Principles of Design

In college I took an interior design class. One of the first sections in the class was devoted to learning the six principles of design (which apply to all types of design, whether it be interior, graphic, or landscape). Because these seven principles have been so helpful in my design endeavors I thought I would pass them along.

1. Emphasis This principle is usually referred to in terms of establishing a "focal point".
2. Balance Objects have a visual "weight", and you want to distribute that weight so it balances.
3. Rhythm Rhythm is what draws your eye around a room and from space to space. It is acheived either by establishing a "line" around the room that guides the eye or by repeating an element such as color or texture.
4. Scale Furniture and accessories should be appropriate for the size and dimension of a room. A bigger room typically needs larger, heavier pieces to match its scale.
5. Proportion Elements of a room should relate in size and weight. (You wouldn't want to have six inch candlesticks as a centerpiece for a 12 foot farmhouse table).
6. Harmony This is established by choosing varied pieces that have a common style or theme (unity & variety).

But to me, the most important rule of interior design is to fill your home with things that make you happy. These six principles will help in organizing them, but I believe a home should reflect the personality, attitude, and values of its occupants, not an interpretation of what they think others want to see.