Elements of Interior Design

LINE
Line denotes movement, because the eyes travel along the lines. It can also be combined to create shapes, planes and forms. It is used to create width and height, based on the appearance of activity, movement and flow.
Horizontal Lines -  Lines applied horizontally evoke feelings of  width, stability, grounding and direction. Small rooms can gain some advantage from the use of these details to help make them appear wider than they really are. Although, the use of strong horizontal lines tends to create width and helps to direct the viewer to a particular focal point, it also makes the ceiling of the space look lower than it actually is.

Vertical Lines - Lines applied vertically denote strength, elevation, stability, and balance. The use of vertical lines gives an illusion of height. If you have noticed, the curtains, doorways, windows are preferable tall with strong vertical lines, contributing in the feeling of height in a space

Diagonal Lines- Lines applied diagonally have a typical sense of dynamic movement and transformation.  These type of line can direct the eyes upward or downward, and adds volume to the space.The Dog legged staircase is an example of diagonal lines used in Architectural Structures. 

Curved Lines- Curved lines can either be free flowing, arched, elliptical, or circular. Curved lines helps the space have a flow, which makes it playful and soothing to the eye. Curved Lines can be seen in arched Doorways Windows, and Furniture. 

SHAPES

Shapes are two dimensional, i.e; they have a specific height and width but no depth.In interior Design, shapes can be used  to add interest, style and theme to a design. It can be incorporated in furniture, architectural features, artworks and many more.Use of a specific shape can help in deriving repetition in the design, which creates visual balance in the space.

Geometric Shapes:
Shapes like Circles, Triangle, Square, rectangles, hexagons and many other geometric shapes can be seen in architecture and furniture designs.

   

Organic Shapes:
Leaves, flowers, seashells, star shape are organic shapes. These shapes are derived from nature and are free- flowing, which posses irregular and informal characteristics.

      

SPACE
Space speaks to the physical boundaries of a room.  It speaks for the floors, walls, ceiling, doors and windows as well, and is not based on basic square footage.
Space gives you limits, of what all can be placed in a room. It is closely associated with ergonomics and anthropology of human beings and furniture, so as to know how much space is needed for a sofa, and how much space one would need for movement around it.
Space planning is essential tool to be mastered by a professional practicing interior designing, hence the scope for people making space saving furniture like wall hung beds, sofa cum beds, or a dining table that opens out to make room for more people.
A well planned space is a combination of both, function and design.
Color, Lighting and Furniture design and arrangement play a key role in defining a space, to be perceived as a small or large room accordingly.

Wall shelf by Japanese designer Keiji Ashizawa

This wall shelf, designed by japanese designer, Keiji Ashizawa, is a sleek but functional space saving furniture.

Now thats a smart way of having a side table, when you don’t have enough space for the traditional one.

FORM
Form  can be explained in terms of the shape of furniture, objects or the space itself. Good form is achieved when the proportions and scales of a room compliment each other.

however advised, the use of many differing forms in one room can  be confusing, and won't bring out the theme as a design.

TEXTURE
The element of texture defines the feel or appearance of an object.  Everything from fabric, furniture, walls, flooring to decorative accessories bring different textures into a space. Texture adds depth and interest. It can refer to rough or smooth finishes, glossy or matt surfaces, soft or rough finishes.

Textures can be added by using rugs, or stoned flooring, wallpapers, velvet  fabric chairs, or textures paints on walls etc.

COLOR

Color is the key element of interior design. It is used to create aesthetically pleasing combinations and also works on a psychological level. It can affect the mood and the feel of a room. Color, if used appropriately, can change the perception of how big or small a room is.

Colors can literally transform a space by creating  specific moods and looks. 

Using cool and neutral colors , the space conveys a sense of  serenity. Rich jewel tones make a  space luxurious . Incorporating reds, oranges and yellows into a  room add a sense of warmth.

Monochromatic color scheme - 

In this type of scheme, darker shades, grayer tones, and  tints of the main color may be included in the palette. However,  one color is often paired with white or another neutral.

For example, a monochromatic room in red  might use single shade of red paired with white. Yet it might also include dark red  upholstery fabric, pale red walls, medium red draperies, and a patterned area rug that includes both red and white. The window and door trim as well as the ceiling might be painted in white.

Complimentary color scheme -

Colors directly across from each other on the color wheel are called complementary colors.

Orange and blue,Yellow and violet,Red and green are complementary colors.Complementary colors used together provide extreme contrast.

PATTERN

The element of pattern is closely associated with color. 

Patterns are created by using repetitive designs in fabrics, 

rugs, paint techniques and wallpaper. 

Pattern can be determined by the scale and density of the design..Combining designs of different scale and density enable you to make a space visually interesting and pleasing.

Geometric patterns - 

It consists of stripes,checkers, and spiral designs etc. vertical stripes however gives a sense of height to a room, the horizontal striped pattern would make the room look more wide. the spiral design will given a focal point to the room, at its radius.

photo courtesy - grasshopper.wordpress.com

photo courtesy - flickr.com

photo courtesy - vectortiles.com

Organic patterns -

It consists of  flowers, plants and animal prints. Floral prints are usually found on rugs, curtains, bedspreads and wallpapers. 

photo courtesy - decoist.com

photo courtesy  - www.wallcoo.net

Motif pattern - 

It consists of repetition of an abstract pattern, or a particular design  which relates to the logo, or relates to the design theme.

photo courtesy - esspey.com LIGHTING

Lighting can really create the mood and ambience of a room as well as change the way colours and textures can be seen.  Lighting includes natural light and  artificial light.  

There are 3 main types of artificial lighting and they are task lighting, accent lighting and mood lighting.  These are all very important in helping to create a certain feel, mood and style in particular rooms.

Task lighting-

Accent lighting -

Mood lighting -