From the Floors Up

Principles of Interior Design: Harmony and Unity

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The last principle of this series helps bring everything full circle! We need to ensure that our design is unified and has harmony. These principles will make sure that everything in your room has a visual relationship with each other. Nothing should feel out of place or forced. Everything in our design should have a purpose. This can be challenging when we design rooms and do not want to get rid of elements that do not belong. Perhaps you have a favorite painting or an antique couch you inherited. They may not belong in the design of your new modern style living room, but this does not mean you need to get rid of them. You just need to see where and what belongs in the room.

Harmony and Unity 

One way to find unity in a new design before starting is by creating a mood board. You can make a mood board digitally or physically.  Find fabrics, pictures of furniture, floor samples, different wood floor patterns, paint swatches, and collect them all together. You can see if anything does not agree or contrasts with one another. Finding unity is the key to success. Your design should have a clear set vision with harmony throughout it. This visually satisfying effect is the assurance that all your elements in your design will agree. When this is achieved properly, your design will be complete. 

Make sure your design does not create confusion. If you are mimicking a Modern Rustic Design, make sure every element is easily recognizable to help enhance the look. For instance, ebony flooring would look jarring in a modern rustic design. Likewise, if you choose a more Scandinavian style design, you should be able to recognize if anything does not belong. This can be challenging at first, but when mastered, will help you create a beautiful living space. 

Look at your home design. Take it through the checklist of the interior design principles. Do you have any elements that feel “forced”? Do you feel that your home has properly achieved balance, unity, rhythm, scale, and emphasis? Being able to recognize these principles takes time, but we assure you it is worth the time invested. For more insight on how to improve your design theme and home improvement, make sure to subscribe! 

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

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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!

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!

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