Whether you are looking out to up style your room, or hire a designer to remodel your house, the familiarity with the following principles helps you to understand the basics of interior design and what it encompasses

 

1. Scale and Production

Scale refers to the relationship between two or more objects and in majority of cases, the size of the objects is compared to the human scale. The main idea behind designing with respect to human scale is that, the space should serve its occupants. Imagine a coffee table of your living room whose height is even greater than the dining table. The table is sure not to fulfil its purpose, because it is not in accordance to human scale. The famous architect Le Corbusier quotes ‘A house is a machine for living in’. Meaning, every space in the house should function well ensuring the optimum comfort of its occupants.

Proportion, on the other hand, relates to the general size of two objects without information regarding their actual sizes. The team is used in comparative way. For instance, the handle of a cup and the cup itself should be in proportion. Likewise, the handle should fit the fingers well to hold it easily, which is again, with respect to the human scale

2. Color:

Color is the key element of interior design. It is used to create aesthetically pleasing combinations and also works on a psychological level. Colors can literally transform a home. A dark, depressing space becomes bright and cheerful by adding bright or light colors. Color can also create specific moods and looks. Using cool and neutral colors convey peace and tranquility. Rich jewel tones make a drab space luxurious and regal while incorporating reds, oranges and yellows into a sterile, white room add a sense of warmth.

3. Balance:

Everyone understands the importance of balance.In interior design too, unbalanced interior space can be uncomfortable. Thus, main goal in interior design is visual balance which can be achieved by distributing the visual weight of objects within a space to achieve a feeling of equilibrium.

 Balance can also be achieved in three ways: symmetrically, asymmetrically and radially.

  • Symmetrical balance is achieved when items are actually repeated or mirrored along a central axis. Symmetry is common in interior design and can portray a feeling of stability, calmness and dignity; however, can also be seen as static, dull and unimaginative. 
  • Asymmetrical balance relates very strongly to the visual weight of objects. Rather than repeating the same item within a space to achieve balance, in this case we are using different elements with a similar perceived weight to achieve balance on the opposing axis. The space by this balance feel more dynamic and less rigid  
  • Radial balance is almost circular – distributed arrangement of items around a central point either extending outward or inward. Common examples of radial balance translated to the interior environment include chairs centered around a table, a circular lighting fixture, etc 

4. Light

Light is one of the important element of interior design. Without light, whether natural or artificial, can do no justice to other elements like color, texture, patterns, etc. The smart placement of doors and windows take care of natural light, while for artificial lights, the purpose of lighting in an area needs to be clear. For instance, Task light includes light sources like table and bed lamps which have a defined purpose, dedicated for a specific task. Accent lights are meant for highlighting a particular piece or show item like artworks, structures, sculptures and so on. Mood or ambient lighting basically set the mood of the living space and illuminate the overall space.

5. Rhythm

Rhythm can be thought of as a pattern in movement. Rhythm can be seen and heard throughout nature and in our built environment through repetition, alternation and progression. These three methods of achieving rhythm can be applied to interior spaces as a way to introduce order, interest and focus, and to help lead your eye through a room.

  • Repetition

Repetition is the simplest way to attain rhythm and can be achieved by repeating any of the elements of design 

  • Alternation

Alternation is used to create rhythm by alternating two or more elements in a regular pattern. 

  • Progression

Rhythm can also be achieved through progression. Examples are a gradation of color or a series of objects that start small and become large in a very regular manner.