Housing

These principles are a guideline to follow when working with the elements of design.

Together they can be used to create a pleasing design.

Principles of Design: Proportion Scale Balance Emphasis Rhythm

Is the ratio of one part to another, or one part to the whole.

The most effective proportions have an uneven ratio of 2:3, 3:5, and 5:8.

Even ratios of 1:1 or 1:2 are less pleasing.

For example, a rectangle table is more pleasing than a square.

When selecting objects for the home designers pay careful attention to good proportion. EX: The parts of a chair- the arms, legs,

back, and seat- should be proportional to each other and to the chair as a whole. Each part should appear to belong to the whole.

When proportion is wrong, people often react negatively without even understanding why. EX: a low coffee table with large legs

doesn’t look right because the parts do not have good proportions to each other or to the whole.

A tall wide lampshade is too large for a lamp with a small base. Not only does it appear disproportionate, but its function will be affected also.

One of the most important features of proportion in house design is the relationship between the wall area and windows.

To achieve good proportion, the openings should not equal the wall area.

They should form a proportion of 1:3, 3:5, or 5:8.

Scale refers to the relative size of an object in relation to other objects (similar to proportion).

When a design plan appears to be right, scale does not even come to mind, good scale has been achieved.

To achieve good scale, choose objects that are appropriate for human dimensions and the proper size for the space that they occupy.

When choosing furniture, remember that large rooms require large-scale furnishings.

While small rooms require small-scale pieces.

Dominant pieces of furniture should be in scale to the furnishings that complements them.

EX: a slender floor lamp would be out of scale placed next to a heavy chair, while a large floor lamp would be the correct scale.

Furnishing should be in proper scale for people as well.

EX: a child’s room should have chairs/ furniture that are small scale to be functional & and comfortable for the persons using it.

The purpose of balance is to project a sense of equilibrium.

Balance may be Symmetrical (formal) or Asymmetrical (informal).

Symmetrical (formal) balance: is achieved through placement of identical objects on both sides of a central point.

Used frequently in architectural designs, landscaping, and room designs.

Formal balance gives a quiet, orderly feel to a room.

Asymmetrical (informal) Balance: the placement of different but equivalent objects on either side of a central point.

Various forms, textures, and colors can be used together to achieve informal balance.

Emphasis refers to the center of attention or interest in a design.

It is the feature that repeatedly draws attention. The center of interest in a room is usually a

fireplace, window, work of art, or dominant piece of furniture.

To achieve effective emphasis: Point of interest should dominate but not

overpower. No other features should compete with the focal

point. `

Rhythm leads the eye from one place to another in a design.

Rhythm can be created though: Repetition Gradation Transition Radiation

Repetition: achieved by repeating color, line, form, or texture.

Created by a gradual change in color value, such as dark to light or a change in form, such as large to small.

Created by curved lines that carry the eye over an architectural feature. Also used to carry the eye over rounded parts of furniture.

Created by lines that flow outward from a central from a central point.