7 Elements of Interior Design - Part One
4/03/2020
Interior Design is a complex art, but it also involves an element of science and logic that people often don't realize. There are actually rules that a lot of interior designers follow that are called the "7 Elements of Interior Design". They are (1) space, (2) line, (3) form, (4) light, (5) color, (6) texture, and (7) pattern. John Elliott Interiors is the best interior design company at the Lake of the Ozarks. Read on to learn more about each element and our tips on how to use them in your own home.
Space
This elements is a fairly set one that usually isn't changed too much in most interior design work. Changing the space or a room would require construction and more in-depth planning and work than traditional interior design.
The concept of space that we do work with every day as interior designers is the idea of dimensional space, as in length, width, and height. Scale is important when working with the space of a room. A too-big piece of furniture may look gorgeous elsewhere but cause issues with room flow and functionality in a small space.
Working with this space, you can decide to either fill it with design elements or leave it empty. Both are equally important! Leaving empty space can be strategic in drawing the eye to important elements and allowing spaces to not look too cluttered. When talking more in depth about full or empty space, we define the spaces as either positive or negative. Positive space contains objects (like furniture, wall art, photos, and other design elements). Negative space is empty and open.
Line
Lines more or less point the viewers' eyes in the direction you want them to look. And in this section when we are talking about lines, we don't necessarily mean a lined pattern on a pillow (that will come in later with the element pattern). We mean the larger lines created by the way your furniture is aligned and how the room is organized.
Horizontal lines can be created by tables, couches, and anything else that takes up horizontal space. When used properly, these lines can help a space feel wider and more open.
Vertical lines are created by windows, doors, archways, curtains, shelving, etc. These lines can help a space feel taller and less closed-in.
Dynamic lines are any lines that do not follow the standard straight horizontal or vertical path... Zigzag, diagonal, curved. These should be used sparingly as they are very strong elements and capture the eye in a unique way.
Form
Another word that can help describe this element of design would be "shape". There are two categories that forms/shapes can fit into: geometric or natural. Geometric forms have hard lines and angles. The shapes that can easily be described in geometric terms... square, circle, triangle, etc. Natural shapes are organic and have a more free flowing form... rocks, wood edges, stone, etc.
You can use similar shapes to create a continuous look and feel in the space. For example, decorating a mantle with three cylindrical vases. You can also use elements of different forms to give an eye-pleasing and interesting look. Imagine a bookshelf with a decorative metal ball next to rectangular books, and raw stone bookends.
John Elliott Interiors is the best interior designer at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we love helping you create the home of your dreams. Tune in next week as we continue talking about the 7 Elements of Interior Design to help you with inspiration and fun tips on how to make your home a well-designed space that perfectly fits your style. Give us a call to set up a consultation - we are still available by appointment.
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