Young Elegance
DECEMBER
Ways to make sure your home is elegant using the principles and elements of design!
Meet the editor! Pg. 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS Design Thesis About the Editor Line Texture Light Color Space Shape Form
Pg. 2 Pg. 3
Elements of Design:
Pg. 4 Pg. 8 Pg. 12 Pg. 16 Pg. 21 Pg. 24 Pg. 28
Principles of Design: Balance Pg. 32 Harmony Pg. 36 Emphasis Pg. 40 Massing Pg. 43 Rhythm Pg. 46 Proportion Pg. 50 Scale Pg. 53
About Young Elegance
This magazine serves as a helpful guide for young couples or individuals that want to give their home an elegant touch through design. After looking at the elements and principles of design you will be able to add elegance all throughout your home with the snap of your fingers.
ABOUT THE EDITOR Hello readers! My name is Rachel Skala and I am from Charlotte, North Carolina. Ever since I can remember I have had a passion for decorating and designing interiors. I have always been drawn to homes that carry that classy elegant vibe. That lead me to create this magazine for the purpose of helping you design your interior using the elements and principles of design as your guide while always keeping elegance in mind!
Lines Vertical Horizontal Curved Lines Create the feeling of a design and are able to alter the overall proportion.
Vertical Lines Provide feeling of height, strength, and dignity. Can be seen through columns in an interior or exterior as well as in folds of drapery seen on the interior of a house.
In the picture shown vertical lines are used on the walls through paint colors. This makes the room appear taller and creates interest on the walls.
Horizontal Lines
Horizontal lines provide strength and structure within a home. Usually seen in long, low pieces of straightlined furniture. In the picture above horizontal lines are emphasized in the window structures as well as the cabinetry. They create crisp, clean cuts making this kitchen appear elegant and fresh.
Curved Lines Curved lines are one of the easy ways to bring a softness to a room creating a simple and easy elegant vibe into the interior! Arches in ceilings is an architectural treatment that already emits that elegant vibe due to the curvilinear lines displayed. Draperies and rounded furniture are pieces that can be easily found that exhibit curved lines. Curved lines can also fall into their own categories of being large convex which display upward curves, large concave showing downward curves, flowing horizontal curves, and small curves commonly found within patterns displayed in fabrics.
Texture Implied Non-reflective Reflective Texture displays surface quality of a particular piece. Many times texture can be emitted through the use of pattern in a room. There are soft or hard textures, smooth or rough, and shiny or dull. The use of shiny textures is an easy way to create the desired elegant vide in an interior.
Implied Texture This is texture that looks physical but in reality is smooth. The texture is seen through flat contours on the objects surface. Using implied texture is beneficial because you get the eye appeal of a textured object, without having the maintenance issues that a texture object creates.
In the above picture this wood appears to have a surface with texture. If you were to reach out and actually touch this surface you would find that it is only an illusion and the surface is indeed smooth.
Non-reflective Texture This is a dull texture that has no reflective qualities to it. This causes the object to appear heavier and more firm due to the dullness.
Reflective Texture Reflective texture is able to reflect light off of its surface. Light is easily reflected on surfaces with a smooth surface. This can be strategically used in small spaces in attempt to widen up the interior to make it appear larger by using objects that posses a reflective texture.
Light Natural Task Track Physical and emotional aspects can all be affected through the use of light. The goal of each room should be to achieve the perfect amount of light. To much can cause headaches and be overbearing while to little will be insufficient and detract from the purpose of the room.
Natural Lighting Natural lighting is a free and energy sufficient way of providing light in any room. Windows are a great way to supply natural light while also being visual appealing. In the picture below, windows are utilized at various angles in this vacant room giving the room a lot of lighting potential.
Task Lighting Task lighting is used for exactly what it sounds like it would be used for, tasks. Reading or doing homework are perfect examples of appropriate times to utilize task lighting. These specific lights focus in on an area where the task will be performed at such as a desk when writing. In the picture shown the light is being used in assistance to the task of playing the piano.
Track Lighting Track lighting are placed along one single track faced in different directions and angles to light up an area. They may be used to create emphasis on an object or used simply to add light in an area where it is needed.
Color Direct complimentary Analogous Monochromatic Color is strongly affected by light. It has the ability to change the appearance of the shape or size of something. Color also has strong psychological effects.
Direct Complimentary Colors Direct complimentary refers to colors that are across (opposite) from each other on the color wheel. These colors are known to compliment one another and make each other the most vibrant. For example, red and green are complimentary colors seen in this picture. This is used many times to create contrast in a room while still using colors that go with one another.
