Childs Play Fall/winter 2013
Oh, Baby!! See the latest and greatest nursery’s and baby furniture
Design your kid’s dream bedroom!
Posh Playrooms Find out the new must have’s for every child’s playrooms
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Table of Contents Letter from the Editor
Elements of Design Line Texture Light Color Space Shape Form
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Principles of Design 28 Balance 31 Harmony 34 Emphasis Massing 37 Rhythm 40 Proportion 43 Scale 46
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Letter from
the Editor While looking through this magazine, you will find pictures of children’s furniture, dÊcor, etc. as I touch on each and every principle & element of design. I chose this particular topic for two reasons. Growing up I have always had a soft spot for kids, and still to this day love being around them, but mainly because I am still (and always will be) a kid at heart.
Hey there! My name is Melissa Davis. Growing up I spent my time living in both North Carolina and in the Nations capital, Washington, D.C. When my schedule allows me, in my down time I enjoy running, watching sports, and spending time to catch up with my friends and family the most.
Enjoy!! 3
Elements Of Design
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Lines
Straight Horizontal
Straight Vertical
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Curved
Straight Horizontal Lines Lines are one of the fundamental visual design elements. When used correctly, lines can be used to effectively to express a sense of emotion and meaning, in addition to depth and space
Horizontal lines tend to be more steady and calm compared to the A other variations of lines. They are known to imply a sense a direction, stability, and peace. If you are looking to elongate a room or space to make it appear larger and more peaceful, you would do so by creating longer lines. One way to achieve this is by using different furniture and dĂŠcor combinations, (with the proper placement of course)! D 6
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Straight Vertical Lines Vertical lines tend convey a sense of strength, power, and solidarity to the viewer. The use of vertical lines is very common when trying to achieve a sense of height in a space. Also, The thickness of the line can alter how “Strong” and “stable” an element appears to the viewers. (expand on picture example here)
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Curved Lines
Curved lines communicate a sense of grace, because they tend to be more meandering and slow. By far, one of the most common lines is the “S” curve. This particular curve is so desirable because it has the ability to make the eye “wander”. Meaning the eye moves throughout the whole design, making the viewer take it all in knowingly or not.
Texture
Implied Texture
Non-reflective Texture
Reflective Texture
Texture is the surface quality and characteristic of an object. Weather it is reflective, non-reflective, or implied, texture can be used to add emphasis or create a physical, or implied (“real�) texture of a material that can be experienced through the sense or illusion.
Implied Texture
Implied texture, also known as visual texture, is an illusion created when an object appears as if it possesses a 3 dimensional aspect or a physical texture when in retrospect it does not and is actually smooth and flat. We tend to take in visual sensations, but interpret them tactilely. One-way Implied textures can be created is replicating the value and color patterns of actual textures. Also, one can create visual texture from repetition of marks and shapes.
Non-Reflective Texture Non-reflective texture is texture that obtains a dull-feel and does not reflect. It is normal for masses and objects of non-reflective textures to be solid and heavier, than to appear light and polished like reflective textures tend to be. Rugs and stonework are good examples of non-reflective textures commonly used in design.
Reflective Texture Reflective texture is created when a light source hits a surface, and instead of being absorbed (non-reflective), the light is reflected which results in brightening up the room. Often times reflective surfaces appear to be more shiny and bright, thus drawing attention to itself to better enhance its’ reflective qualities
Light
Natural Lighting
Task Lighting
Floor Lamps
Light is one of the key elements of interior design. After all, not only it is lighting that affects how people see, but also lighting has the ability to alter moods and behavior. A few common examples of lighting are natural lighting, task lighting, and floor lamps.
Natural Lighting
Natural light is the most ideal lighting, and is created when light from the outdoors is brought inside. This is made possible mainly with the use of big windows designed for a large space. Also, using natural lighting is great way to utilize ecofriendly practices
Task Lighting Task lights are very imperative and used when one is trying to complete tasks such as artwork, reading, or cleaning for example. They tend to be on the smaller side and provide extra light for a defined space.
