Introduction
Interior designing is the art of designing spaces to make it functional and aesthetic. Creating a space mix involves a lot of elements to make sure everything looks good and feels right. In this blog, we are going to talk about those elements. Those 7 elements of interior design are balance, harmony, rhythm, proportion and scale, emphasis, contrast, and details. One has to make a combination of these elements to turn a basic space into a personalized space. The aim is not just to make things look pretty but also to make sure that everything is functional for the people living there.
What is Interior Design?
Interior design is a mix of art, science, and practical planning to make sure a room not only looks nice but also meets the needs of those who live there. It could be customizing the experience for the people living or working in the space. Which means customizing – how it feels, how it looks, and how it suits the lifestyle. Interior designers have to pay attention to everything, from colors to the layout, to make sure a space is not only visually appealing but also functional, safe, and sustainable.
Principles of Interior Design
Interior design works on some basic principles that make spaces work well and look good. The principles of interior design act as a guide for any project. The seven principles of interior design give a clear plan for creating spaces that feel right and look good together. Whether it is arranging furniture to feel balanced, highlighting important areas, or playing with sizes and shapes, these principles help design spaces that not only look nice but also work well.
Let’s learn about the elements of design in detail and how they help to guide an interior designer in projects.
7 Elements of Interior Design
Unity:
Unity means incorporating a variety of choices in the space that make them look cohesive and aesthetic. Achieving unity involves making intentional choices in materials, furniture sizes, and shapes to create a sense of cohesion. This could mean that the designer is choosing a common theme or element that would tie everything together. Unity also involves making the whole house look cohesive with every room having its uniqueness and vibe. A way to do it is to choose colors that complement each other.
Balance:
There are three types of balance- symmetrical balance, where things match on each side for a classic look; asymmetrical balance, for a more flexible and dynamic feel; and radial balance, which centers around a focal point with evenly arranged elements. A designer can change the balance of the room according to the likes of the client. Having balance is extremely important in a room. It brings a sense of calm and confidence and makes the room feel good.
Rhythm:
Interior designers use colors, patterns, and textures in repetition or contrast to create visual interest and guide the eyes through the space. Achieving rhythm involves repeating decorative elements to create a pattern that catches the human eye. This could mean using the same finishes in the kitchen and bathroom or using the same materials for every piece of furniture in the house. Using similar curtains for the whole house. Rhythm brings consistency to the design. It’s the job of the designer to think creatively and find unique ways to bring rhythm to the house.
Emphasis:
Adding excitement to a space by balance and harmony is emphasis. Emphasis is on creating a focal point that grabs attention when someone walks into a room. This could be a striking chandelier, a statement wall with bold wallpaper, a unique piece of furniture like a designer coffee table, or even a big window with a great view. The emphasis is all about making a space stand out by bringing attention to a particular element. Emphasis adds richness and uniqueness to a place.
Contrast:
Contrast is the principle that revolves around the idea that opposites attract. Contrast brings playfulness and excitement to the space. It brings variety, drama, and visual interest to a place. Contrast can be created by combining various colors, patterns, or styles to contrasting textures like matte and glossy surfaces. Without contrast, a room might feel dull and one-dimensional. It is the principle that turns a mundane space into an eye-captivating space.
Scale & Proportion:
Scale is about the size of things in a room while proportion is about the overall relationship between different sized- items. Simple ways of scale and proportion are choosing the right size furniture and decor according to the size of the room. Big rooms can handle larger pieces, but in smaller spaces, bulky furniture might be too much. Proportion ensures that everything from size to color fits well together.
Details:
Details are the finishing touches that make a room unique. It’s the essential principle, emphasizing the importance of small elements. A well-designed room needs these details to feel personal and complete. Even small things like embroidery on cushions or the style of tapware can significantly enhance the size of the place. Paying attention to the details transforms a space according to the choice of a person.
Scope of interior design in India
The field of interior design in India is expanding rapidly. People nowadays are realizing the importance of a uniquely curated space. Since people started living more in the house during the lockdown, the demand for an aesthetic and personalized space and increased. There will be huge growth in this field in the near future.
- Interior designers can work on personal projects as people nowadays hire designers before they make a house and people prefer personalized designs.
- Interior designers can also work with a company to handle their clients
- Interior designers have a huge scope of becoming entrepreneurs.
- They can work in events, exhibitions, and museums as they keep requiring designers to curate spaces for different events.
Top 5 Courses for Interior Design in 2024
- Bachelor of Interior Design (BID)
- BDes in Interior Design
- BSc Interior Design
- BArch Interior Design
- Diploma in Interior Design
Conclusion
The seven elements of interior design – balance, unity, rhythm, emphasis, contrast, scale and proportion, and details – serve as the foundation for creating aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces. Interior design is a blend of art, science, and practical planning. Interior designers must keep the principles of design in consideration while they are working on a space. The principles of interior design make the design look cohesive and thoughtful.If you are interested to learn more about interior design, you can enroll in courses from the AAFT, School of Interior Design, where you can explore the elements of interior design and acquire the expertise needed to craft well-designed and personalized spaces. Click here to learn more.