Analogous Colors
http://www.interior-design-tutor.net/interiordesign-color-scheme.html
Analogous refers to colors that are beside one another on the color wheel. These colors also compliment one another as they are used in interiors. In this room the use of the yellow couch with the orange accents create a warm cozy yet cohesive feeling within the interior.
Monochromatic Colors Monochromatic describes colors that are different shades of one single color .These shades may be both lighter or darker shades of the original color shade. This can create softness and calmness within a room. In the picture below different shades of green to create a soft, elegant feeling in the room. The different shades of green also create visual interest while still remaining simplistic.
http://mokkan.com/top-10-calming-green-color-bedroom-designs/charmingmonochromatic-light-green-and-dark-green-bedroom-walls-with-beautiful-urban-views/
Space Positive Negative Territoriality Used to explain a specific area within an enclosed area. There may be real space as well as perceived space.
Positive Space Positive space represents any object that is taking up space. This provides an easy visual as you can literally see the individual object and how much space it is occupying.
In the picture above all the furniture and accessories in the room represent the positive space. It is essential in an interior to make sure the positive space is proportional to the room size.
Negative Space Negative space represents the empty space that surrounds an object. In the picture below there is a chair in the middle of the space, all of the surrounding area is representative of negative space. Although this picture is representative of negative positive special relation it is not a good representation of it. The negative space overwhelms the positive space. A way to fix this is add more furniture into the room that is in proportion with the size of the room.
Territoriality Space This describes space that someone takes ownership over. A prime example of this is a bedroom. It has become personalized by an individual and been made their own.
Shape Abstract Dynamic Natural Shapes mainly represents the contours of an object. Shapes are made up of a variety of lines.
Abstract Shape http://www.houzz.com/id eabooks/9475687/list/ Patio-Ideas
Abstract is way to show a particular shape but in a skewed form of that shape. The shape may be tampered to look different than its original form but still similar in some ways.
Dynamic Shape Movement is shown through dynamic shapes. This is done through creating flow throughout the shape itself causing the eye to move in a specific direction.
http://www.redbubble.com/people/artonwear/ works/9145094-digital-abstract-art-dynamicshapes-and-lines
Natural Shape Natural shapes utilize curvilinear lines to create flow giving the shape a natural look. This immolates many of the forms found in nature such has grass with its curved shape and flowing movement. The piece of furniture shown below is a perfect example of a natural shape since it is made up of tree parts which come from nature. The parts of the chair all posses a natural form like a tree would.
http://www.palbes.com/various-forms-of-modern-chair-furnitureunique-and-varied/unique-artistic-chair/
Form Abstract Non- objective Geometric Form is used as a description of the nature of a specific design.
Abstract Form Abstract forms are alterations of an original form, they are similar but not quite the same. Abstract forms are a good way to provide interest within a room.
http://yusabuy.com/2013/07/25/%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%81%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%95%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%87% E0%B8%AB%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%AD %E0%B8%87%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B1%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%87%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A5%E0%B9%88%E0%B 8%99-living-room/attachment/16/
Non- objective Form Non-objective is a creative form that does not represent any specific object or thing. They are unique forms that draw in interest. The sink shown below creates a shape that is not of any particular form. This makes the sink a unique and interesting piece.
http://decoracion.facilisimo.com/foros/decoracion/cuartos-de-bano/ayudarme-a-encontrar-estelavabo_425044.html
Geometric Form These form originate from basic shapes such as squares or circles. They are simple yet the most common form. The tables below are made up of planes in the shape of a triangle which is a common geometric form.
Balance Visual Asymmetry
Visual Radial Symmetry
Structural Symmetrical
Balance refers to equilibrium established within a room.
Visual Asymmetry In asymmetrical balance more of an interest is able to be created. Different shaped and sized objects are used to create balance. This picture represents asymmetry by having a couch on one side while the opposing side contains a chair and foot ataman.
http://meganmorrisblog.com/2013/08/symmetrical-andasymmetrical-design-trends/
Visual Radial Symmetry http://mgainteriordesign.com/blog/2011/02/03/interior-design-101/
In this design style every element will “radiate� from the main central point. A common example of this is a circular table surrounded by chairs like seen in the example above.
