PRINCIPLES IN INTERIOR DESIGN

SPACE

Refers to the physical area available in a room

POSITIVE SPACE

Where objects are placed

NEGATIVE SPACE

Empty areas around and between objects

LINE

Are the visual paths that guide the eye. They shape the form of everything an influence the energy of a room

HORIZONTAL LINES

They evoke calm, stability and restfulness

VERTICAL LINES

They suggest strength, growth and formality

DYNAMIC LINES

Add energy, movement, and softness depending on form

FORM

Is the three - dimensional structure of an object - height, width and depth

GEOMETRIC FORMS

Clean - edged, manmade. Often used in modern and minimalist designs

ORGANIC FORMS

Irregular, natural. Used in boho, eclectic or nature - inspired interiors

LIGHT

Transforms how we see and experience all other elements

NATURAL LIGHT

Comes from windows, skylight. Makes spaces feel larger and more inviting

ARTIFICIAL LIGHT

Critical when natural light is limited

AMBIENT

Type of lighting that is used for general illumination

TASK

Type of lighting used for specific activities

ACCENT

Type of lighting used to create drama and emphasis

COLOR

Is the visual perception resulting from how our eyes interpret different wavelengths of light

TEXTURE

Is the surface feel or visual appearance of a material

TACTILE TEXTURE

Texture than can be physically felt

VISUAL TEXTURE

Texture that is perceived with the eyes

PATTERN

A repeated decorative design used to energize and enhance a space

GEOMETRIC

Pattern where they use squares, chevrons, stripes - modern and structued

FLORAL

Type of pattern where it uses organic and flowing - feminine or traditional

ABSTRACT

Type of pattern that is expressive and creative

BALANCE

About achieving a sense of equilibrium and stability in a room

SYMMETRICAL BALANCE

Balance that creates calm, order and predictability

ASYMMETRICAL BALANCE

Balance where elements are arranged around a central point

RHYTHM

Guides the eye through a room and keeps the visual experience interesting

RADIAL BALANCE

Balance where elements are arranged around a central point

REPITITION

Rhythm that uses the same color, shape, or pattern across the space

PROGRESSION

Rhythm that has gradual changes in elements

ALTERNATION

Two or more elements in a alternating sequence

TRANSITION

A subtle, smooth flow from one space or element to another

EMPHASIS

Every room needs a focal point - something that immediately draws the eye and anchors the space

PROPORTION

Relationship between parts of a whole

SCALE

Relationship between one object’s size and another’s especially in relation to the space

HARMONY

Pleasing combination of elements

UNITY

Overall cohesion of the space

CONTRAST

This adds drama and keeps things visually exciting

DETAILS

Often overlooked, it elevates a design from good to exceptional

FUNCTIONALITY

A beautiful room that doesn’t function well fail its purpose

SPACE ARTICULATION

Refers to how space is defined, structured and organized

PHYSICAL BOUNDARIES

Uses walls, partitions or furniture that divide the space

VISUAL CUES

Changes in flooring, ceiling height or lighting that suggest transitions

FUNCTIONAL ZONING

Separating space by use

PRIVACY

The control over access to oneself, one’s space or one’s personal activities

PUBLIC

Open to everyone

SEMI - PUBLIC

Limited to groups or members

SEMI - PRIVATE

Limited access within private settings

PRIVATE

Restricted to individuals

SPATIAL DISTANCE

Distance between users reduces unwanted interaction

BARRIERS AND ENCLOSURES

The use of walls, screens and vegetation for privacy

ORIENTATION AND VIEWS

Directing opening away from neighbors or streets

SOUND CONTROL

The use of acoustic insulation and sound - absorbing materials

TERRITORIALITY

The human tendency to claim, mark, and defend a spaces a one’s own

PRIMARY TERRITORY

Strong personal connection

SECONDARY TERRITORY

Shared but associated with a group

PUBLIC TERRITORY

Open but temporarily claimed

DEFENSIBLE SPACE

It is a surrogate term for the range of mechanisms - real and symbolic barriers. Strongly defined areas of influence, and improved opportunities for surveillance

HUMAN FACTORS

There should be therefore, a fit between the form and dimensions of interior space and our own

ANTHROPOMETRY

Refers to the measurement of the size and proportions of the human body

COLOR THEORY

It is a framework of rules and guidelines used in art, design, and science to understand how colors interact

SPECTRUM

Refers to the band of colors that light separates into when passed through a prism

PRIMARY COLORS

Cannot be made by mixing other colors

SECONDARY COLORS

Created by mixing two primary colors

TERTIARY COLORS

Created by mixing two primary colors

COLOR WHEEL

A circular diagram of colors arranged by their chromatic relationship

HUE

Refers to the name of the color itself

INTENSITY

The brightness or dullness of a color

VALUE

The lightness or darkness of a color

CHROMA

Closely related to saturation; describes the purity or vividness of a hue

TONE

A hue mixed with gray, reducing intensity without affecting the value drastically

SHADE

A hue mixed with black, making it darker

TINT

A hue mixed with white, making it lighter

MUNSELL SYSTEM

System developed for specific color arrangement

MONOCHROMATIC

Uses variations of a single hue

ANALOGOUS

Uses color next to each other on the color wheel

COMPLEMENTARY

Uses colors opposite to each other on the color wheel

ACCENTED

Usually, a monochromatic or analogous scheme with a pop of complementary accent

FENG SHUI

An ancient Chinese philosophy that focuses on harmonizing individuals with their environment