Before embarking on a project, whether you’re planning a DIY renovation of a portion of your interior or a full construction overhaul with professionals, familiarize yourself with the fundamental principles of interior design.
The seven principles of Interior Design include Balance, Harmony and Rhythm. Proportions and Scales, Accentuation, Contrast, and Details.
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1. Balance
A well-designed space is characterized by the balance of all its elements, from the colours and shapes to the furniture, lighting, and decor. In home interior design, a properly balanced room evokes a calm and confident feeling. Let’s look at three types of balance that are most often used in interior design to help better understand this principle.
The Balance of Form and Symmetry
In interior design, the most common approach to balance is symmetrical or formal. To achieve symmetrical equilibrium, divide a space evenly into two mirror images.
In a Living Room, for example, you can place a coffee table in the middle of a pair or chairs facing each other. Another example of symmetrical equilibrium is a pair of side-tables with identical lamps placed on either side of a bed. In modern interior design, it’s important to keep in mind that too much symmetry can make a space feel rigid, boring, or overwhelming.
Asymmetrical Balance
Asymmetrical balance in interior design is a new approach that allows for more flexibility when decorating a space. The key to creating a balanced visual effect is not to use identical or mirror-like objects but rather objects of similar size, shape, and dimensions. Wingback chairs, for example, can be placed next to a large couch in a living area.
Radial Balance
Radial balance can be a difficult approach, especially when working in small spaces. Radial design is based on a central element such as a dining table, chandelier or circular surface. All other objects are centered around this focal point.
Style Tip
The balance of home interior design extends also to the positive and neutral spaces in a space. If there is too many negative spaces in a space, the room will appear sparse or unfurnished. If a room has too much furnishings or too many decor items, it can feel cluttered and crowded. Minimalist rooms use a lot of negative space, while creating a more cozy and inviting environment by reducing negative space between items.
2. Harmony
Harmony is the sense of unity in style, theme or aesthetics, mood, personality, or even in the interior design principles. Imagine it as a feeling of belonging and unity which anchors a room’s interior design. It doesn’t have to be the same for every home decor item or element in the room, but it must complement each other in some way. Use the same color scheme to accent a room.
Style Tip
Start with something you like if you are having trouble deciding on a style or theme for your interior design. You could choose a piece or art, a fabric pattern or furniture. Let that focal point guide your selections.
3. Rhythm
You may wonder why rhythm is included in a list of interior-design principles, but rhythm is essential to harmony. The use of colour, pattern and texture in repetition or contrast creates visual interest and movement which guides your eye through the room. You can, for example, use the same colour in different places. A yellow wall could be complemented by yellow cusions on a couch that is placed against a wall of a different color, followed by an art piece with yellow accents.
Style Tip:
When mixing patterns or colours, remember the “Rule of Three”. Pick a neutral, base element, and pair it up with two smaller patterns, or colours. Just mixing two elements may be construed as a “mismatch”. Investing in small accessories, photos, artwork, and cushions is the easiest and most convenient method to learn rhythm.
4. Proportion and Scale
After we have discussed the principles of harmony and balance, let’s move on to the fundamental principle of interior design – proportion and scale. The scale is the way the size or proportion of an object in a room complements or contrasts with the other objects or the human size. Proportion is more subjective and refers to the relationship between different sized objects.
You don’t have to depend on experts for help. Refocus on the big picture and use your eyes to guide you.
It’s obvious that a large, wingback chair looks out of place next to a small coffee table. You can see that the desk height is set to match that of the window frame. The room is made to appear taller by using long curtains that extend from the ceiling all the way down to floor level. Small pots with tall plants can be placed on one side, while taller plants in tall planters are elegantly displayed on the other side.
Style Tip
When choosing artwork for your room, remember that the frame should be at least half or two thirds the width of whatever furniture you’re placing it over. For example, the sofa in a living room or bed in a bedroom.
5. Accentuation
Balance and harmony are cornerstones in good interior design. However, sticking to these two principles can create a feeling of rigidity and monotony. Here, the principle of emphasis is key. The use of an anchoring focal element in a room is what we call emphasis. For example, a stunning chandelier in the living area.
This principle can be implemented in many different ways in interior design. It could be a statement wall, with a bright wallpaper or colour, a piece of structural furniture such as a designer table or a built-in point of interest like a large picture window.
Style Tip
Accent lighting is used in many home decor ideas to highlight a certain part of the room or to bring attention to an object, such as art. Accent lighting can be a chandelier, or even a statement light.
6. Contrast
Yin and Yang, Ebony and Ivory, Opposites Attract – All of these concepts and many more can be found in home interior design. Contrast creates a sense playfulness, drama and variety. Interior design uses contrast as a fundamental principle. It can be a combination of colours, patterns or styles. A room without contrast can appear dull, flat, and monotonous.
Style Tip
Before you can consider contrasts, it is important to take into account the size of an area. A small space can be overwhelmed by large patterns or varying sizes. Larger spaces are best suited for patterns that clash or contrast.
7. Details
Interior design is based on the principle of attention to detail. It’s used literally as a metaphor for a reason. The nitty gritty is the key to all good design. Without finishing touches, a well-designed room will feel unfinished and impersonal. This is the only design principle you can indulge in without an interior designer’s supervision. The final step of the interior design process gives you the opportunity to make your space unique and reflect your personality and interests. These little details, such as the size and shape of the light switches and doorknobs, to the throws and pillows that you use to decorate the room can add a lot of character.
Style Tip
If you’re nearing the end of your home renovation, it can be easy to lose motivation. But rushing through the detailing will make a room look and feel unfinished. To avoid this, you can make your selections of the details at the same time as the furniture and lighting.