Structural Symmetry
https://www.google.com/search? q=symmetry+in+a+room&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=Y_mbUoexGsfVkQfImoGwAQ&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=12 80&bih=577#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=Xc1zc-CX2uQVzM%3A%3BEKAFT0hvxP2YfM%3Bhttp%253A%252F %252Fprsarahevans.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2013%252F11%252Fsymmetry-in-a-small-living-room.jpg %3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fprsarahevans.com%252Fthe-brilliant-ideas-how-to-decorate-a-small-living-room-designs %252Fsymmetry-in-a-small-living-room%252F%3B600%3B459
In structural symmetry an equal formation of identical pieces is created. This is one of the simplest forms of balance to create making it common in many interior environments. In the picture above, the use of identical chairs and built in book shelves distributed equally in the room allows the symmetry to be easily recognized.
Harmony
Unity Through Line Unity Through Shape Unity Through Repetition
Harmony is produced through the combination of all of the other principles of design in unity
.
Unity Through Line
http://harmonyandhome.blogspot.com/2008/12/designers-best-friend.html
Horizontal lines are utilized immensely in the room shown above. They are used through the stripes created by paint colors as well as in the flat surfaces of the tables, the long picture frames, and pillows. The use of all of these horizontal lines within different pieces in the room unifies the room in a subtle way.
Unity Through Shape Unity is created in the picture below through the use of square shapes. The ottomans, pillows, and the table all are square shapes bringing together the space with unity.
http://www.homedit.com/how-to-choosemodern-furniture-for-small-spaces/
Unity Through Repetition Repetition can be seen in the photo below through the chairs in the room as well as the dark wood that is used on the table, TV stand, and the legs of the chairs. The repetition of chairs and wood connects the room making it cohesive and ultimately unifies it.
http://conference-room-furniture.blogspot.com/2010/04/conference-room-furniture.htm
Emphasis
Focal Point-Visual
Focal Point-Strucural
Emphasis refers to focal point or center of attention created in a room.
Focal- Point Visual
http://www.homedit.com/how-to-create-a-focal-point-for-your-interior-decor/
A visual focal point is created in the room displayed above by having an object like artwork be the main attention in the room.
Focal-Point Structural The fireplace below creates a structural focal point within the interior it is located in. Its stone makeup and size helps bring draw in the eye allowing it to be the focal point.
Massing Actual Density Optical Density
Optical Density
Actual density refers to when an object takes up space within a room but has an empty volume where it is able to store other objects. A prime example of this in homes is cabinets in a kitchen. The cabinets shown above take up space but are also able to store plates and other kitchen items within them.
Actual Density The furniture in the room below (couch, chair, and table) are solid items with no storage space within them. The fact that they are solid makes them all examples of actual density.
Rhythm Repetitive Climatic Contrast
Rhythm allows the eye to fluidly move throughout a room.
Repetitive Rhythm is often achieved through repetitive patterns found in a room. The chair shown below displays a pattern that repeats multiple times on the chair allowing the eye to have something to follow along to which essentially creates rhythm.
Climatic At a first glance, the pattern shown below may come off as a bit disconnected and clustered. When taking a second look, the pattern actually does connect creating a less obvious form of rhythm.
Contrast Rhythm may be created through contrast of shapes, sizes, or colors used in a room. In this case, rhythm is displayed through utilizing the opposing colors red and green in a bedroom. The use of green in different areas of the room aid the eye in moving through the room creating rhythm.
http://www.pvalore.decoratingden.com/conqueringcolor.html
Proportion Objects in proportion with space Objects not in proportion with space
Proportion is affected by size and the relationship between an object and the room it is located in.
Objects in Proportion with Space The furniture in the space below is the perfect size for the room it is place in. It is not to big or to small making it in proportion with the space. Having a proportional space is crucial to the overall mood and cohesiveness of the room.
Objects not in Proportion with Space
http://locoboy.com/appealing-modern-apartment-living-room-furniture-layoutideas/cool-brown-squaring-sofa-with-large-painting-on-the-wall-and-big-chandelier/
The room shown above is an average sized living room with smaller than average furniture placed within it. The small couch and chairs within this normal sized room are not in correct proportion giving the space an awkward, uncomfortable vibe.
Scale Human Scale Symbolic Scale
Scale is similar to proportion in that it is affected by the size and relationship between objects in an interior.
Human Scale
The table and chairs shown above are in human scale since they are a standard size for a household and are able to support and be used by the average person.
Symbolic The child's table exhibited below serves as an example of symbolic scale. This table falls below a child’s waste making it tiny in comparison to an adult. It is in proportion to children under a certain age but can not be utilized by the average adult and is not up to standard sizes for normal tables.
References Photos taken by Rachel Skala unless otherwise stated Edited by Rachel Skala
Thank you for letting me share my knowledge of the principles and elements of design with you! Stay Elegant