Evaluating Design Elements & Principles

            On the very first day of interior design at Texas Tech University, Dr. Collier explains design elements and principles to the new students. I remember thinking “Well duh, can we get to the good stuff already?” Little did I know that I would, and will forever, continue to go back to those lists. Design Elements: space, line, color, shape, texture, form, and value. Design Principles: Unity, Emphasis, Balance, Scale, Rhythm, Variety, and Harmony. The more designing I do, the more I have to go back to these words to maintain “good” work.

            This particular picture was taken in Dallas, Texas during the showroom tour. What immediately grabbed my attention was the massive art on the wall; but look into this photo deeper, and you can clearly see the elements and principles of design shown. The spacing of the wall art creates horizontal and vertical lines. Depth is also shown in the wall art with use of the deep bowl-like carvings into thick cubes. This also creates contrast because of the light and dark colors used. Not to mention that each cube repeated creates a rhythm that follows down to the couch.

            When the eye is finally brought down to the couch area, elements and principles are continued. The couch cushions continue the display of horizontal and vertical lines. The arrangement of the pillows brings even more rhythm to the space. The shape of the sectional sofa creates a feeling of symmetry when combined with the pillow arrangement and the wall art. The tray and book on the ottoman offset the symmetry but it is still very prevalent.

            I’d encourage anyone looking to design a room, or even just creating a furniture arrangement to read over the list of design elements and principles. “Good” design, or any work for that matter, fades when we forget the basics. This is as close to a cheat sheet that we are ever going to get!