From the Floors Up

How To Use the Elements and Principles Of Design To Decorate Like An Interior Designer, Part 12

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Part 12 Rhythm

Moving right along in our series, let’s discuss the idea of rhythm. It is defined as a measured or cyclic motion characterized by a regular recurrence of elements or features. This can include repetition to establish continuity and flow.  The purpose of rhythm is primarily to prevent a room from feeling stagnant or choppy. If there’s no rhythmic element your spaces might feel overly separate from one another. Or, in a single room, it can discourage a natural flow of movement which makes traversing the room feel awkward. So, how do we accomplish rhythm?  

Our first example, the area rug shown in the photo above, provides what is known as transitional rhythm. The pattern around the outside leads the eye to naturally follow it all the way around without interruption. This is particularly effective because it mimics the way humans would normally move around a table. Picture your guests debating where they’d like to sit. They will instinctively do so by mentally and/or literally circling the table on a rectangular path.  Notice how large the border of the rug is. It must be so in order to capture peoples’ attention as the cyclical element in the room.  Without the rug, people might awkwardly stop and try to determine how and where they fit into the scheme of the room. 

Another excellent and elegant way to provide a sense of rhythm is the use of molding. This is especially apparent in the photo above. The designer opted to use very large crown molding around the ceiling, and equally sizeable base board. Although we can’t see what is “behind us” in the photo we will assume that the molding continues. There is also a coordinating frame around the door.

This effectively creates balance between the room and the view of the outdoors. Yes, the beautiful bay windows capture our attention, but they could easily overwhelm the space and make it seem insignificant. The molding deters this problem by insisting that our eyes are just as interested in the inside of the room. We naturally follow the continuation of the molding around the room, and what was once just a room is now our “surroundings.” Thus, rhythm is very effective at adding significance to a room that might otherwise disappear into that which surrounds it!

Next read Part 13 – Emphasis

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 11

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Part 11 Balance

Balance is a principle of design that is most readily apparent when it’s missing. Have you ever walked into a room and wondered why it seems like a hodgepodge of furniture rather than a complete room? That’s because there’s no sense of balance. Balance is the distribution of visual weight within a composition. For our purposes the composition is a room in your home. We are going to focus on the concept of symmetry to achieve the desired effect.

Formal symmetry is accomplished by creating a mirror image on either side of central axis. It typically also features a general emphasis of weight near the bottom of the composition. In the example above you’ll note that on either side of the bed are identical mirrors, lamps, and night stands. Between them, functioning as the centralizing point is a large chandelier that hangs low enough to establish balance.

This room also includes the concept of radial symmetry. The chandelier is surrounded on all sides by a white ceiling medallion. In other words, it has a central point from which its design radiates, extends, or spreads like rays from a center. It is especially effective for establishing a sense of balance in a large room!

Another method to accomplish balance is informal symmetry. It is not a mirror image, but it is the equivalent in visual weight. Take a look at the photo above. Despite unique and distinctly different furnishings the room feels balanced. The central aspects are the couch and coffee table. They are evenly flanked by a love seat on the left, and two chairs on the right that. This is classified as informal because the chairs and love seat aren’t identical pieces but are just as effective at stabilizing the room.

The area-rug helps further unify the space because it is independently symmetrical. Last, notice the unusual arrangement of the framed artwork. Hanging them with a right side orientation ensures that the left side of the room seems part of the entire composition. If the framed artwork were hung symmetrically above the couch, the left side of the wall would seem like a separate area. This is the use of balance to make a room seem larger and maximize all available space.

Next read Part 12 – Rhythm

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 10

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Part 10 Light

Light is an incredibly complex aspect of home design. To create something special you must consider both function and effect, and it is typically necessary to use more than one light source in a room. As defined in design, light is considered radiant or visible wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum of energy. If you are a fan of science, this definition will tickle your fancy! For the rest of you, light is simply that which illuminates something our eyes are trying to see. This might be a specific object, or an entire room. 

Not understanding light beyond its utilitarian purposes is the number one obstacle to using it effectively in decorating. Let’s break it down. Types of lighting include: task, ambient, natural, and accent. Task lighting is a source of light well suited to a specific, focused activity, such as a lamp on your desk. Natural light is self explanatory – think windows. Ambient light is what you might call mood lighting. It adds a soft, aura-like glow and it is more relaxing than combustion lighting. An example of combustion lighting is a stark overhead light source in a room. Typically it’s not comfortable for more than a short period of time.    

The photo above shows the use of ambient lighting in the form of recessed lighting. Recessed means it’s flush with the surface – in this case, the ceiling. Notice it surrounds the bed rather than being positioned directly over top of it. The room also features ample natural light by way of the large windows. It can be diffused using sheers on the windows.

There’s is also creative use of accent lighting. The blue neon lights don’t necessarily provide a lot of illumination by which to see, but they are a pleasing aesthetic element that coordinates nicely with the lavender walls. All of these light sources are effective but not glaring. This is especially important in a bedroom where harsh, direct light is not conducive to relaxation. Last, note how light is used in the room to make it seem larger. It is actually quite small, but the various light sources and their simplistic form make it appear more spacious and airy.

Next read Part 11 – Balance

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!

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