Five Elements Make Good Design

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Good interior design rarely happens by chance. Whether it was done instinctively or by conscious thought, more than likely a room design is successful because the basic elements of design were considered during the design planning process.

There are five basic elements of design - space, form, line, texture, color.

Space is the three dimensional boundaries of the area (room) in which you are working. Generally space issues occur when there is too much space or too little space. The available space in a room must be carefully considered prior to selecting any home decor products.

Form (or shape) is a three dimensional object or structure to be placed within the defined space (room). A form can be square, triangle, circle, curved, rectangular, etc. For a pleasing result, space should be designed so that there is a variety of forms and is no one form obviously dominates the space.

Line can be straight or curved. Straight lines are horizontal, vertical or diagonal, are considered "strong", and are used to draw the eye in a certain direction. Curved lies are "weak" and soften a space when used in conjunction with straight lines. Straight lines are considered masculine and curved lines are considered feminine. Line is chosen based on the architecture of the space, who is using the space and the use of the space.

Texture is the surface quality of an object as it relates to touch and vision. Texture surface can be fluffy, rough, smooth, coarse, fine or shiny. Floorcoverings, fabrics, paint and wood are all potential sources for texture. Smooth texture is associated with a formal feel and coarse texture creates a more casual atmosphere. For interest, a space should include a variety of textures.

Color is the brain's reaction to the eye's stimulation by light, natural or artificial. Designers speak of color in terms of hues, tints, tones, shades, values and intensities. Color can change the mood and visual architecture of a space. Colors can be warm or cool and can visually reduce or enlarge a space. Choose colors based on the boundaries of the space, the preferences of the occupants and the use of the space.