ARTICLE : DESIGN PRINCIPLES IN INTERIORS

 

Written by Cedric K.H.Goh - 12 August 2023
© Images Copyright 2020 by Cedric K.H. Goh unless otherwise noted

INTRODUCTION

When we talk about an interior space, we must pay attention to the elements that dictates the quality of how well the space is planned and designed. The quality of light; the use of lines, forms, texture and patterns; the tactfulness in the use of colour and how that affects the experience of space; they all contribute to an overall effectiveness of how well spaces are conceived. On the contrary, designers do need a set of principles ( design skills ) to realise the design vision and effectively create quality and well-crafted interior space. 
These principles ( design skills ) are not to be confused with elements that governs the quality of an interior space, these are design principles which are important techniques and methods in the madness of applying all the principles when designing spaces.  

THE IMPORTANCE OF DESIGN CLARITY

The three examples above shows different design approaches which seems to yield less than ideal design outcome. There are some design challenges that do bring out the worse in terms of aesthetics and an overall concept. Sometimes messy and lacking in a clear design direction (pic-1), perhaps too much texture and over-decorated (pic-2) or completely unclear of a central theme and focal point (pic-3). They would seem either aesthetically confused or desperately over-designed. Nevertheless, most design endeavours undertaken by genuine professionals are usually completed with a  fairly respectable outcome. Their professional training in using the set of skills (design principles ) to approach every design challenge typically yields quality outcome. 

Generally there isn’t a design challenge where only one design principle is used. In most cases, two or more principles are used concurrently in order to create impactful design outcome. Whichever style or design intent is chosen, all design principles are likely used in different parts and in varying intensity to create a well designed space.

Hence, clarity is absolutely vital in interior design to convey a singular cohesive design direction. When there is a congestion of design ideas or overuse of design principles resulting in a tactless discord of conflicting ideas vying for attention, we end up with a space which is rich in texture and variety but may become confusing and disorientating for users.

UNITY : Unity is the overarching principle that governs a good design  outcome. It refers to how each design element relate to one another while forming a unified whole. Each element should clearly convey a visual identity in order to communicate a consistent and coherent design language.

PROPORTION: Proportion refers to how design element of different sizes relate to each other when combined together. This is a supporting principle of “unity” where in this case only scale and size is concerned.

BALANCE : There is symmetrical and asymmetrical balance. Either equal or off-balanced in relation to an off-centred line. Both approaches uses the principle of ‘visual weights’ between each elements within a design in achieving a sense of balance.

CONTRAST : Contrast is a design principle focusing on highlighting the differences, and creating a tensional balance between elements. It can be the use of contrasting material, texture, colour or shapes and volume. In combination with the use of balance and proportion design principles, contrast accentuate the design outcome.

EMPHASIS : Emphasis has some similarity to the principle of contrast in highlighting a design element. It creates focus and brings clarity to the design intent. Conversely, it can also be used to direct attention away from non-important design elements. The difference between emphasis and contrast lies in how a focal point catches our attention. Emphasis typically has a focal point, while contrast is a general principle used to highlight design differences. 

HIERARCHY : Hierarchy is a design technique used in layering design elements in an order of their importance. Prominent element will be visually pronounced while less critical elements will be more subtle hence drawing less attention. It is not a common design principle used by interior designers. Its application is useful only from a macro  perspective where there the spaces have to be completely replanned.

 MOVEMENT : Movement is how a design element draws attention as one moves through a space. It can be repetitive elements, or combination of pattern, hierarchy and rhythm. Movement is a powerful design principle providing visual intensity and spatial continuity.

WHITE SPACE : White space is the area where there is no design intent. It is very often used in conjunction with hierarchy to play a supportive role in bringing attention to the prominent design elements. Very often, what is not there declutters the surrounding to emphasise a particular design element or space. It helps bring a sense of flow and spatial hierarchy to interior spaces.

REPETITION : Repetition is commonly used by interior designers to  emphasise a design intent. Repetitive elements create uniformity and strong visual presence.  The manner in which repetition is used varies widely.  From evenly spaced and regular repetition to organically positioned repetitive elements or rhythmic repetitive structure, they all create equally incredibly stunning design outcome when skilfully applied. 

RHYTHM : Rhythm can be used in many ways to create calm or exciting surfaces or objects. Regular, repetitive elements will create calmness while irregular elements following a pattern of repetition will tend to be stimulating. Rhythm and pattern do have some overlapping similarities. Rhythm can have a pattern of repetition in some cases, but pattern may not always have a rhythm.  Regardless, rhythm is a powerful principle in design to create impactful design outcome with an elegant flair.

PATTERN : Pattern is used in the form of repetitive design elements. Typically in interior design, generally it would in the form of variations in material texture, arrangement or pattern. Wallpaper is also another way pattern is introduced into an interior space as a complementary design element. In architecture, pattern usually has an element of texture that creates visual interest and functionality but yet striving to be restrained and calm. Although there are countless examples of architects experimenting with a variety of exciting texture.

VARIETY : Variety is used to create visual interest. It can be used in varying methods from a subdued palette to a colourful and intense version. Paired with other repetition, contrast, balance and pattern, the principle of variety explores different ways to bring design flair to an interior space. Due to its strong visual presence, it is typically used sparingly as a focal point on walls, or curated furnishings.

DESIGN STRATEGY

The use of design principles is critical to the outcome of a well conceived interior space. Occasionally, it is difficult to differentiate the varying design principles due to their similarity. Something that looks like a pattern could be classified as variety. Though they are typically hardly used in isolation, very often designing buildings or interiors do require the skilful application of them in a cohesive manner. Whether it is all or just one principle being used, the application of design principles bring clarity to a design brief and enhances the design outcome, creating a sophisticated bespoke interior space without looking amateurish or tacky. 

Typically, designers achieve that look in combination with the use of expensive quality materials. However, in some case, we can actually get close to a well conceived interior using durable and affordable materials in combination with skilful application of design principles. That will be a topic to be addressed in another article on ‘design strategy on a budget’.