Design Lesson: 7 Principles of Interior Design

There's more to creating a great room than just having good taste.  Designers are actually taught 7 principles of Interior Design that we pull from for our designs.  I rarely consciously think about thease principles but I do include them (or most of them) in every space I work in.

So if your space is feeling unfinished or is falling flat, try adding one or more of the principles below into the mix.

1. Balance

Equal distribution of visual weight, achieved by one of the following:

• Symmetrical balance - a mirror image, or the same elements repeated in the same positions on either side of a vertical axis
• Asymmetrical balance - odd or mismatched elements placed off-centre
• Radial symmetry - all of the elements of a design are arranged around a center point

Symmetrical Design

Asymmetrical Design

Radial Design

2. Rhythm

The movement within a space, typically created by:

• Repetition - the use of the same element (colour, shape, object) more than once throughout a space
  
• Progression – transition from light to dark or small to large

Repetition

3. Emphasis

A focal point.

Focal Points

4. Proportion

The ratio of one design element to another.

Proportion

5. Scale

The relative size or character of an objects or its parts.

Scale

6. Unity & Harmony

Considering the space as a whole - similarity or consistency.

Unity

7. Details

Small, subtle touches.

Design Details