The Elements of Design

Space• The area around a form/shape, such as

the area around a table

• Interior space is often defined by height, length, and width– Affects what the room can be used for – Ex.) 10 x 12 room possibly too small for two

teenagers, but could accommodate two small children

Positive Space

Negative Space

How does design affect space?

• Design can be used to change the visual size of the room

• Ex.) To open/expand spaces you use mirrors or remove walls

• Ex.) Make a room more cozy by dividing room into separate areas by using area rugs, clustering furniture

Density -How crowded or empty a space appears

High Density Low Density

Line• The linear marks made with a pen or

brush or the edge created when two shapes meet.

• Show direction and cause the eye to move from one point to another.

Line

Types of Lines• Horizontal: parallel to the ground, create a

feeling of relaxation, calmness and restfulness– Examples: fireplace mantels, long sofas,

fabrics or wallpapers

Horizontal Line

Types of Line

• Vertical: perpendicular to the ground, moves your eye up and down, suggests height, strength, dignity and stability– Examples: window treatments,

columns, striped wallpaper, grandfather clocks

Vertical Line

Types of Line

• Curved: part of a circle, a circle or oval, communicates softness, freedom and openness

Curved Line

Types of Line

• Diagonal: angle between horizontal and vertical, communicate different levels of activity from low energy to chaos– Examples: furniture placement, roof lines,

staircases, lampshades

Shape/Form

• The physical shape of objects, outlines the edges of a three-dimensional object

• Contains volume, mass, height, width and depth• Basic Shapes:

– Cone (round on bottom) (lamp shade, vase)– Cube (ottoman, TV)– Cylinder (column, candle)– Sphere (ball, globe)– Pyramid (square on bottom)(lamp shade, metronome)

Forms

• Cone • Cube

Forms

• Cylinder • Sphere

Forms

• Pyramid • Forms that lead the eye

Form that leads the eye

• 1. Form follows function

• 2. Related forms are more agreeable than unrelated forms

• 3. Gradual change in form can direct the eye smoothly

• 4. Repetition of shape leads the eye around the room

Mass

• The weight or bulk of an item.

• The apparent weight of an object depends on it’s color or texture.

• Black box study…

• Faux finishes…

Mass

Texture

• The way a surface feels or looks

Visual texture

• You can see, but not feel

• Example: scenic wallpaper or picture

• A photograph of a stone fireplace

Tactile texture

• How the surface feels to the touch

• Bumpy, rough, soft, smooth, grainy, porous, hard

• Definitely try things out for comfort

Structural vs. Applied Texture

Structural Texture

• What it is made from or how it is made causes it to have a texture.

• Example: baskets have a texture because they are woven

• Example: Fireplaces have texture because they are made of stones or brick

Applied Texture

• The texture is added on after the object is made

• Example: carving is added to a piece of wooden furniture

• Example: Decorative embellishments are glued onto a lamp or vase

Texture

Structural Texture Applied Texture

How do you use texture in design?

• Communicate feelings– rough textures create more casual feelings– Smooth textures can communicate elegance– Polished stone/marble show elegance and

strength– Heavy/rough textures absorb light-makes a

room appear smaller– Smooth textures reflect light-make a room

appear larger– Vary textures, but don’t go crazy

COLOR

• The most important element of design!!!

• What do you think about this slide compared to the previous slides??????

• 1st decision when decorating a room

• Sets the mood and leaves a lasting impression

(more to come on color later!!!!)