Principles of Design

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Principles of Design

• Chapter 18

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Proportion

• Proportion is the relationship of objects or
  parts of objects to one another and to the design
  as a whole
• The most effective proportion is a ratio of 23
• Uneven proportions are more pleasing and
  rectangles are better than squares

• Furniture should always be in visual proportion
  to other pieces of furniture in the room the
  wall in which it will be placed
• In architecture, the openings and solid portions
  of the home should not be equal

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How is this room in proportion?
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Scale

• The proportion of an object or a space to human
  beings and to the objects or spaces in a design
• Furniture should be in proper size relation to
  other furnishings and to the room itself

• Rooms furnishings should be designed for the
  people who will use them

5
How is scale shown in this room?
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Balance

• Symmetrical balance is the arrangement of forms
  on one side of an imaginary central line is the
  mirror image of forms on the the opposite side
• This type of balance is more formal and the
  easiest to achieve

• Asymmetrical balance is when elements on either
  side of an imaginary central line are unmatched
  but appear to be in balance
• Different sizes, forms, textures and colors may
  be used to achieve this look

7
Which type of balance is this?
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How is this asymmetrical balance?
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Rhythm

• Principle that creates an effect by using certain
  colors, lines, forms, or textures in a regular
  pattern can be achieved with repetition,
  radiation, gradation
• Repetition can be found in the repeating stripes
  on wallpaper, design in a tile floor, or woodwork
  that runs at the top or bottom of a wall

• Radiation occurs when lines radiate from a
  central point chairs around a round table, small
  items grouped around a large one
• Gradation is the gradual increasing or decreasing
  of color, size, or pattern gradual change is
  more pleasing than an abrupt one

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What type of rhythm do you see?
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Emphasis

• Special forcefulness of expression that lends
  importance to an item that is singled out
  creating a focal point
• Guidelines to follow when choosing something to
  emphasize
• Item or feature should be worthy of being singled
  out for attention
• It should dominate the room, but not overpower
  the rest of the room design
• No other item or feature should compete for
  attention with the one singled out

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What object is being emphasized?
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Unity Variety

• Unity occurs when all the parts of a design are
  related by one idea this creates harmony
• Can create unity by repeating like items in a
  design, but its not sameness

• Variety occurs when different styles and
  materials are combined
• Adds interest to a design, but too much creates
  confusion
• To be effective, unity and variety must be
  combined to create a harmonious effect, both in
  furnishings and in architecture

14
What elements add variety to this room?
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What elements make this room unified?