Design Theory

BALANCE

Visual stability, symmetrically/asymmetrically.
If something is not in balance, it tips over.
The placement of objects within a room according to their visual weight.
Line, form, colour and texture all help to determine their visual weight. Formal balance – symmetrical (mirrored effect). Informal – uses different objects of the same visual weight to create a sense of balance in a room.

This is an example of formal balance. The elements are mirrored around the centre of the room. The lines in the ceiling and in the black shape, makes the space interesting and dynamic. The colours and the value also make the room in balance.

PROPORTION AND SCALE

Refers to how the elements within an object relate to the object as a whole while scale relates to the size of an object compared to the space in which it is located. It is about the relationship between objects.

This is an example where the scale of an object is surprisingly large compared to the other objects in the room and the space it is located in.

RYTHM

Controls the eyes as they move around a room. Rhythm allows the eyes to move around from one object to another and creates a harmonious atmosphere in a room. Rhythm is created through repetition of line, form, texture and colour.

This is an example where the eye moves from shape to shape, because none of them stands out from the others. They also have the same colour and size. The circles in the ceiling and the colour are repeated, and create a rhythm in the room.

EMPHASIS

The focal point is an obvious feature in a room to which the eye is attracted and could be anything from a fireplace, a piece of artwork, or a window treatment featuring a beautiful view. The focal point of a room should be emphasized with the use of line, form, colour and texture.

This is an example where the focal point is the fireplace. It is the first thing you see in the picture (room). The shape and colour is different from the other elements in the room, so the fireplace stands out.

UNITY AND HARMONY

A well-designed room will have a unified whole that gives a sense of order. The shapes and sizes of the objects in the room are consistent, with harmony of colour and texture. Repeating elements, balancing them throughout a room and adding a little variety for interest will give a room a personality all its own.

This is an example where the colours and the shapes create harmony. There are some variations in the room, created by lines in different directions and sizes. But the value of black and white and the sizes of the objects create unity.