Interior Design is all about creativity, personality, and uniqueness. Every single designer has their own touch, flair, and style. However if you ask any seasoned interior designer they will tell you that there are some key principles when it comes to design.
Always being mindful of these principles and incorporating them into your style will help elevate designs into masterpieces.
Function
A beautifully designed room can fall flat on its proverbial face if it lacks functionality. Each room generally has one focal point. For example, a family room may have a TV as the focal point. If there is seating that doesn’t provide a view of the TV, the room loses its functionality.
The furniture and its arrangement play a huge role in the overall functionality of a room. Pieces that are too small or too large can create disruption of the overall function of a room. Plan ahead and make notes of electrical outlets, vents, windows, and doors. These will all affect the placement of furniture.
The lighting will also play a role in the function of a room. Direct or indirect light must flow throughout the room to brighten it up. Dark corners can quickly shrink a room.
Rhythm
The first thing that comes to mind when considering “rhythm” is not typically interior design. However much like music, design uses rhythm to create repetition and flow.
There are different styles of rhythm such as alternation and progression. Alternation uses two elements or more elements in an alternating pattern. Progression takes an element and either increases or decreases its quality. This can be achieved through color gradation or varying size objects.
Balance
Finally, good interior design must have balance. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you need two on the left side, two on the right. Different types of balance allow for unique and charming design.
Symmetrical balance is a more traditional approach, using the same objects repeated in the same positions on either side of an axis.
Asymmetrical balance is a newer approach to balance. Objects that are dissimilar, yet have equal visual weight or attraction are used on the opposing axis to create balance.
Radial balance is a circular pattern that creates an either inward or outward focal point.
Interior design is a fickle world that is constantly changing. What is popular one year will be completely obsolete the next year and then extremely popular a decade later. While the styles are ever-changing, these design principles are timeless.
To learn more about great design or to witness some in action, contact AKA Designs Inc.