Space Positive Space

!  This room is a clear example of positive space, meaning there are three dimensional shapes that fill the space and make it more real.

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The furniture and TV

help take up space

Photo taken at my sister’s apartment in Chapel Hill, NC

Any room containing furniture has positive space. Make sure your rooms

all have furniture so they don’t feel empty!

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Space Negative Space

!  Negative space is clearly exhibited here because there are no furnishings, accessories or mass shown, that would have helped take up the space. Negative space is an area between forms that is not being taken up.

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There is clearly no furniture in

this space, making it feel

empty and useless.

Never leave a room empty or alone!

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Space Crowding Territoriality

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Crowding territoriality means the space has way too

many pieces of furniture

inside.

Don’t have a space with too many pieces of furniture.

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Shape Abstract

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This kind of design is based on natural

and geometric design. Sometimes

the design source or inspiration for the room is unclear.

The design is very original yet confusing.

Abstract design can be a combination of geometric

designs like patterns or shapes on a pillow, or a unique object like this

lamp.

This design is very independent, and always has three characteristics- form, color and line.

Use abstract shapes to bring a fun feel to your space!

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Shape Geometric

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Geometric shape design is based on all shapes: circles, squares, rectangles and triangles.

Photo taken in my dinning room in

Raleigh NC

A basic rectangular table

give a dinning room or kitchen table a relaxing

look!

Wood tables and

chairs make the

room appear

very natural

and comforti

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Shape Natural

Northern Style Living

Naturalistic design looks so realistic and could be mistaken for a photo or the real plant, animal, or

object from nature.

Natural shapes have a very flowing and curvy appearance.

Trees, leaves, plants and

animals are all natural

shapes

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Shape Dynamic

Dynamic shapes are shapes that contain

rhythm and appear to be moving.

Dynamic shapes look as if they are moving, but physically they don’t.

In design, dynamic shapes give the space or

object an interesting.

This is an image of my sister and I in Disney world

last year. The way the hat is tilted makes it appear to be moving!

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Form Geometric

Geometric forms are furniture or shapes

that really stands out.

Geometric forms are random objects that look

like it wouldn't fit into any space by it self.

These kind of objects need to be accompanied by another form exactly

the same.

Geometric form can be any forms, that are also balanced

out in a design with the use of other accessories like

pillows, or smaller pieces of furniture.

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Form Natural

Natural form is any kind of form that has a natural form- appearance.

Again, just like natural shape, trees, animals, rivers, plants,

oceans, ect can be considered

natural or organic forms.

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Form Abstract

Abstract form uses three main components to create their art-

form, color and line.

Abstract form is found

anywhere in design that

catches someone's attention. Abstract

form uses visual

language.

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Form Non-objective

Northern Style Living

Nonobjective shape have no object reference and no subject matter suggestion. They are used to make the room more interesting and a touch of creativity.

Nonobjective shapes show nothing but shapes and no subject matter.

These cones are fun and

simple to have on a fireplace

Can buy at homegoods.com

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Balance Visual Symmetry

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Symmetrical balance are easiest to see in perfectly centered compositions or those with mirror images. The two elements in this design have the same visual mass. Sometimes objects need to be rearranged so that they can evenly divide page.

This kind of balance can also be known as formal, bisymmetrical balance. Visual symmetry shows orderliness and formality.

Here the side windows help

balance the larger window in

the middle.

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Balance Structural Symmetry

Northern Style Living

Structural symmetry is shown in this building because the structure on the left side is a mirror image to the

right side of the structure.

Divide right

down the middle.

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Balance Visual Asymmetry

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This kind of balance is also known as informal, active, optical or occult balance. Seen in this design, the balance is asymmetrical because the objects are placed at varying distances from the main center point, the fireplace.

The objects are asymmetrically balanced at unequal distances from the central

dividing line, the focal point. The fireplace is not a direct mirror image.

Placing an assortment of different size objects next to each other brings in a unique

design allowing

them to all flow

together.

Contrast in weight, color,

brightness or size.

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Balance Visual Radial Symmetry

Northern Style Living

Radial symmetry is shown with one

central point in the design. Most radial symmetry is created with a

central point.

Not all have perfect

symmetrical balance.

My high school in Raleigh, NC, has visual radial symmetry

because the bell tower is the main focal point.

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Balance Structural Radial Symmetry

Northern Style Living

In structural radial symmetry there is a main focal point, in the center of the image.

Here the main focus point is the front door

and the stonework.

Make sure your space has a focal

point!

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Harmony Unity though Line

Northern Style Living

In design, lines are connected in a way that

unity is formed and brings a design

together. In this design, together the lines create squares and at the same

time they all connect together allows

movement to be made in the carpet.

Sometimes using a rug that has a

pattern is a good thing! It brings the space more

excitement!

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In this design, the pillows all have different colors and patterns, yet the same shape. Having the same shape pillows with different designs gives this kitchen booth

an interesting look and appealing design.

Harmony Unity though Shape

Northern Style Living

Use different patterns on pillows to give your seating area a POP of color!

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Having the same color in one space brings unity into the design, and makes

the room flow together.

Harmony Unity though Color

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Using the same color in

one space gives off a

relaxing feel, depending on the tone and

shade.

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The repetition of the windows create movement in the exterior of this home. The

repetition allows the eyes to continue moving across the surface of the building.

This kind of unity also creates a good balance of equal windows on both sides of

the building.

Harmony Unity though Repetition

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Have an open porch

windows to view the outdoors!

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The colors used in this design are all different, yet because they are all soft relaxing colors, they allow movement

throughout the design.

Harmony Variety though Color

Northern Style Living

Use different colors in

your space that you wouldn’t

think would work!

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!  The different materials that are incorporated into this design are all different and somehow flow well together. The wood table goes well with the straw chairs. Having a variety of materials in one room creates an exciting feel.

Harmony Variety though Materials

Northern Style Living

The use of different

materials in one area shows how they can work

so well together, and create an

interesting look.

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Harmony Variety though Furniture

In this living room, there are many kinds of furniture being used. The two couches are completely different, and the foot rest is also made of different fabrics. The furniture's somehow all bring the room together.

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Harmony Variety though Modern in Contrast to Old

In my home in Raleigh, NC, the counters and cabinets are very outdated, meaning old and antique looking, compared to our

new stainless steel oven.

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