Principles of Design Chapter 18 Proportion n Proportion

Principles of Design Chapter 18

Proportion n Proportion is the relationship of objects or parts of objects to one another and to the design as a whole The most effective proportion is a ratio of 2: 3 Uneven proportions are more pleasing and rectangles are better than squares n n Furniture should always be in visual proportion to other pieces of furniture in the room & the wall in which it will be placed In architecture, the openings and solid portions of the home should not be equal

How is this room in proportion?

Scale n n The proportion of an object or a space to human beings and to the objects or spaces in a design Furniture should be in proper size relation to other furnishings and to the room itself n Rooms & furnishings should be designed for the people who will use them

How is scale shown in this room?

Balance n n Symmetrical balance is the arrangement of forms on one side of an imaginary central line is the mirror image of forms on the opposite side This type of balance is more formal and the easiest to achieve n n Asymmetrical balance is when elements on either side of an imaginary central line are unmatched but appear to be in balance Different sizes, forms, textures and colors may be used to achieve this look

Which type of balance is this?

How is this asymmetrical balance?

Rhythm n n Principle that creates an effect by using certain colors, lines, forms, or textures in a regular pattern; can be achieved with repetition, radiation, & gradation Repetition can be found in the repeating stripes on wallpaper, design in a tile floor, or woodwork that runs at the top or bottom of a wall n n Radiation occurs when lines radiate from a central point; chairs around a round table, small items grouped around a large one Gradation is the gradual increasing or decreasing of color, size, or pattern; gradual change is more pleasing than an abrupt one

What type of rhythm do you see?

Emphasis n n Special forcefulness of expression that lends importance to an item that is singled out; creating a focal point Guidelines to follow when choosing something to emphasize: u Item or feature should be worthy of being singled out for attention u It should dominate the room, but not overpower the rest of the room design u No other item or feature should compete for attention with the one singled out

What object is being emphasized?

Unity & Variety n n Unity occurs when all the parts of a design are related by one idea; this creates harmony Can create unity by repeating like items in a design, but its not sameness n n n Variety occurs when different styles and materials are combined Adds interest to a design, but too much creates confusion To be effective, unity and variety must be combined to create a harmonious effect, both in furnishings and in architecture

What elements add variety to this room?

What elements make this room unified?