The Elements of Design

The Elements of Design

• Line, Shape, Form, Space, Texture, Pattern, and Color• The “TOOLS” of design.• Basic rules/tools to create a design.

Line• Delineates space, outlines form, and

conveys a sense of movement or direction• Delineates space when lines intersect to create

2-D planes (marking edges of a wall)• Outlines form with the outer edges of an object• Conveys movement and direction by the

outlines of objects, by lines formed by groups of objects, and lines that make up fabric and wallpaper patterns

• Lines are either straight or curved and placed in a direction

Are the purple lines straight or bent?

Which circle in the middle is bigger?

Do you see gray areas in between the squares? Now where did they come from?

You should see a man's face and also a word...Hint: Try tilting your head to the right, the world begins with 'L'

Creating Effects with Line

• Separate or unify space• The illusion of increased height• The illusion of width

Conveying Feelings with Line

• Horizontal lines (left to right across the horizon) create feelings of being restful and informal

• Vertical lines suggest action, create feelings of height, strength and formality

• Diagonal or zigzag lines convey excitement and movement

• Circles, curves, and ovals are usually perceived as more natural and free than straight lines

• Too many lines can lead to continuous eye movement, which causes feelings of tiredness & frustration

Visual Effects Using Line

Use of line in Design

Line Assignment• Find an interior design picture that

demonstrates the use of the following lines…• Vertical, Horizontal, Curved, and Diagonal.

• Cut them out and glue them into your smash book labeling each picture. It is not required to mount the pictures.• Then draw a room of your choice that

incorporates at least 2 different types of lines. Sketch the room, color it, and them label where each line is shown (you may use a legend/key.)• Add Line Assignment and page numbers to

your table of contents.

Shape/Form• The shape and structure of solid objects

• Large, heavy objects give a feeling of stability, as does long, low tables

• When the bottom of an object is too small in proportion to the top, it gives the appearance of instability

• Harmonious design – a design in which every item fits well with the others; it is important that forms of furniture harmonize with each other

Shape

• Two dimensional outline of an object• Made by connecting lines• Circles, squares, rectangles,

triangles, ovals, diamonds....

Form

• Three dimensional object• Encloses space• Spheres, cylinders, cones,

cubes, pyramids....

Form in design

Shape and Form Assignment• Sketch 3 different images in your smash book

that demonstrate shape (2-D) and then sketch 3 images of the form (3-D) version of the same picture.• Label each picture as either shape or form.• Find one interior design picture that has both

shape and form in the design. Glue the image into your smash book and label the parts that are shape and the parts that are form.• Add Shape and Form Assignment and page

numbers to your table of contents.

Space• The 3-D expanse that a designer is

working with, as well as the area around or between objects within that expanse• Designers must consider the size of the

overall design space and the arrangement of objects within that space

Size of Space• Large, open spaces

can give a feeling of freedom

• Large spaces with high ceilings and elaborate designs can convey a feeling of luxury

• Too much empty space can make a person feel lonely and uncomfortable

• Small spaces can make people feel confined or crowded• Well designed

small spaces can make people feel snug & secure; gives a sense of privacy & intimacy

Use of Space Examples

Arrangement of Space• You have 2 choices with space: fill it or leave it

empty

• When space is limited, limit the number of furnishings to keep as much space open as possible• Select furniture that can serve more than one

purpose• Select plain furniture

• When space is very large, you can physically divide it with permanent or temporary room dividers• Arrange furniture in small clusters, use folding screens

To help a small area feel spacious..• Allow for large open

areas and empty space• Use mirrors• Use small prints,

patterns, and textures• Use light, cool colors

To help a small area feel spacious…

• Allow as much floor to show as possible• Place large pieces

of furniture near walls• Furniture should be

up off the floor and not bulky

To make a large area feel intimate…• Place furniture

perpendicular to walls• Group furniture

according to areas of activity• Use large

furniture that sits directly on the floor

Space

• The area in which the designer has to work

• NEGATIVE SPACE• POSITIVE SPACE

Positive Space

• Filled Space

Negative Space

• Empty space

Space Assignment• Part Two:• Design a Rug Pattern-design your own rug design.

Sketch your rug design on a separate white piece of paper. • Cut your rug out, glue it in your smash book.• Write down the answer to this question...• Does your design have more negative or positive

space? Explain.

• Part One:• Find 1 image that portrays negative space• Find 1 image that portrays positive space• Glue both images in your smash book and label all

of the positive space and all of the negative space.

Texture

• The surface quality of an object or item• Tactile• How the object feels to the touch• Can feel the variation in the surface

• Visual• An illusion - how the object appears to feel• Applied using line, color, & shading

Texture• The appearance or feel of a surface

• Plush carpet & furniture provide a sense of comfort

• Nubby, rough materials convey ruggedness & stability

• Velvets & brocades suggest luxury

• Glass, metal & stone give a feeling of coolness

• Texture can add variety & interest to a room

• Texture affects the way light reflects off of objects and therefore affects the perceived color of an object

Ribbed rough crinkled smooth soft bumpy

satiny silky fluffy hard flat abrasive

nubby shines plush fuzzy ridged

spikey course gritty slick

Texture - Smooth

• Make colors appear lighter and brighter• Generally

considered more formal• Reflects light• Can be visual or

tactile

Texture - Shiny• Reflective• Has more intense

color

Texture - Rough

• Makes colors look darker and less intense• Generally less

formal• Absorbs light• Can be visual or

tactile

Texture

Pattern

• Repetition of line, shape, form, texture and/or color• Reflects the mood

of the elements used• Can be formal,

informal, calm, playful.....

Texture examples

Texture & Variety

Visual and Tactile Texture Examples

Texture/Pattern Assignment

• Each person will get 2- 3x5 notecard.• On these cards you will create a black and

white pattern that portrays a specific texture.• Each card can have the same or different

pattern.• You will only use black and white (NO

COLOR.)• You must fill up your entire card.• Sketch ideas in your smash book.• Glue one card into your smash book and

label what texture you were trying to portray. Hand the other card into the tray (make sure your name is written on the card you hand in.)

Color

• Reflected light• Most important

element• Creates the most

impact