The Five Principles of Design

1. Proportion2. Scale3. Balance4. Emphasis5. Rhythm

Written by Pat Thrash

Proportion

Proportion is the ratio of one part to another part or of one

part to the whole.

The coffee table and sofa in this room have good

proportions to each other.

In general, a coffee table that is two thirds the length of a couch is more pleasing than one that is the same length

or half the length of the couch.

Scale

Scale refers to the size of an object in

relation to a standard or familiar

size.

The table and chairs in this child’s bedroom is in scale with the size of the children who will

be using it.

Balance – Formal/Symmetrical

Formal Balance is achieved through the placement of identical objects on both sides of a central point.

Notice the identical arrangement of plates, pillows, side tables, accessories, lamps, and the window treatments on each side of the large mirror.

Balance – Formal/Symmetrical

If you like the Symmetrical look of formal balance, but it seems too, well, “formal”, you can achieve a less “formal”, more relaxed look by making small changes in the items to the left and right of the center, being careful to choose items that are similar in form and size and placement. Note the different side tables – not identical, but visually they match in form, size, and placement, and do not disrupt the symmetry of this design.

Balance – Informal/Asymmetrical

The arrangement above the sofa is an example of an asymmetrical arrangement. You could not divide this shelf in half and have an identical arrangement on each

side. Notice the arrangement of the sofa pillows and the end tables is symmetrical, but the books on the coffee table are purposely stacked off-center and adds interest as

it repeats the asymmetrical arrangement of the shelf.

Emphasis – Focal Point

The center of interest in a room is usually a fireplace,

window, work of art, or dominate piece of furniture.

In this master bedroom, the bed creates the focal point. This bed is emphasized by

its tall headboard, the placement of artwork on the

wall above it, and by its place as the center of the

symmetrical arrangement of the bed, side tables, lamps

and artwork.

Rhythm - Repetition

Rhythm is seen in this room in the repetition of the three square windows, the repetition of color in the green ceiling, upper wall,

bedside table, and decorative pillows on the bed.

Rhythm - Radiation

The wooden floor planks in this entryway radiate out from

the central star design.

Rhythm - Gradation

Gradation in size is evident in the two ladder-style bookcases leaning against the wall. Note the large bottom shelf with each shelf

getting smaller towards the top.

Rhythm - Transition

Curved lines that carry the eye over an object create

rhythm through transition.

In this room, the curve of the window causes the eye to

“move” from one side of the window to the other.

Sources

Images

• Southernliving.com

• Potterybarn.com