5 Principles of Interior Design - Part I
The first principle is Balance.
There are three styles of balance: symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial.
Symmetrical balance is usually found in traditional interiors. Each side of a room is an exact mirror of the other. This symmetry also reflects the human form, so we are inately comfortable in a balanced setting. It lends itself easily to creating a focal point in a room, since wherever the "mirror" is placed, the eye will focus there. Since symmetry is so easy to achieve, be careful not to fall into a habit of laziness, which can lead to rooms that are dull and monotonous.
Asymmetrical balance is often used in contemporary rooms. It is more informal that symmetrical balance, and is sometimes referred to as active balance. As defined in "Inside Today's Home", asymmetry
"results when visual weights are equivalent but elements differ in size, form, color, pattern, spacing or distribution on either side of an invisible center axis."
Nature itself is never symmetrically balanced. Using asymmetrical balance in human spaces achieves a harmony with nature -- note the designs of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Falling Water, in particular, demonstrates this principle.
Asymmetry suggests movement, and leads to more lively interiors. There are no rules, per se, so it is much easier for the do-it-yourselfer to achieve. And frankly, it is more convenient in that it allows you to design the space more efficiently.
Finally, radial symmetry is when all the elements of a design are arrayed around a center point. The Guggenhem Museum in New York is an excellent example. A spiral staircase is also an excellent example of radial balance. Though not often employed in interiors, it can provide an interesting counterpoint if used appropriately.
Part II of this series talks about Rhythm.
Related Tags: design, balance, interior, principles, focus, rhythm, scale, series, harmony, proportion, emphasis
Wendy Holtorff is an interior designer living in Omaha, NE. Her passions include design, art nouveau, crafting and movies.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Tips For Changing The Basement Apartment Into The Cheerful Place
A basement apartment is identical with a dark place that usually could not offer the feeling at home - The Great New Stylish Home Decoration
Creating a new stylish decoration commonly require a high price including the budget to buy some new - Refurbishing Your Kitchen For A Timeless Look
General preservation of old homes is a favorite conversation for householders of vintage houses but - Simple Steps To Restoring Your Padded Dining Room Seating
While many people would feel comfortable hanging wall tapestries or wrought iron wall crosses or eve - Skylights Texas
Sleep under the Stars with Texas SkylightsBe it glass, fiberglass or polycarbonate, skylights in Tex - How To Choose Shabby Chic Furniture Styles
It can easily be considered that shabby chic furniture is something of an oxymoron, since furniture - The Character Of Chandeliers
Picture a room in which chandeliers hang from the ceiling. Before you start rolling your eyes and wo - Why Buy Cheap Venetian Blinds?
There's nothing inappropriate about getting low cost Venetian blinds. Nowadays you can buy incredibl - Using Swags Window Curtains For A More Elegant Appeal
Living in a house that is well-decorated can make you feel so comfortable and relaxed. Having a well - Flat Roof Skylights
Flat Roof Skylights: Be Your Neighbor's EnvyThe trick to creating the feel of spaciousness and addin
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Home Decor Shopping On The Internet
You need not struggle with the decision on what to buy when you are shopping for home decor for your - See the Difference Feng Shui Color Can Make for You
Those familiar with Feng Shui know that this science has special colors associated to each of the ei - Stage Lights
A live performance is considered the ultimate head rush for many. An act before a crowd leaves no ro - Bedspreads are the First Decision When Designing Your Master Bedroom
Why would you want to start with a Bedspread? The best answer is that there are an almost infinite - Some Interesting Decorating Styles
There are a lot of reasons you may be looking into decorating a bathroom. Perhaps you have just boug - Mix and Match Your Decor for You
Many of us become almost obsessed with decorating styles. We worry about what the current style tren - Candles: Elegant and Popular
Walk into any home these days and if there is an aroma in the air relating to fruit, apple cinnamon, - There's A Place For Everything With a Closet Organizer
When people think about organizing their lives to save time, they rarely think that their closet - t - A Personal Review of the Tempur Pedic Mattress
My wife and I bought a Tempur Pedic mattress back in the early days when most people hadn't heard of - Natural Square Area Rugs: Getting Squared Away
Oh, no. You have a square room, and you are feeling boxed in by your decorating dilemma. Four iden