Rule number one in interior design – there are NO RULES! Anything is possible in design, and the only limits are the ones that we set ourselves. There are however a few basic conditions that a GOOD design has to meet. Here are the basic principles in interior design.
Functionality
First of all, interior design has to be functional and address certain needs. The interior space has to be carefully analyzed in order to determine traffic flow paths and furniture layout possibilities. Even the most beautiful design would lose its value if it is inconvenient.
Aesthetics
It is only natural that any design needs to be beautiful and please the eye. The aesthetic value of a design idea is a function of concept originality and the specific selection of forms, colors, materials… It is hard to tell exactly how aesthetically pleasing any given design is, because that depends mainly on personal preferences and subjective perceptions.
Harmony
Different elements should be at peace in a good design proposal. They would have to match or complete one another no matter how similar or different they are from one another in terms of size, shape or color.
Balance
Visual balance can be achieved by equally distributing the interior elements around the space, taking their characteristics into account – size, shape, color… A well balanced design inspires a sense of peace and harmony.
Interior design is a composition of different elements that are matched together in a way that is both functionally and aesthetically pleasing. In our work, we often apply some well-known techniques that help us boost the aesthetic value of our projects
Scale and proportion
Picking out furniture pieces of a size that suits the actual dimensions of a room is essential in interior design. The way that different elements relate to one another with regards to their dimensions is just as important. Wrong scale and messed up proportions lead to bad designs that lack a harmonious appeal.
Symmetry and asymmetry
A sense of peace and balance can easily be inspired if we pursue a symmetrical layout of elements around an axis or a center point. Symmetry is a popular technique in traditional design ideas. Asymmetry is the exact opposite – elements on both sides of a center line or point in space are not identical but rather different, which can help achieve more expressiveness . Asymmetry can be successfully applied in modern designs.
Rhythm
The occasional repetition of a single design element or a group of objects is a common technique that brings order into the design. Rhythm inspires a sense of peace, harmony and visual comfort.
Contrast, nuance and uniformity
A striking difference in color, shape or size is a powerful way to enrich a design idea, boost visual effect or put an accent. Contrast fights monotony with great effect, but going overboard with it can cause disruption. Opting for more uniformity on the other hand can bring more balance but having too much of it can lead to monotony in the design. Nuance is the golden mean – slight differences can bring just enough diversity without being too imposing. Having lots of nuances and just the right amount of contrast and uniformity is a good way to develop beautifully balanced interior design ideas.
A proper choice of composition techniques in interior design is a delicate task that requires creative approach, aesthetic sense, certain experience and know-how. As a true professional, an interior designer is thoroughly familiar with the basic principles in interior design and can best figure out which techniques will help develop a good design.