Elements of design

Elements of Design 3.01 By sofadiary.com

The Elements of Design Space Lines Texture Forms

Elements of Design Cont‌ Space- Space refers to the 3 dimensional area around or inside a form. It can communicate positive or negative feelings.

• Large spaces can communicate feelings of openness and grandeur, but can also make a person feel small/lost/overwhelmed. • Small spaces can make one feel cozy, intimate, or comfortable, but can also be crowded due to number of people or furnishings.

Arranging Space • To open or expand a space, use mirrors, expand the window area, or create half walls or totally remove walls. • To create a cozy space, divide the space into separate areas using area rugs or clustering furniture into small groups (2 chairs and a small table, sofa and loveseat)

Types of Space

Line: most basic element of design Vertical lines are perpendicular to the ground, cause the eye to move up and down.

Suggest height, strength, dignity, and stability.

• Horizontal lines are parallel to the ground. They direct the eye across and convey feelings of relaxation, calmness, rest. Found in mantles, bookcases, long sofas, fabrics and wallpapers.

• Curved Line is part of a circle that is natural and free flowing. These lines reflect organization, eternity and uniformity as well as softness and freedom.

• Diagonal lines communicate action and excitement. Appear as stairs, lampshades, cathedral ceilings, roof lines, fabrics and wallpapers.

Form Realistic Form: communicates lifelike, traditional, and familiar feelings with objects

• Abstract form: rearranges a recognizable object. The object has familiar traits,but altered. Used in contemporary settings.

• Geometric Form: uses squares, rectangles, circles and other geometric figures to create form. Communicates organization, order, and planning. Square tables, round lampshades, various pillows.

Free form: random and flowing. Often found in nature (plants, stones, wood) with no sense of geometric design. This is untraditional, unfamiliar, and different from realistic form.

Using Form in Housing • 1. Form follows function (VoCATS question) • 2. Related forms are more agreeable than unrelated forms • 3. A gradual change in form smoothly leads the eye.

• (see page 246 Housing Decisions for more detail)

Texture • Refers to the way a surface feels or appears to feel.

• Tactile: how a surface actually feels to the touch. Described as smooth, rough, bumpy, grainy, porous, cool.

• Visual: texture that can be seen but not felt. Scenic wallpapers, fabric patterns, laminate flooring, etc.

References and Resources • • • • • • • • • • •

Housing Decisions pages 241-249 www.architecture.about.com www.artsmia.org www.everythingfurniture.com www.chateaustone.com www.countrycurtains.com www.pierone.com www.crateandbarrel.com www.domestications.com www.hgtv.com www.bhg.com

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