"Design is so simple. That's why it's so complicated." - Paul Rand
Knowing interior design principles allows you to bring more harmony, coherence, and style to your home. When you apply these principles when designing the bedroom, living room, or even the kitchen, those spaces will ultimately radiate freshness, individual character, and tranquility.
In this article, we will list the five principles of interior design that you should know and apply when designing or decoring your room or home interior. These principles are not rigid rules, but they are a guideline to bear in mind when designing along with your intentions and needs.
Five principles of interior design you should know
1. Balance
Let's start with one of the most important principles of interior design: balance. Balance is the visual serenity of the room. It permits the equilibrium between the objects and their visual weight, giving a sense of repose and a feeling of completion. To obtain the perfect balance in your room, you should know the weight of each object and alternate between simple and more complex elements. And it can be achieved not only through weight and shapes but also through the textures, colors, and lines used.
There are three types of balance:
- Symmetrical: this balance is the traditional or formal one and consists of organizing objects of the same weight in such a way that they give a mirror effect. In other words, the image splits into two similar sides. For example, we can consider symmetrical balance when we see a coffee table with two chairs on either side.
- Asymmetrical: Also called informal balance, asymmetrical balance includes the balance of objects of the same visual weight, including shapes, colors, and textures, but forgoing exact reproduction. To achieve asymmetrical balance, place two chairs on the opposite side of a sofa.
- Radial Balance: consists of adding a central focal point with other elements radiating from the main focus, like chairs surrounding a round table.
2. Rhythm
Like in another form of art, music, interior design is all about establishing patterns of repetition. Rhythm provides the discipline that controls the eye as it moves around the room.
It can be created by repeating lines, shapes, colors, and textures. In addition, progressive rhythm is when these elements gradually increase or decrease in size, direction, or color.
3. Harmony
As we can assert that rhythm brings emotion and excitement, harmony creates satisfaction and restfulness. To achieve harmony in the room, you should ensure that the different objects keep a certain relationship with each other through patterns, hues, and textures.
4. Emphasis
This principle consists of creating a focal or central point of attention, something that will be the first thing seen when entering the room. This object can be a piece of furniture, a painting, a fireplace, or a window, among others. Accordingly, all the surrounding elements should highlight, accompany, and make it stand out. Subsequently, emphasis will be created.
5. Scale and proportion
These two principles are often confusing, but we are going to explain what each means. When we speak about proportion, we mean the relationship between an object and other elements of the same size. In essence, be cautious not to incorporate large chairs around a tiny table. On the other hand, scale determines the relation between the size of an object and the space it occupies. So, play around with furnishings and decor of different dimensions.
If you want to know more about the principles of interior design or you need help designing your new room, visit our social media channels or contact us.
