BASIC ELEMENTS AND DESIGN PRINCIPLES OF INTERIOR DESIGN - LCETED

In this article, we will discuss the 8 elements of interior design: Shape or Form, Colour, Texture, Light, Space, Type, Line, and Value. We'll also discuss the 8 principles of design: Proportion, Scale, Balance, Harmony, Unity and Variety, Rhythm, Emphasis

 

 

BASIC ELEMENTS AND DESIGN PRINCIPLES OF INTERIOR DESIGN - LCETED

 

 

‘Interior design is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment. These solutions are functional, enhance the quality of life and culture of the occupants, and are aesthetically attractive.

Must read: How To Design A Room Like An Interior Designer - Lceted

Designs are created in response to and coordinated with the building shell and acknowledge the physical location and social context of the project. Designs must adhere to code and regulatory requirements, and encourage the principles of environmental sustainability.

 

The interior design process follows a systematic and coordinated methodology, including research, analysis and integration of knowledge into the creative process, whereby the needs and resources of the client are satisfied to produce an interior space that full-fills the project goals’ *note: definition of interior design as per ‘national council for interior design qualification’

 

BASIC ELEMENTS OF INTERIOR DESIGN

Elements of interior design

 

Shape or Form

The shape is the primary means by which we distinguish one form from another. Appealing interiors can be designed using appropriate shapes. The following are some categories of shapes:

 

Natural shapes represent the images and forms of the natural world. These shapes may be abstracted.

 

Non-objective shapes make no obvious reference to a specific object or to a particular matter. Some non-objective shapes may result from a process such as a calligraphy and carry meaning as symbols.

 

Geometric shapes are of two types—rectilinear and curvilinear. Curvilinear shapes are circular while rectilinear shapes include a series of polygons, which can be inscribed within a circle. Extended into the third dimension, these primary shapes generate the sphere, cylinder, cone, pyramid and cube.

 

Colour

Colour plays an important role in interior design. Specific colours can be used to enhance the characteristics of a space based on its specific function.

 

Choosing Colours for Different Places

(a) Comfort Colours: The comfort colour palette is a good choice for kitchens and family rooms since they wrap the room in warmth and comfort. The most common comfort colours include biscuit and wheat neutrals; cocoa browns, pumpkin oranges; and cinnamon apple-pie shades.

 

(b) Natural Colours: Natural colours can be used as a delicate accessory or a bold accent. They are great for bedrooms and bathrooms since they remind a sense of the outdoors. Natural shades such as yellows, blues, greens, and organic browns are often used in combination with rich metallic or rust and copper accents.

 

(c) Contrast Colours: Stark contrast colours such as deep reds, plums, and brisk blacks and whites, all add an elegant touch of sophistication to a room. Contrast colours can be used as an accent or an elegant backdrop. They are mostly used in formal dining rooms, living areas or powder rooms with polished brass and metallic decorations as complementary accessories.

 

Texture

The texture is the visual or physical feel of the fabrics, colours, and other elements. There are two types of texture—visual texture and texture which you can sense with your five senses.

 

Light

The first function of lighting design is to illuminate the form and space of an interior environment and allow users to undertake activities and perform tasks with appropriate speed, accuracy, and comfort. There are three methods for illuminating a space:

• Ambient or general lighting

• Task or local lighting

• Accent lighting

 

Ambient or General Lighting: General or, ambient, lighting illuminates a room in a fairly uniform, general diffuse manner. General lighting can also be used to soften shadows, smooth out and expand the corners of a room and provide a comfortable level of illumination for safe movement and general maintenance.

 

Task Lighting: Local or task lighting illuminates specific areas of space for the performance of visual tasks or activities. The light sources are usually placed close to either above or beside the task surface.

 

Accent Lighting: Accent lighting is a form of local lighting, which creates focal points or rhythmic patterns of light and dark within a space. Accent lighting is used to emphasise a room’s features or highlight art objects or prized possessions.

 

Natural Light: The building should be constructed in such a way that the daylight can be utilised to a maximum for routine activities inside the building. The number and size of openings such as windows, ventilators, doors, etc., in the building should be designed in such a way so as to get more natural light. Natural light should not create any shade or glare.

