-SHAPE- GEOMETRIC

 

Geometric shapes revolve around math. Circles, rectangles, and triangles are

examples of geometric shapes. This serving piece is covered with

geometric shapes on the front giving it a modern feel but the finish contrasts the

modern flare with a traditional look.

Photo from Raleigh, NC

-SHAPE- NATURAL-ORGANIC

 

Natural and organic shapes are free flowing and can often be found in

nature.

The decorative

piece of wood under the

drawer of this table

replicates an ocean wave and flows

smoothly from left to right and back.

Photo from Raleigh, NC

-SHAPE- DYNAMIC

 

Non-objective shapes correlate with the idea of movement and are

interesting to view.

This mirror has diagonal lines which represent movement

making this mirror a dynamic shape.

Photo from Raleigh, NC

-FORM- GEOMETRIC

Geometric forms are simple three

dimensional shapes like circles, triangles, and

rectangles.

These nesting tables show

geometric forms by the way they are constructed like rectangles with right angles and

straight lines. The pattern of the

British flag is also geometric.

Photo from Cary, NC

-FORM- NATURAL

Natural or organic forms are often random and can be found in nature.

The form the fabric has been morphed into on these pillows mimics the three dimensional

shape of coral. Photo from Cary, NC

-FORM- ABSTRACT Abstract forms

are three dimensional

random forms sometimes

representing a common form.

This hanging pendant light is an abstract

form that could be

interpreted as a rain drop.

Photo from Cary, NC

-FORM- NON-OBJECTIVE

This lamp contains non-objective flowing lines that add

interest to the base of the lamp.

Non-objective forms can be interpreted in any way and are

completely random three dimensional forms.

Photo from Cary, NC

PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

°BALANCE°HARMONY°EMPHASIS°MASSING°RYTHM°PROPORTION

°SCALE° Photo from Inhabitat

-BALANCE- VISUAL SYMMETRY

Visual symmetry means that what you see is exactly the same on the

left as it is on the right.

This chest has cut outs on both sides along with drawers and doors that make

both sides look exactly alike. Photo from Raleigh, NC

-BALANCE- STRUCTURAL SYMMETRY

Structural symmetry means the

way the piece of furniture was built is symmetrical which can be seen in the

built in cabinets that function as a self serving

bar. Photo from Cary, NC

-BALANCE- VISUAL ASYMMETRY

Although both sides feel equal because the weight is balanced visually, they do

not look the same.

This bathroom base cabinet has drawers on one side and a glass door on the other but is still pleasing to the eye. This allows for some hidden storage while other things

can be put on display. Photo from Cary, NC

-BALANCE- STRUCTURAL RADIAL

SYMMETRY Radial symmetry radiates from a center

point and is repetitive all the way around.

This mirror is cut in a circle and the framing demonstrates structural radial symmetry.

Photo from Raleigh, NC

-HARMONY- VARIETY THROUGH

MODERN IN CONTRAST TO OLD

Harmony can be created when two things are

totally opposite. This is a great way

to mix two different tastes

creating an eclectic look. This vintage

chair is accented with a modern pillow that is bold and

colorful! Photo from Raleigh, NC

-HARMONY- UNITY THROUGH

REPETITION

Although each stool is a different color the stool is exactly the same. The repetition of the shape of the stool creates harmony among the

different colors. Photo from Raleigh, NC

-HARMONY- VARIETY THROUGH

COLOR

Stacking these vintage

suitcases is the perfect

way to reduce, reuse, and recycle in

style! All the suitcases are

the same creating

harmony but each one is a different color

which adds interest and

variety. Photo from Savvy Sugar

-HARMONY- VARIETY THROUGH

MATERIAL

These three sculptural clocks and mirrors create interesting wall art the shapes are all the same but there is a variety in the materials used to make

each one. Photo from Raleigh, NC

-EMPHASIS- VISUAL FOCAL

POINT

The back of this chair becomes the focal point because of the fabric application. The entire chair is covered in a solid blue

color but the back has a cheetah print in a complementary color.

Photo from Cary, NC

-EMPHASIS- STRUCTURAL FOCAL POINT

The way this cabinet was built emphasizes what

is behind the glass. The faming is thin and not distracting. The

small zigzag detail at the top points to what is in the case drawing even more attention to your most prized

possessions!

Photo from Raleigh, NC

-MASSING- ACTUAL DENSITY

Because you can see inside this cabinet you can tell the density is low because it is full of open space, perfect for tons of

storage! Photo from Raleigh, NC

-MASSING- OPTICAL DENSITY

This dresser is painted black which makes it appear heavier and

denser than it actually is. Dark colors appear heavy while lighter

colors are airier and appear lighter.

Photo from Cary, NC

-RHYTHM- REPETITIVE

The repetition of the cut out pieces in this wooden table create a pattern that is

repeated up and down the table as well as all the way around.

Photo from Cary, NC

-RHYTHM- CLIMATIC

The repetition of the squares at the bottom of this mirror draw your eye to the top where the squares break into

different shapes! Photo from Raleigh, NC

-RHYTHM- CONTRAST

The contrast of the harsh chicken wire and the airy look it

creates makes a rhythmic pattern between wire and

space. Photo from Raleigh, NC

-RHYTHM- TRANSITIONAL-

FLOWING

The swirls on this bench create a flowing rhythm that carries the eye from one side of the bench to the other and back again.

Photo from Raleigh, NC

-PROPORTION- IN PROPORTION WITH

SPACE

This small table is in perfect

proportion with the space

because it is between two chairs and it

the right height once sitting down to place a

drink or rest your feet.

Photo from Raleigh, NC

-PROPORTION- NOT IN PROPORTION

WITH SPACE

This mirror is large and very ornate. When in the space it is

over powering. A

mirror should

enhance the space

but not take it

over. Photo from Raleigh, NC

-SCALE- HUMAN SCALE

This desk is to human scale…for

children! It is small enough for them to fit in the seat and

write on the work surface comfortably rater than

them sitting in an adults

desk.

Photo from Raleigh, NC

-SCALE- SYMBOLIC SCALE

This elephant does not have the

proportions of a normal elephant. Instead it has been

stretched to

emphasize long legs

and a narrow body.

Photo from Raleigh, NC