Principles of DesignPrinciples of Design

PROPORTIONPROPORTION

Size relationships found within an Size relationships found within an object or designobject or design

Commonly we think of ratiosCommonly we think of ratios Certain proportions create a more Certain proportions create a more

pleasing effectpleasing effect– People prefer rectangles to squares People prefer rectangles to squares

(windows, rugs, picture frames, etc.)(windows, rugs, picture frames, etc.)– Unequal divisions of space are preferred Unequal divisions of space are preferred

over equal divisionsover equal divisions

The Golden SectionThe Golden Section

Study by ancient Study by ancient GreeksGreeks

Dividing a line Dividing a line between 1/3 and ½ between 1/3 and ½

Ratio of the larger Ratio of the larger segment to the segment to the smaller segment = smaller segment = ratio of whole line ratio of whole line to larger segmentto larger segment

1/3

1/2

1/3

The Golden RectangleThe Golden Rectangle

Most visually Most visually satisfying satisfying rectangle- not too rectangle- not too skinny, not too fatskinny, not too fat

Approximate Approximate golden rectangle golden rectangle pattern: 2,3,5,8,13pattern: 2,3,5,8,13

Two consecutive Two consecutive numbers are close numbers are close to a golden rec.to a golden rec.

1

1.618

SCALESCALE

How the size of an How the size of an object or space object or space relates to human relates to human beings and to other beings and to other objects or spaces objects or spaces in a designin a design

Rooms and Rooms and furnishings should furnishings should be designed for the be designed for the person who will use person who will use themthem

BALANCEBALANCE

Provides a feeling of equalityProvides a feeling of equality Occurs when the amount, size, or weight of Occurs when the amount, size, or weight of

objects on both sides of a center point is objects on both sides of a center point is equalequal

Symmetrical BalanceSymmetrical Balance

Arrangement forms Arrangement forms on one side of an on one side of an imaginary central imaginary central line is the mirror line is the mirror image of the forms image of the forms on the opposite on the opposite sideside

Suggests rest and Suggests rest and calm-more formalcalm-more formal

Asymmetrical BalanceAsymmetrical Balance

Elements on either Elements on either side of an side of an imaginary central imaginary central line are line are unmatched, but unmatched, but appear to be in appear to be in balancebalance

InformalInformal Consider Consider apparentapparent

weightweight

RHYTHMRHYTHM

Connected movement between Connected movement between different parts of a designdifferent parts of a design

Can be created with texture, line, Can be created with texture, line, colors, or formscolors, or forms

Should not be overusedShould not be overused Examples: fabrics, quilt, folds in Examples: fabrics, quilt, folds in

draperiesdraperies

Types of RhythmTypes of Rhythm

Repetition-repeating a pattern to help lead Repetition-repeating a pattern to help lead the eye from one point to another (ex. the eye from one point to another (ex. Color, design in flooring)Color, design in flooring)

Radiation-lines radiate, or move outward, Radiation-lines radiate, or move outward, from a central point (ex. Chairs around a from a central point (ex. Chairs around a round table, small pictures surrounding a round table, small pictures surrounding a larger one)larger one)

Gradation-increasing or decreasing in size, Gradation-increasing or decreasing in size, color, or pattern (ex. Different sizes of color, or pattern (ex. Different sizes of candles)candles)

Types of Rhythm continuedTypes of Rhythm continued

Opposition-When lines come together to Opposition-When lines come together to form right angles (ex. Square corners of a form right angles (ex. Square corners of a doorway, couch with the arms at right doorway, couch with the arms at right angles to the back)angles to the back)

Transition-When lines change direction by Transition-When lines change direction by flowing in a curve, or when curved lines flowing in a curve, or when curved lines lead the eye from one object to another lead the eye from one object to another (ex. Arched doorways, a sofa with a back (ex. Arched doorways, a sofa with a back that curves in the arms)that curves in the arms)

EMPHASISEMPHASIS

Center of interest, focal pointCenter of interest, focal point Could be one large piece or a Could be one large piece or a

grouping of smaller piecesgrouping of smaller pieces Should be dominant but not Should be dominant but not

overpoweringoverpowering Examples: large bouquet of flowers, Examples: large bouquet of flowers,

stone fireplace, large cabinet, stone fireplace, large cabinet, grouping of artworkgrouping of artwork

UNITY & VARIETYUNITY & VARIETY

Unity-all the parts of a design are Unity-all the parts of a design are related by one idearelated by one idea– Gives a harmonious designGives a harmonious design– Items do not have to match! Similar Items do not have to match! Similar

characteristics are what matter (ex. characteristics are what matter (ex. Furniture with curved lines)Furniture with curved lines)

Variety-adds interest to roomVariety-adds interest to room– Do not carry it too far!Do not carry it too far!