Floor Lamps Floor lamps are a good source of movable light. With strategic placement within a design, they can serve as a source of multipurpose lighting, providing light to an extended rage. If you want to use more than one lamp, choosing lamps with similar shape and size, or even two of the same can help create a sense of unity and balance.
Color
Neutral Palette
Monochromatic Colors
Direct Complementary Colors
Direct Complementary Colors Direct complementary colors are easier to find than you make think! When looking at a color wheel, these are the colors that are directly across from each other. They are used to brighten up a room or setting. For example, Blue and Orange or Purple and Gold are both complementary colors.
Monochromatic Colors
Monochromatic are all the colors (tents, tones, and shades) of a single hue. Adding a touch of gray, black, or white will alter the look to meet ones liking changes the hue.
Neutral Palette
Neutral color schemes are colors that tend to be more natural and earthy tones. Natural colors for example are, black, white, grey, beige, ivory, and taupe to name a few. Also, they do not always show up on the color wheel. Many of the colors obtain an undertone, so be careful or weary when using neutral colors or a neutral color schemes.
Space
Positive Space
Negative Space
Crowding Territoriality
Positive Space Positive space is anything that actually physically takes up space. When an intentional object takes up an area, you have achieved use proper use of positive space. There are always visuals when it comes to positive space and depending on how one uses them, depends on the outcome results, like splitting a space in two for example
Negative Space Negative space is the space found in-between objects. If you haven’t thought about what negative space is before, look around the room and you will be surprised by how much you can find! A good example of negative space is the wall in-between picture frames or windows.
Crowding Territoriality Territory is space that one likes to call their own. In other words, a personal attachment to a certain space or area. Crowding Territoriality can be expressed in a variety of ways, one common practice is to design an intimate area such as a bedroom, nursery, or playroom with a personalized theme.
Shape
Geometric
Natural & Organic
Abstract
Abstract
An abstract shape is totally free formed. It looks like nothing in nature and nothing you can find that is man made although abstract shapes ARE meant to represent something. However, most of the time it is up to the individual to determine what all the representation is.
Geometric Shapes that are geometric like triangles, circles, squares, etc. are mathematical, precise, and very crisp. They obtain straight edges and consistent curves.
Natural/Organic Natural and Organic shapes are shapes those posses a natural look. They are usually more “flowy�, curvy, and peaceful, mimicking the art of nature and the outdoors itself such as trees, flowers, plants, etc.
Form
Abstract Form
Natural Form
Non-objective Form
Form is any 3-demensional object. It can be measured from top to bottom, side to side, in addition to front to back. Forms are created when one combines more than one shape, and can be enriched by tones, textures, and colors if desired.
Abstract Form Similar to abstract shapes, it involves simple colors and shapes to represent a topic of focus in a different manner. Also, it is a clean and more modern looking than not. Natural Form Natural forms are a product of mother nature and the natural world itself. Similar to shape, natural forms are flowy and often times have a lot of mass. We use natural form to accent rooms and add spice to a dull area or space.
Non-Objective Non-objective form is based on form, line, and color yet does not rely on a formal object from the real world. The only specific task of non-objective forms is to NOT be anything in particular, but rather a free-form. Depending on ones use, it can vary from being more decorative to being a main focal point.
Principles Of Design
Balance
Structural Symmetry
Asymmetrical Balance
Radial Balance
Balance involves the distribution of elements in a design. Essentially, it is the control of the elements in attracting attention. In order to even keep ones interest, the attention that one wishes to attract must be carefully planned out over the entire intended area without seeming too overbearing or plain. When done well, balance creates a sense movement, tension or calmness.
Structural Symmetry To achieve structural symmetry, there is a solid sense of balance within the structure or object. Therefore, the amount of details must be the same on both sides. This is one easy way to add emphasis, while creating a focal point if desired.
Asymmetrical Balance Rather than repeating the same item within a design space, with asymmetric balance one will use different elements on the opposing axis (with a similar perception of weight). It is common to use more complex shapes with asymmetrical balance because they appear to feel heavier. When executed properly, this particular style of balance tends to be more dynamic and less rigid due to the variety.
