The fundamentals of interior design will never change as they combine the elements into a cohesive, definable, and aesthetically pleasing visual medium.
Some people do have an innate talent for transforming a room into a jaw-dropping interior space. By bringing in mixes and matches of great finds from thrift stores and even bargain Home Depot shops, these talented people can combine the elements into a stunning and tasteful interior.
Although there’s no magic when it comes to interior design, it’s how one uses these basic principles that matter. Like professional designers, following these fundamentals is paramount in creating aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces.
Harmony. Creating harmony doesn’t mean designing without variety. The two should be balanced to create a vibrant and cohesive interior design.
“Harmony creates a feeling of wholeness. It is usually achieved when the parts complement each other in a way where they have something in common.” – Francis D. K. Ching, author of Interior Design Illustrated.
A worth-mentioning type of harmony in interior design is Colour Harmony. A room’s color or hue is probably the first thing we notice in a room and is a universal language that can convey myriad emotions and meanings.
As an essential and fundamental principle and element of interior design, color can affect the overall look of a room. Bright and neutral colors bounce off light, making a room seem larger, while dark hues can make a room cozier and smaller.
Creating a balance of elements in interior design means harmoniously combining elements such as shape, color, pattern, and texture. By unifiedly combining each basic element with just the right qualities and amount, you should be able to create a visually comfortable and pleasing overall look.
Ways to create balance:
- Symmetrical Balance. It usually has a focal point. It assigns a central point where elements are used similarly on each side. This is demonstrated in one-point perspectives in painting and visual graphics.
- Asymmetrical Balance. Unlike symmetrical balance, the form, colour, and other basic elements may not be duplicated but instead use different elements with the same perceived weight or intensity. This still achieves balance from the center point.
Scale. This fundamental aspect of interior design is sometimes ignored and overlooked, affecting the overall design. Scale is how the basic elements relate to one another and the users in terms of size and scale. For instance, a ceiling-high window can look overwhelming as a backdrop for a loveseat with no other adjacent elements. To create an effective and proportional scale, always design for the users.
Take note: scale differs from proportion, which refers to the size of an object’s parts in relation to the parts of the same object.
Rhythm. Like music, a moving interior design can be created through the basic elements of rhythm. This can be achieved by repeating colors, patterns, and forms. This creates continuity and flow of design elements through the space.
For instance, you can use leaf-patterned wallpaper with green shades for a Savanah-themed interior. Using this pattern, you can choose to have similar leaf prints on your thrown rugs or even on your sofa covers. Add sculptural vases with avocado green hues on reddish wood oak center tables and embellish the ceiling with black chrome plates and drop pendants to finish the look.
Contrast. This principle is probably the most commonly used, if not overly emphasized, in many interior designs. That’s because the juxtaposition of elements has always provided excitement in designing interiors. In an interior designer’s book, contrast is an effective way to emphasize a focal point or showcase, say, sculptural furniture. Repetition and similarity can be blunt, and contrast can make elements pop.
