design notes
APRIL 13, 2023
7 ELEMENTS OF INTERIOR DESIGN
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Image Details: Tory Burch’s Bedroom in her Southampton home
Photo via Architectural Digest
Whether you are planning to design a brand-new space or looking to refresh a few things in your home, before jumping in, turn to these seven key elements of design for guidance: space, line, form, color, texture, pattern and light. These elements are the basic building blocks of any design. Taking into consideration each of these elements will provide essential design direction for your space. Let these elements be your guide, but remember that it is always encouraged to break the rules. Interior design is an art form after all.
1. SPACE
When looking at space, consider the distance between furniture / objects within the room. In order to create balance, it is important to take into consideration both positive and negative space. Positive space is where the furniture and objects sit within the space. Negative space is the area intended for circulation as well as areas intentionally left open. Too much positive space will cause a room to feel cluttered and crowded whereas too much negative space will cause a space to feel empty.
2. LINE
Lines in an interior create visual guidance and can be used to draw the eye in specific directions. There are three different types of lines to consider: horizontal, vertical and dynamic. Horizontal lines can make a space feel wider and are used to create a sense of stability, helping to anchor elements in a space. Vertical lines can be used to make a room feel taller and are often established by doors, windows, tall furniture or patterns. Dynamic lines or “angular lines” invite movement and action into a space. These lines are often diagonal, curved or even zigzaged.
Image Details: Tory Burch’s Sunroom in her Southampton home
Photo via Architectural Digest
3. FORM
Form refers to shapes in the room including furniture, artwork and decorative objects, as well as the shape of the room itself. When looking at form, consider these two types: geometric and natural. Geometric forms have sharp angles and evoke boldness while natural forms curve and provide a softness in the space.
4. COLOR
Color has the power to dramatically change the mood and overall ambience in a space. It can cause a variety of emotional and physical responses including making a room feel smaller/larger or warmer/colder. When selecting colors in a space, it is vital to think about the use of the room, natural/artificial light, and the overall feeling you are looking to cultivate. Using the color wheel can be a helpful tool in selecting, mixing, combining, and manipulating colors.
5. TEXTURE
Texture refers to the feeling or perception of surfaces in your space. There are two different types of texture: tactile and visual. Tactile texture describes the actual sense of touch experienced and visual texture defines the imagined feel of the illustrated texture. Texture is an important element to consider when selecting objects in your space, as it can provide an overall heightened sensory experience.
Image Details: Tory Burch’s Dining Room in her Southampton home
Photo via Architectural Digest
6. PATTERN
Similar to other design elements, pattern provides a visual sensory experience in any space. It combines line, form, and color to create a story. It brings energy and excitement, adds drama, and provides direction and dimension. Patterns can also help distinguish the design style in a room. When selecting patterns for your space, make sure to also consider scale.
7. LIGHT
Last but not least is the element of light. When looking at light in any space it is important to note the quality and quantity of both natural and artificial light and how that light can be minimized or maximized depending on the need in the space. Because natural light will change throughout the day, layering light is key in creating an environment that can be easily adjusted. This can be accomplished through incorporating a variety of types of lighting including sconces, table lamps, floor lamps, overhead lighting as well as task lighting. Dimmer switches are also an important consideration when selecting light, as these types of switches will allow for lighting levels that can be changed throughout the day.
Image Details: Tory Burch’s Entry in her Southampton home
Photo via Architectural Digest
