sophistication. Use black furniture, drapery rods, frames or carpet borders.
Adjacent Colors:
Colors located beside each other on the color wheel are called adjacent. Adjacent palettes create a fresh and cohesive look without being too dramatic. When adding adjacent colors to an interior, the secondary colors tend to blend nicely without adding too much pop.
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“WHAT EXACTLY IS ‘ECLECTIC’ STYLE?”
Eclectic style is a style which has “evolved” from mixing a variety of pieces from the three major styles, which are Traditional, Contemporary and Transitional. While an Eclectic look can work well, it can also look messy and unorganized. Not everything really goes together. The Principles of Design, which are balance, scale and proportion, unity and harmony, among others, still need to be at work, and often they may be missing in a very eclectic environment.
Use the “80/20 rule”, which means staying true to one particular style for 80% for the interior and going a little astray for the remaining 20%. Make the predominant pieces speak of the style and have the fabric, furniture and architectural elements coherent and within the style. Feel free to add an “off” piece, such as a Chinese Altar table.
By sticking with the “80/20 Rule”, your room’s integrity will be maintained, a definable look will be achieved, but the room will not appear to be staged and too firm. Be creative with other items and elements, but make sure not to overdo it.
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“HOW DO I DECORATE WITH WHITE?”
All White:
• To create pleasing visual tension, paint walls, trim and wooden furniture in a variety of whites. Using all warm whites will keep the room from looking cold and sterile; don’t use all cool whites.
• Finish the floor in a glossy white paint.
• Use a variety of textures, and include ultra–pale colors, which can be considered part of the white family.
• Accent with a mirror of pictures in silver frames, a ceramic–or glass–based lamp with a pleated shade, and a collection of white gloss.
White with color and pattern:
• Adding touches of cobalt blue to an all–white room gives it a fresh, Scandinavian look; just remember that using more than a few accents can turn a “white” room into a “blue and white room”, a different style altogether.
• Paint walls a pure white and you will introduce warmth with white accessories and a pale, natural wood floor.
• Inject just one strong accent color to liven up the look; we like cool colors, like cobalt, aqua blue and grass green, that keep the white looking fresh.
White with naturals:
• Pair whites with warm natural materials, like wood and raffia, to create a clean–lined, modern aesthetic. Texture is the key to the look.
• Walls can be painted either a pure white or a warm white that’s not too creamy.
• Finish floors in a sophisticated dark stain to ground the space.
• Introduce wood pieces with chocolate–brown, dark walnut or wenge stains.
• Accessorize with contemporary pieces: a dark–wood lamp with a natural linen lampshade; a sleek wooden vase filled with interesting branches of an all–white bouquet; and a modern bowl.
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GUIDELINES FOR GOOD LIGHT PLACEMENT
Table Lamps (for task lighting)
The base should be in line with one’s should and should be 20” to the left or right of book center. The bottom of the shade should be 38”–44” from the floor.
Floor Lamps
The bottom of the lamp shade should be 42”–48” from the floor. Halogen lighting controlled by a dimmer switch provides the best quality illumination for reading.
Wall Fixtures
Generally, wall fixtures are hung at or near eye level (66” or above). Swing arm wall lamps above beds should be mounted 30” above the mattress. Wall lamps for chair reading should be 42–49” above the floor and 15” to the left or right of book center.
Chandeliers
The chandelier should be 12” smaller in diameter than the smallest table dimension. A chandelier should hang 30” above the table. If the table is the only furniture in a space, a down–light in the chandelier is especially effective.
Picture Lights
Turning on additional lamps does not adequately light pictures. Use properly proportioned picture lights.
“Good lighting supports convenience, comfort, and favorable emotional reactions. Improving the lighting of a space can be more effective than any other single factor in increasing an overall sense of satisfaction.”
John Pile
Interior Design, Second Edition
“Appropriate lighting distribution results in balance and rhythm similar to that produced by nature. Contemporary lighting emphasizes natural light. Small halogen floor lamps for reading do not obstruct floral or other natural design elements. Table lamps create intimate ambiance in more traditional settings.”
Randall Whitehead
The Art of Lighting
“Chandeliers must be balanced by other sources to be comfortable and flattering. Chandeliers and other visible fixture–pendants and wall fixtures–are like pieces of jewelry, attractive but not necessarily functional. Even though they are expensive, they are not intended to light the whole space... (In addition) include wall fixtures, wall–washers, accent light, down–lights, cove lights, and lamps.”
Jane Grosslight
Light, Light, Light
“Portable lighting makes a room quieter and holds a room together.”
Murray Douglas
Brunsxhwig & Fils Style
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