From the Floors Up

How To Use the Elements and Principles Of Design To Decorate Like An Interior Designer, Part 18

By

Part 18 Harmony

There’s a reason why harmony is number 18, last, in our series about mastering the fundamentals of home design. It relies on all of the principles that precede it in parts 1-17. If you haven’t yet had a chance, we recommend reading this entire series before tackling harmony. You’ll find a wealth of information about the fundamentals of decorating!

If you’re up to speed, let’s start with the definition of harmony as it applies to home interiors. It is the summation of the design elements, architecture, and furnishings into a pleasing or orderly whole. It’s also that moment when you walk into a room you’ve finally completed and your heart goes aflutter because it is perfect! You are standing there marveling at your creation because you managed to give consideration to every element of design that is imperative to decorating success. Let’s break down an example of how this can be accomplished. 

Here is a list of some of the examples found in a photo of a sitting room:

  • Space – a room with large windows , walls, a floor, and ceiling
  • Line – combination of straight and curvilinear
  • Form – table, chandelier, sofa
  • Shape – mirrors, cabinets, table
  • Texture – wood, upholstery, drapes, glass
  • Pattern – wood floor
  • Time  – fireplace, widows
  • Color – neutrals, metallic
  • Light –widows, chandelier, lamps, fireplace
  • Balance – cabinets and mirrors on either side of the fireplace with mirror above it
  • Rhythm – crown molding
  • Emphasis – fireplace, chandelier (the table appears to be emphasized but that is the result of the angle used by the photographer)
  • Proportion – the room includes small, medium, and large furnishings and fixtures
  • Scale – windows
  • Unity – all elements of the room fit a traditional style, color palette
  • Variety –numerous architectural elements, furniture and accessories that are very detailed and unique

As you can see, harmony is indeed the multitude of all the other elements combined. This might seem a bit daunting, but take a closer look and note how many of them cross over. Proportion and scale are related, emphasis and balance are related, and so forth. Take it one step at a time and before you know it you’ll have a spectacular space that you can enjoy and show off to your guests!

There’s nothing wrong with working backwards so we’re glad you found our post about harmony. But don’t forget to go back and start by reading Part 1 so you can master the art of designing the interior of your home!

How To Use the Elements and Principles Of Design To Decorate Like An Interior Designer, Part 17

By

Part 17 Variety

Now that you discovered the importance of unity in Part 16, you can transition to the more exciting concept of variety. It is the absence of monotony or sameness. Variety serves well to make a room more engaging and stimulating. The degree of variety you want to include is typically dictated by your personal taste. Some people favor a simple design, others prefer something more varied, and some love a room full of unique features!

Take a look at the photo of the indoor/outdoor space. It is a great example of the middle road of variety. There’s enough to truly enjoy looking around the room, but the overall design of the room is still refined. Moreover this example stands out because it does not rely on color to break up any monotony. Color is an easy go-to, but sometimes it overwhelms the smaller details that keep things interesting. Here’s an easy reference list for the elements of the room that create variety:

  • Purpose – room’s door and window are open =an appreciation of the outdoors and fresh air; room is closed up = comfort of being protected from the elements while still enjoying the beauty that surrounds the room outside
  • Texture – wood, stone, fabric, glass, and plant life
  • Scale – massive glass doorway and tree; medium scale windows and couch; small tables, accessories, and plants
  • Light – natural light, table lamps, glass sconces, pedant fixture
  • Lines – angular = columns, windows, rug; curvilinear = sconces, furniture legs, coffee table, and arch

If you are a minimalist at heart, ensure your room wows your guests by incorporating a bit of variety. If you adore detail, take it further. Either way, enjoy the effectiveness of this technique!

Next read Part 18 – Harmony

Don’t forget to go back and start by reading Part 1

How To Use the Elements and Principles Of Design To Decorate Like An Interior Designer, Part 8

By

Part 8 Time

This particular principal of design may come as big surprise. However, it’s a critical component of decorating a room, because its effect is inevitable. Think about it. At any given time of day or year a room can transform and be quite different. Let’s examine.

You inhabit certain rooms in the house according to what time of day it is. Thus, light becomes an element of time in design. How does this effect decorating decisions? Many ways, but one of the most influenced factors is color.

Let’s say your bedroom is painted lavender. In the early morning it will have a softer tonality, diffused by the pristine, crisp morning light. By midday the light is perhaps a bit too harsh because bedrooms don’t generally feature excessive direct daylight, and this makes the lavender less appealing. You can control that element of time by installing sheers and possibly leaving them drawn through the rest of the afternoon!

Another way that time relates to a room is with regard to season. When designing you home it’s fun and effective to consider what a room will look like in any given season where you live. Maybe when it’s cold outside you just want to stay in bed, and so choose soft, warm furnishing. Perhaps when it’s warm you can’t wait to leap out of bed a go outside. Time to change the linens and textiles to something that feels cool and fresh! 

You should also consider long periods of time in your home such as months and years. Look at the photo above. One of the most beautiful attributes of real wood is that it gains character over the years. If you wish to preserve the original color as much as possible you can install drapes to completely protect it from the sun. But you’d be sitting in a dark room most of the time so it needs to be the right space for that. On the other hand, wood responds beautifully to natural light by slowly changing in color over time. Another time focused feature of the room is the fireplace. It’s merely a fixture when no fire is lit, but when there’s a fire burning it becomes a fabulous focal point. If it’s using during cold weather its role in the room is once again changed by time, because the fire is there for more than just beauty. It’s there to keep you warm!

Next read Part 9 – Color

Don’t forget to go back and start by reading Part 1 

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

Recent Comments

Subscribe

Enter your email address to receive new post notifications via email.