 

Daylight Factor: The ratio of illumination at the working place inside a room to the total light available outside is called the daylight factor.

 

Recommended daylight factor

Living room	0.625%
Study room	1.9%
Bedroom	0.313%
Kitchen	2.5%

 

Space

Space is the area provided for a particular purpose. It may be two-dimensional (length and width), such as a floor, or it may be three-dimensional (length, width, and height), such as a room. Space includes the background, foreground and middle ground.

 

Type

Type is the use of letter form to convey a message which would be difficult to convey using other elements.

 

Line

Line is a mark made by a moving point, such as a pencil or brush. The edges of shapes and forms also create lines. Lines and curves are the basic building blocks of two-dimensional shapes like a building’s plan.

Value

It gives objects depth and perception. Value is also referred to as tone.

 

DESIGN PRINCIPLES OF INTERIOR DESIGN

 

Proportion

Proportion refers to the relationship of one part to another or to the whole or between one object and another. This relationship may be one of magnitude, quantity or degree.

 

Scale

Proportion pertains to the relationships between the parts of a composition, while scale refers specifically to the size of something, relative to some known standard or recognised constant.

 

Balance

Symmetrical Balance: Symmetrical balance results from the arrangement of identical elements, corresponding in shape, size and relative position, about a common line or axis. It is also known as axial or bilateral symmetry.

 

Radial Balance: Radial balance results from the arrangement of elements about a centre point. The elements can focus inward toward the centre, face outward from the centre, or simply be placed about a central element.

 

Asymmetrical Balance: Asymmetry is recognised as the lack of correspondence in size, shape, colour or relative position among the elements of a composition. Elements that are visually forceful and attract our attention such as unusual shapes, bright colours, dark values and variegated textures must be counterbalanced by less forceful elements which are larger or placed farther away from the centre of the composition.

 

Harmony

Harmony can be defined as consonance or the pleasing agreement of parts or a combination of parts in a composition. While balance achieves unity through the careful arrangement of both similar and dissimilar elements, the principle of harmony involves the careful selection of elements that share a common trait or characteristic, such as shape, colour, texture or material.

 

Unity and Variety

To get variety and interest, include dissimilar elements and characteristics. For example, asymmetrical balance produces equilibrium among elements that differ in size, shape, colour or texture. Another method for organising a number of dissimilar elements is simply to arrange them in close proximity to one another.

 

Rhythm

The design principle of rhythm is based on the repetition of elements in space and time. This repetition not only creates visual unity but also induces a rhythmic continuity of movement.

The spacing of the recurring elements, and thus the pace of the visual rhythm, can be varied to create sets and subsets and to emphasise certain points in the pattern. The resulting rhythm may be graceful and flowing or crisp and sharp.

 

Emphasis

The principle of emphasis assumes the coexistence of dominant and subordinate elements in the composition of an interior setting. A point of emphasis can be created by a perceptible contrast in size, shape, colour or value. An element or feature can also be visually emphasised by its strategic position and orientation in space.

 

What are the requirements of an interior designer?

 

FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF AN INTERIOR DESIGNER

A professional interior designer is a person qualified by education, experience and examination who

 

1)  Analyses the client’s needs, goals and safety requirements

 

2)  Integrates findings with knowledge of interior design

 

3) Formulates preliminary design concepts that are appropriate, functional and aesthetic

 

4)  Develops and presents final design recommendations through appropriate presentation media

 

5)  Prepares working drawings and specifications for non-load bearing interior construction, materials, finishes, space planning, furnishing, fixtures and equipment

 

6)  Collaborates with licensed practitioners who offer professional services in the technical areas of mechanical, electrical and load-bearing design as required for regulatory approval

 

7)  Prepares and administers bids and contract documents as the client’s agent

 

8)  Reviews and evaluates design solutions during implementation and upon completion

What are the basic elements and principles of interior design?

Basic elements: Shape or Form, Colour, Texture, Light, Space, Type, Line, and Value. Principles of interior design: Proportion, Scale, Balance, Harmony, Unity and Variety, Rhythm, Emphasis