Elements of Design Elements of Design Space Line

Elements of Design

Elements of Design § Space § Line § Shape § Form § Texture § Color

Space § Space is the area provided for a particular purpose. § Residential space can be defined by walls, dividers, or other objects. § Any space- no matter the size or shapecan be divided into distinct parts. § EX: The furnishings not walls, define space in this open kitchen.

Space § Divisions of space can provide a sense of security and privacy. § EX: Fences and hedges are used to accomplish this purpose outdoors and screen out unwanted views and noises.

Space § Too little space = a feeling of being exposed, loss of privacy. § Too much space = lonely feeling. § It is important to be aware of the feeling of space and use it to enhance design. § Space is affected by the Number and Size of the objects in it. § Space is more pleasing when it changes gradually- instead of abruptly.

Line § Gives direction to a design. § Can emphasize a pleasing element or disguise and undesirable one. § Different types of lines have different effects: § Vertical Lines § Horizontal Lines § Diagonal Lines § Curved Lines

Line- Vertical Lines § Lead the eye up- adding height, formality, and strength. § Often seen in: tall furniture, columns, pillars, wallpaper, and curtains. § Make the ceiling appear higher and rooms tend to seem more spacious than they actually are.

Line- Horizontal Lines § Lead the eye to the left or right- suggesting informality and restfulness. § Often seen in: long, low roofs and in long low furniture such as sofas and chests. § Tend to make buildings, rooms, and furniture seem wider and lower.

Line- Diagonal Lines § Suggests action, movement, and excitement. § Can become overpowering and tiringshould be used sparingly. Evident in: gable roofs, cathedral ceilings, and staircases.

Line- Curved Lines § Add a softening, graceful effect to designs. § Too many curved lines can create a busy look. § Seen in doorway arches, ruffled curtains, and curved furniture.

Line § In design, one type of line should dominate. § Others may be added for interest. § EX: Horizontal lines may dominate a room, while accessories with diagonal or curved lines may be an accent.

Shape § 2 -Dimensional element of design. Length & Width. § It is a flat or silhouette image, rather than one containing volume or mass. § Created by intersecting lines to create squares, rectangles, and triangles. Or one continuous line connecting to make a circle.

Shape § § § They may also look irregular. Irregular shapes attract greater interest. The surface treatment of a shape can affect its overall appearance. § Shiny- reflects images, creates a transparent visual effect. § Bright, Smooth- adds interest. § Highly textured- absorb light and sound.

Shape § Surfaces can also be: § Hard or Soft § Plain or Patterned § Be of Light, Medium, or Dark Value

Form § 3 -dimensional Length x Width x Depth x Volume x Mass § Cubes, pyramids, cones, and spheres are common forms. § Other examples of form can be found in furniture and architecture. § Forms, such as furniture should be chosen after considering how they relate to the interior space.

Form § Form can also convey a fragile or stable appearance. § Thin Forms = delicate & fragile. § Heavy Forms = stability & sturdy § Related forms tend to look better together rather than unrelated forms. § A room is more pleasing if the form of the dominant piece is repeated in minor pieces and accessories within the room.

Texture § Texture = how a surface feels to the touch or how the surface looks like it would feel to the touch. § Appeals to sight as well as touch. § Ribbed, Crinkled, Rough, and Smooth are common textures. § Patterns and Colors are used to create the illusion of texture.

Texture § Texture can affect color by intensifying or subduing it. § Smooth Textures = reflect light, look lighter and brighter. § Rough Textures = absorb light, look darker and less intense. § EX: Red carpet looks darker and duller than red ceramic tile. vs.

Texture § A balance of textures is needed in a well designed room. § A room decorated in the same texture all the way throughout is Monotonous. § Too many textures can look disjointed and distracting. § The idea is to have a dominant texture with contrasting accents.

Color § Color is considered the most important element of design.

Assignment § Handout assignment sheet and rubric for Elements of Design Samples. § Example on next slide!

Vertical Lines The columns on the front of this home are a perfect example of how vertical lines are used as an element of design. The columns make the house appear tall, narrow, and very formal.