7 Elements of Design Explained: A Guide to Harmonious Interiors

1. Element of Design - Space

The first and most important of the interior design elements is space. Space is what a blank canvas is to an artist. Without understanding the basic dimensions and form of the canvas, an artist cannot commence on a piece of artwork. This is why you will always find an interior designer equipped with a measuring tape. A starting point in interior design is to get a sense of the dimensions of a space. The overall square footage, the height and width of the walls, the placement of doors and windows and so on.

If you are just beginning to consider home décor ideas, there are two important concepts of space you must familiarise yourself with – POSITIVE SPACE and NEGATIVE SPACE.
 

• Positive space in interior design is all the space that is occupied by objects – think, furniture, floor lamps, plants, rugs and so on. 
  
  
• Negative space in interior design is therefore the opposite – it is all the space between these objects that is purposefully left empty so you can comfortably get around a room.

An interior designer will always work on creating a balance between the positive and negative spaces in a room.

2. Element of Design - Line

The next building block in the elements of design is a line. A line in interior design speak is seen in both the actual structure of a room as well as all of the room’s objects, such as a table. Lines can be used strategically to draw the eyes in whichever direction they run. Vertical lines can be employed to make the room feel taller whereas horizontal lines will make a room feel wider.

The most significant vertical lines to consider in a room are that of the doors and windows.

2. Vertical Lines

Vertical lines, on the other hand, are associated with height, strength, and authority. They can make a space feel more formal and imposing. Vertical lines can be found in architectural features like columns, doorways, and windows, as well as furniture pieces like tall bookcases and floor lamps. When used correctly, vertical lines can create a sense of grandeur and elegance in a room. Some examples of furniture in this category are tall bookshelves, floor-to-ceiling curtains and floor lamps.

3. Dynamic Lines

Dynamic lines are less common in interior design. They are often associated with movement, action, and energy. Dynamic lines can be curved, diagonal, or zigzag, and can be found in decorative accents like patterned rugs, artwork, and accessories. When used effectively, dynamic lines can add visual interest and create a sense of excitement and movement in a space. Some examples of furniture in this category are decorative vases and curvy sofas.

3. Element of Design - Light

There is a reason why the term “mood lighting” often creeps up in conversations about interior design and it is because light is a powerful tool that can influence our mood, and our feelings and to an extent, it even influences our physiology. When we look at light as one of the interior design elements, we consider both the natural light and the artificial lighting of a space.

There are ways to manipulate and make the most of both these sources of light in a room, including in the context of living room design. Natural light plays a big part in making a space feel warm, safe and happy but when it isn’t filtered properly it can feel harsh and even make a room hotter. While we cannot directly control the natural daylight coming into a space, we can minimise or maximise it by the use of skylights, floor-to-ceiling windows and even furnishings for windows like blinds and curtains.

Artificial lighting is more complex and is broadly characterised in the following terms:
 

• Ambient lighting is all the light you want in a space, it is the starting point of light in a room. All the big, main lights that form the background light of a room will dictate all the other sources of light in the room after natural sunlight.

4. Element of Design - Colour

Just like light, colour is another one of the most important interior design elements not only because it can set the mood and tone of a space but also because it can make a room feel more spacious or more snug depending on the end goal of your interior design.

When it comes to home décor ideas, choosing the right colour for a space can be daunting but there are two most important things to keep in mind before you start colour hunting. 

5. Element of Design - Form

Form when studied as one of the interior design elements is shaped by another word. In interior design, the form includes the actual shape of the space as well as all the shapes of the furniture and objects used to fill up the space.

When it comes to home décor ideas, you can see shapes as geometric shapes or natural shapes. Largely, geometric shapes are constructed, like furniture whereas natural shapes are more organic, like plants.

1. Geometric Forms

Geometric forms are regular, uniform shapes that are often associated with order, symmetry, and precision. Examples of geometric forms include cubes, spheres, pyramids, and cylinders. These forms can be found in furniture pieces like tables and chairs, as well as decorative accents like vases and sculptures. When used correctly, geometric forms can create a sense of balance, stability, and sophistication in a space.

2. Natural Forms

Natural forms, on the other hand, are irregular and asymmetrical shapes that are often associated with nature, organic shapes, and fluidity. Examples of natural forms include tree branches, rocks, flowers, and leaves. These forms can be incorporated into a space through the use of natural materials like wood, stone, and plants. When used correctly, natural forms can create a sense of relaxation, tranquillity, and harmony in a space.

Style Tip: In interior design, shapes with rounded curves lend the space softness whereas geometric forms offer more stability to a space.

6. Element of Design - Texture

The last two elements of design: texture and pattern are most helpful for homeowners looking for home décor ideas. Think of them as layers that can be used to decorate, accentuate and elevate spaces.

Texture in interior design can come from the texture of a wall (smooth, matte, glossy), the upholstery used (plush like velvet, soft as satin) and even the flooring (marble or concrete). Wallpapers and wall coverings are another way to infuse texture into a space, they can also be used to create the illusion of depth where required.
 

Style Tip: If you’re looking for home décor ideas to introduce texture to a room, consider an accent wall. Add texture by choosing from brushing, combing, ragging, spatula, dapple, colour wash, weaving, canvas, crinkle and sponging. Textures can be especially eye-catching when metallic paints are used or when the paints used are contrasting, like matte and glossy.

2. Actual Texture

Actual texture refers to the physical surface of the material. It is the actual texture that can offer the experience of the surface by touching it, like wooden grain, rock, woven fabrics, and fur. It means that one can experience tactile interest and warmth in space and create cosiness or comfort.

7. Element of Design - Pattern

Patterns can be defined as repetitive decorative elements. They can be geometric, abstract, floral and more. Patterns in interior design are used to infuse energy and playfulness into a space. These days everything from wooden floors to wallpapers comes in a dizzying array of patterns. An easier, commitment-free way to introduce patterns into a space is through a piece of art or an area rug, perhaps even decorative items such as patterned cushion covers.

Style Tip: The size of a space must be taken into consideration before the addition of patterns. Very large or varying patterns can overwhelm a small space. Clashing or contrasting patterns are better suited to larger spaces.