Radial Balance Just like “Radial� sounds, radial Balance is almost circular. Extending either outward or inward, objects are arranged around a central point. An example of this would be a mini roundtable for tea parties.
Harmony
Unity through Lines
Unity through Color
Variety through Color
Harmony is the use of elements that “go” or “tie” everything together. It can be created through both unity AND variety, where the eye is used to seeing certain objects together so they can form a group. Having a toy box, play kitchen, and art easel in a playroom for example, is one way to create harmony.
Unity through Lines Is an element that repeats itself throughout the entire design in various different parts in order to bring a sense of continuity. The continuity then works to create a bigger line or edge within the design.
Unity through Color: Can be reached by using a cohesive color scheme. Like shown in the picture above
Variety through Color Variety works to counter unity. It can provide a splash of diversity within a design and is often used to create a visual interest. The most common way to achieve variety through color is by changing up the hue, value, and saturation.
Emphasis
Visual Focal Point
Structural Focal Point
Emphasis creates a focal point in a design. It is what catches the eye and makes one stop and look at the image. Without a focal point, one is more inclined to lose interest a lot quicker because they won’t know where to look next. It can be created by both contrast and proper, strategic placement
Visual Focal Point A good example of a visual focal point can be a dominant piece of dĂŠcor or art on a wall that will display the mood or better solidify the theme. This is due to the fact that with such dominance, it is quick to catch ones attention
Focal Point Structural: Similar to a visual focal point, structural focal points are dominant and quick to grab ones attention. The only difference is, with it being structural, it is either already part of the house, such as unique doorways, grand fireplaces, and windows.
Massing
Actual Density
Optical Density
Actual Density
Actual Density When an object or structure that physically looks like and obtains density is when you have achieved the principle of Actual Density. Even if one desired to downplay the amount of density in a structure, there are no light colors or amount of negative space that could do so. A good example of this would be a playhouse or treehouse.
Optical density Optical Density is when a piece of furniture has an empty area instead of obtaining volume or a solid area. One of the main goals for optical density is to eliminate crowding. A good example of this would be shelves or a playhouse. Both the shelf and playhouse take up a vast amount of space, yet have open space on the inside to store items such as books, coloring books, toys, etc.
Rhythm
Repetition
Transitional
Contrast
Rhythm in Repetition Rhythm speaks to the flow within a room and throughout your home.
Repetition within rhythm is derived from the use of similar lines, shapes, forms, textures, colors, or patterns throughout an interior design or space. By using this technique one can create a crystal clear sense of stability and togetherness.
Transitional Rhythm: Transitional Rhythm is probably the most common and widely known type of transition. This is what encourages one to move their eyes around a room without interruption. When used well, it can even bring underlying unity and a sense of variety to spaces.
Rhythm in Contrast Another form of rhythm is contrast, which is obtained when colors or shapes oppose another directly.
Proportion
Objects in proportion with space
Objects NOT in proportion with space
People tend to play with proportion to help bring energy into the room. While proportion and scale are very similar, there are also very distinct differences. Proportion correlates with the general size of two objects without regarding the actual size.
Objects in proportion with space Most likely than not, a designer will create proportion within the spaces they design from the start.
Objects NOT proportional with space At times, it is necessary to create a sense of disproportion within a design and space. One way to achieve this look is by adding emphasis from using oversized items to call attention to the area. An example of this would be placing a rocking chair within the corner of a room for story time.
Scale
Human Scale
Symbolic Scale
Human Scale
The everyday activities we partake in would be significantly more difficult if designers did not keep scale into consideration while designing. Scale deals with the relationship of two or more objects. One that has a commonly known size is known as the human scale, which is used to accommodate our everyday activities, bodies, and lifestyles. Cribs, changing tables, and door openings are all examples of human scale.
Symbolic scale A good example of symbolic scale is a toddlers racecar bed or a rocking horse. They both symbolize real life objects, expect to a much more miniaturized version, yet still proportional at the same time.