Understanding Basic Design Principles

Every well designed space starts with some basic design principles: Scale and Proportion, Balance, Rhythm, Emphasis, and Unity. Having a general understanding of these principles will give you a leg up on your next decorating project.

source: Century Furniture
This is an excellent example of many of the basic design principles. Formal symmetry is shown in the placement of the matching chairs and lamps while the grouping of blue & white porcelain of different shapes and sizes creates a sense of rhythm and unity. The artwork and tall buffet lamps are well proportioned with not only the console table but the overall scale of this high-ceiling foyer.

Scale and Proportion

In decorating, scale and proportion go hand in hand and directly affect the overall feel of a room. When a room lacks proper scale and proportion it can feel unsettling but when used correctly, these elements can give a room a feeling of harmony and cohesiveness.

Scale refers to the size of something as it relates to the space. For example, if you are furnishing a small living room, the sofa you choose should be a smaller scale sofa so it does not overwhelm the space.

Proportion refers to the size of various elements and how they relate to each other. A good example of proportion would be the relationship of a table lamp and it’s shade…if the lamp shade is too big or too small it will look out of proportion.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with scale and proportion. Sometimes one over-scaled piece can become a focal point and can have a dynamic effect on a space.

Balance

Balance refers to the arrangement of objects and the visual equilibrium they create in a room. When placing objects in a space it is important to consider their visual weight. For instance, a well balanced room would have larger, heavier furniture pieces distributed evenly throughout rather than placed on one side of the room.

There are two kinds of balance – formal and informal. Formal balance places objects symmetrically which creates a kind of mirrored effect. An example of this type of arrangement would be a console table with two identical lamps placed on either end. Informal balance is still balanced but without the mirrored effect. To create informal balance on a console table, place a lamp on one end and a grouping of objects such as vases or candlesticks of similar proportion and scale on the other end of the table.

Rhythm

Rhythm in a room is created through the repetition of elements such as line, shape, color and texture. Rhythm helps they eye move smoothly around the room from one object to another creating a sense of harmony.

Emphasis

In every room there should be a place of emphasis or a focal point. The focal point is a design feature that the eye is drawn to and creates impact in a space. Typically in a living room the fireplace is the focal point. In a room without a fireplace, the emphasis could be put on artwork, a bay window, or a special piece of furniture.

Unity

Unity encompasses all of the basic design principles and gives a room a sense of order and harmony by balancing different elements, colors, sizes and shapes throughout a room. But it’s essential to have a little variety as well. Too much of one thing can be boring so it’s important to add a little bit of the unexpected to keep things interesting.

source: Erin Martin Design
Every room needs emphasis and the stone mantle in this stunning living room is a clear focal point.

source: Cheryl Tague
The grouping of accessories on this antique desk illustrates informal symmetry. The single lamp of larger scale is well balanced by the grouping of objects on the left. The black frame on the antique map repeats the black finish on the desk.

source: Emily Taylor Interiors
Formal symmetry with a twist! I love the wood orb and the orange console table in this otherwise formal composition. The off-center placement of the orb under the table and the pop of color is what give this space that little extra something.