Five Basic Design Elements
1. Color
Color is one of the most important elements. Color creates mood and enhances and compliments the design idea.
2. Form
Form refers to the shapes in the furniture and architecture. The form of the furniture should really echo the form of the architecture so that they both compliment each other.
3. Line
Lines include the real and implied lines, that is the lines the eye naturally follows between two points, Lines can be used to create movement and establish mood. Lines can also create a focal point in a room and give a space a sense of rhythm.
Lines occur just about everywhere, doors, windows, floors and so on. Furniture and textiles including blinds and window treatment all add lines to a room.
- Straight Lines
Straight Lines are viewed as strong and masculine. Straight lines can be vertical, horizontal and diagonal.
- Vertical Lines
Vertical Lines draw the eye up and down in a space and suggest a certain formality in a room.
- Horizontal Lines
Horizontal Lines cause the eye to move form side to side and suggest a peaceful, restful space that is also informal.
- Diagonal Lines
Diagonal Lines are sued to cause the eye to move rapidly and are used mostly in areas you do not want people to stay in too long such as entrance hallways.
- Curved Lines
Curved Lines are considered to be freer flowing, natural and feminine. There are both tighter and looser curves. Loose curves are simpler and gentler whereas tighter curves are more exciting.
4. Mass
Mass refers to how much space and object occupies or appears to or occupy. Groupings of objects also create a sense of mass such as a grouping of tables or a suite of furniture.
People often perceive and object mass not by the weight of the object or the amount of space it takes up but by its appearance. Darker objects appear to take up more space or have a greater mass. Objects in lighter colors appear to take up less space. It is important to balance out a room. For example, it you have an object at the end of the room that has a lot of mass, you may want to add an object of equal mass at the other end.
5. Texture
Texture is not as obvious as color however it can be as important. Think of the difference in wooden floors, marble floors and carpet create. Texture is indeed a mood maker in a room much like color.
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