Principles of Design
Unity is used to achieve harmony is design. It occurs when all parts of a design are related to one design idea. In this room the design idea is centered around the color blue. The chairs and the walls are all blue which creates unity and allows the viewers to see the room as a whole and not as separate pieces.
Rhythm smoothly leads the eye from one are to another. Gradation is the gradual increase or decrease of similar elements of design. Although it is subtle, the walls in this room start a dark blue at the bottom and as you look up the wall they eventually become white. This room displays gradation through colors.
Rhythm smoothly leads the eye from one area to another. Opposition is when lines meet to form right angles. This room in particular contains an abundance of right angles. The bookshelf and the wall create a right angles. The fireplace is rigid and prominent against the white wall and also contains some right angles. The coffee table has edges that are right angles. Also, the couch has some right angles within itself.
Rhythm smoothly leads the eye from one area to another. The decorations hanging above the fireplace demonstrates radiation. All of the line flow outward from the central point of the decoration. The central point is the dark center of the decoration and then all of the lines and curves flow out from that central point.
Proportion is the relationship of parts of the same objects; relationship between different objects in the same groupe. In this dining room the chairs are proportional to the dining room table. If the chairs were not in proportion then it would make it very difficult for people to enjoy a meal at their dining room table.
Kids rooms are a good example of scale. Scale is the relative size of an object in relation to human beings. The furniture should be scaled to the space they occupy, scaled with the other furniture presents, and scaled with the people using them. This kids room is clearly scaled to the kids that will be utilizing the room. The miniature desk, chairs, ladder, and slide are meant for children. This room would not be scaled appropriately for an adult.
Balance is a sense of equal weight on both sides of a center point. This room portrays informal balance which has different but equivalent objects that are arranged to the sides of a center point. The center point in this picture is the bed and the objects on either sides of the bed create an asymmetrical balance. Both sides of the bed contain nightstands, but the nightstands are not identical. On the left side of the bed there is a mirrored nightstand and also a table up against the window. On the right side of the bed there is a wooden nightstand and also a wooden chest of drawers.
Balance is the sense of equal weight on both sides of a center point. This picture contains formal balance which means that identical objects are arranged on both sides of the center point. The center point in this bedroom is the bed and the pillows and objects on either sides of the bed creates symmetry. There are identical lights hanging on either side, matching nightstands, and matching flowers and other objects on the nightstands.
Variety is used to achieve harmony in design. Variety is necessary to keep a room design from being monotonous. This room would be very neutral and dull if that orange couch was not present. The orange couch bring variety in color and also a modern feel to the room.
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