While balance and harmony are the most commonly known interior design principles, others like rhythm, proportion and emphasis add character to your home. Whether you’re looking to do a simple DIY makeover or want a complete construction overhaul with the help of professionals, it’s best to know these basics beforehand.
1. Balance
Whether you’re looking for something more minimal and contemporary, or classic and traditional, balance is the key to creating harmony. This concept plays a critical role in both the utilisation of natural lighting and the use of light fixtures and other forms of illumination.
Balance can be achieved through either symmetrical or asymmetrical design. Symmetrical balance involves the mirroring of colours and visual lines, whereas asymmetrical balance allows for one central point in a room to be centred around and all other elements then radiate from this focal point.
Rhythm is another important principle to consider when it comes to interior design. This relates to the repetition of patterns, textures, colour and even line of sight throughout your home’s design. This can be achieved through things like alternating a series of framed prints in your hallway, or using the same colour in both the floor paint and your upholstered sofas.
2. Unity
Unity as a principle is the co-ordination of objects and colors to convey a sense of integrated design in your space. It occurs when all the elements in a room collaborate around a theme, style, aesthetic or mood.
The most common form of balance is symmetrical balance, which involves evenly splitting your space into two sides that mirror each other. There’s also asymmetrical balance, where your space is balanced in a more non-symmetrical way, or radial balance, which requires a central focal point and then has all other elements radiate outward from it.
Similar to balance, rhythm is about using repetition and contrast in your interior design to carry visual interest throughout a space. It can be achieved by introducing similar colours, patterns or textures at equal intervals, or even through the use of varying shapes to create contrast.
3. Rhythm
Contrast is a key interior design principle. It can be achieved through colour, pattern, texture or even shape. Contrast adds drama, variety and visual interest to a space. It can also be used to draw attention to a specific element or focal point like a piece of furniture or a painting.
Rhythm is a visual element that uses repetition and contrast to create movement and flow in your home. This can be done by using the same colour or pattern in different intervals, alternating two elements in an ABABAB or ABBABB pattern, or arranging items in ascending or descending order based on size, colour or other characteristics. The human brain is naturally drawn to repetition, so it recognises rhythm and is easily engaged by it.
4. Emphasis
When it comes to home design, interior designers pay attention to the smallest of details. The handles on cabinetry, the size and pattern of cushions, the embroideries or framed prints that hang on walls, etc. All these little things add up to create a well-designed space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Contrast is an important principle that draws a person’s eye and adds visual interest to a room. This can be achieved by using contrasting colors, shapes or even spaces. A unique backsplash, a beautiful tiled fireplace or an accent wall can all serve as a point of emphasis in a room. They can either draw a person’s eye to where they want it or divert it away from less appealing areas.
5. Contrast
A well-designed room requires contrasting elements to add variety, drama and visual interest. Contrast can be achieved by colour (think black and white); pattern (like stripes with florals); style (like Scandinavian minimalism with a touch of bohemia); texture (try pairing smooth marble with rough wood); and shapes.
Form refers to the shape of features and objects within a space. It can be split into geometric and natural forms, with the former including clean lines of definition and the latter referring to the use of plant life or other more organic material. The right amount of form will help a room feel put-together and personal without feeling cluttered or chaotic. The last design principle is attention to detail, which involves ensuring that even the smallest of details work together seamlessly. From embroideries on cushions to tapware and cabinetry handles, tweaking these tiny details can make all the difference.
6. Scale & Proportion
One of the more important interior design principles, scale and proportion is the principle of balancing the sizes of furniture and decorative accessories within your space. A good interior designer will have an eye for these principles to create a cohesive and visually balanced aesthetic.
For example, an oversized sofa might feel out of balance in a smaller room. This is because the proportions are off.
Proportion also applies to the shape of an object as well – for example, a round table might look pleasing with rounded cushion covers or vases.
While the concept may seem intimidating, a good interior designer will be able to guide you through the process of creating your dream home! Contact me today to book a free 15-minute design consultation and see how my team can help!
7. Details
When it comes to home interior design, attention to detail is the most important aspect of any project. From embroideries on pillows to the style and colour of tapware, cabinet hardware and even door handles, these little tweaks can make or break a design.
Repetition and movement are also important factors to consider when designing your home. The use of similar colours, textures or lines in a space promotes continuous eye movement that gives the room a sense of harmony and stability. This can be done by arranging framed prints or lights in the same way along a hallway for example.
