Interior Design The 6 Elements of Design Objectives

Interior Design The 6 Elements of Design

Objectives • Identify the six elements of design and how they are used in Interior Design. • Build vocabulary in order to use professional language. • Use critical thinking to identify what affect different elements of design have on interior spaces.

The six elements of design are: Space Line Form Texture Pattern Color

(1) Space • Space is the area in which a design is created • The height, length, and width • Interior designers can utilize space, create a feeling and create the illusion of space.

Space can also be Positive or Negative • Positive space • An area of a composition that a subject occupies. • Negative space • An area of a composition that is not occupied by a subject.

Space • Negative space: • Triangle space of the blank wall • Positive space: • Triangle space created by the grouping of pictures on the wall

Group Question 1: Space Describe the positive space and the negative space in this photo. What do you see?

(2) Line • An extension of a point, elongated mark, connection between two points, the effect of the edge of an object • Line establishes shape and form • Suggests movement • Leads or moves the eye around the room

Types of Lines • Vertical • Horizontal • Diagonal • Straight • Curved

Horizontal linesare relaxed, restful and casual. Vertical linessuggest formality and dignity

Diagonal linescreate a sense of drama bring energy into a space Curved linesadd interest and relief Curved lines considered to be feminine Straight lines are considered to be masculine

Group Question 2: Line Is there a horizontal line in this room? If yes, Where? Is there a Vertical line in this room? If yes, Where?

(3) Shape/Form • Shape is a 2 D space defined by edges. • Square, Circle, Triangle • Form is a 3 D space defined by edges • Cube, Sphere, Cone • Rectangles are most often the dominant shape in a room

Squares suggest a rational, stable form with no direction

Triangles are stable, but dynamic shapes Circles imply unity and completeness

Group Question 3: Form Describe the form in the center of this space and the shapes that are used. How does this form make the space feel?

(4) Texture • The surface of an object, its smoothness or roughness • There are three categories of texture: • Visual-The appearance of a surface • Tactile- the feel of a surface • Audible- the sound a surface makes when rubbed

Texture • Heavily textured, rough surfaces • absorb more light • more casual feeling • Look darker • absorb sound • Smooth and shiny surfaces • are more formal • appear to be lighter • reflect light

Group Question 4: Texture What is the texture? How does it: Look, Feel, Sound 1 2 3

(5) Pattern • Pattern is the repetition of a decorative motif on a surface • Related to visual texture • Pattern can create optical illusions in an interior space

Pattern When using several patterns • The size of the pattern should fit the size of the object it is on or space it is in. • Patterns should have an element that unites them

Group Question 5: Pattern Which of these patterns is not like the others? Draw a picture of it.

• Color is the light Color reflected off an object • Color is one of the most powerful tools • People associate specific colors with emotions and meanings • These associations are based on culture and experiences

Things that affect Color • Texture • Rough textures look darker • Smooth textures look lighter • Area • Smaller area appears less intense • Larger area appears more intense • Light • Amount of light • quality of light

Color cont. • High lighting levels can intensify a hue or wash it out • Colors look different in daylight than they do in artificial light

Group Question 6: Color What emotions do these colors make you think of? Blue Purple Red Yellow Green Orange

The six elements of design are: Space Line Form Texture Pattern Color