4 basic interior design principles to consider when selecting furniture.
There are many interior design principles that go into crafting a cohesive living space. Although basic, expert interior designers use these principles to customize a quality, thought out space for clients. If you’re interested in understanding more about the most basic principles to consider when re-designing a space, check out how our designers think about and apply repetition, balance, proportion & scale, and harmony in the home:
Repetition
A living space that has good repetition and rhythm can make any room look seamless. Repetition is the idea of using recurring colors, patterns, and elements throughout your living space. When looking to incorporate repetition into your furniture design, it’s important to note all your furniture does not have to be one color. Try having a balance of multiple colors, textures, and materials woven throughout a space. For example, the stripes on an accent chair can be repeated on a custom art piece across the room.
Balance
Interior design balance is all about equilibrium. As furniture shape makes up a lot of balance, don’t forget to consider color, pattern, and texture. Typically, interior designers use three kinds of balance when creating the vision for a living space:
- Symmetrical / formal – Symmetrical or formal balance is when a space is evenly split and mirrors each other. For example, two accent chairs on either side of a coffee table are a good representation of symmetrical balance.
- Asymmetrical / Informal – Asymmetrical balance does not include duplication, and instead, uses asymmetry to create an interesting visual. Placing two accent chairs on one side of a coffee table is an example of asymmetrical balance.
- Radial – This kind of balance incorporates a central focal point with other furniture pieces surrounding it. The most common example of radial balance is a round dining table with chairs arranged evenly around the table.
Proportion & Scale
Proportion and scale go hand-in-hand with each other. Proportion is the understanding of a specific design object scale, including its size, shape, texture, and color. Scale looks at the size of one object as it relates to other objects and the general living space being designed. Scale can also be looked at in comparison to the human scale. Offsetting standard-sized elements with other furniture pieces of differing sizes and heights is a common scale practice.
Harmony
Similar to what we discussed in our blog about choosing furniture for your home or room, harmony is viewed as the “catch-all” for all interior design. Expert interior designers look at any living space a whole to create a unified space that is unique, seamless, as well as visually pleasing the eye. Harmony is used to create a sense of restfulness in a space. Even adding one color or element in a furniture piece can help create harmony in your updated or new home.
