7 Elements of Interior Design

A home can be called a home through its inside beauty where our peace belongs.An ordinary space must be enhanced through special skills, extreme knowledge and selfmade creativity for the creation of a masterpiece. This could only be possible by Interior Designing which indeed a science that is bound by it’s own elements and principles and yes it is undoubtedly a tough thing to execute. Generally interior designers go by the rule book which consists of 7 elements of Interior Design. We are going to cover all the 7 elements of interior design in this blog. So,let’s begin!

1. Space

Space is one of the most important elements of interior design. A right space planning can change the entire glance of acts as an interior. Hence it is essential that the designer is well aware of the space and it’s dimensions. Space is divided into two types namely – Two Dimensional Space which covers the floor (includes length and width) and Three Dimensional Space which forms the living space (includes length, width and height). Space that refers to the main focus of a picture(filled with furniture/décor items) is called Positive Space, while Space which refers to the background is called Negative Space. When used creatively and intelligently, Positive and Negative Space together can tell a story using visual composition alone. An equilibrium has to be maintained between the positive and negative spaces.

2. Line

Line, as it pertains to interior design, refers to the "lines" created by the furnishings and architecture of a room. The lines in a room provide it with form and shape. Line is responsible for harmony, contrast, and unity in interior design. Lines give birth to forms and shapes and also establishes a sense of harmony, contrast and unity in a space. They define shapes and act as visual guides of an interior space. Lines are broadly categorized into three types – Horizontal, Vertical and Dynamic. Horizontal lines suggest a solid, harmonious relationship with the Earth; this gives a stabilizing, peaceful harmonious effect to window treatments for example. When found in a connecting architectural detail such as mouldings, horizontal lines provide a smooth transition between rooms or areas. Vertical Lines are Lofty, solid, formal, imposing, restrained. These lines lift the eye upward and make windows, and sometimes, entire interior, appear taller or higher. They have the ability to lift the mind and the spirit as well. Dynamic lines consist of diagonal lines, which portray action or drama, and are seen on structures like stairways. A good interior designer is well aware of utilizing these lines in order to balance with other important elements of interior design.

3. Shape

Shape or Form is a two dimensional area confined by a actual line or implied line (an edge for example). In drawing shapes are created when the ends of lines are joined to enclose areas. Forms can be created by combining two or more shapes and can be accentuated with the help of other elements like texture, patterns and colors. Horizontal, vertical and dynamic lines help to shape a room and guide the eye. There are two types of shapes: geometric and free-shapes. Geometric shapes are precise shapes that can be described using mathematical formulas. Geometric shapes include circle, square, triangle, oval, rectangle, octagon, parallelogram, trapezoid, pentagon, and hexagon. Thus it can be clearly defined that Shape is as important as Space and Line. 

4. Light

Light is another supreme element in interior design. It enhances the aesthetic appeal and creates the mood and ambiance of a living space. Lighting fixtures that illuminate a room creates a safe and comfortable environment besides adding style to the interior decoration. Lighting can make or break the ambiance of a room. Designing a living space is incomplete without lighting in fact. There are three types of lighting that has a particular function to fulfill specific needs, which are: Ambient lighting ,Task lighting, Accent lighting. Ambient light means the light that is already present in a scene, before any additional lighting is added. It usually refers to natural light, either outdoors or coming through windows etc. It can also mean artificial lights such as normal room lights. Ambient lighting are of following types – 

Ambient Indoor Lighting

Chandelier.

Ceiling mounted fixture.

Wall-mounted fixture.

Traditional recessed fixtures and / or LED downlights.

Track light.

Floor lamp.

Table lamp.

Task lighting provides increased light for specific tasks in a room that may already have some ambient light. Task lighting is especially useful for seeing small objects or objects of low contrast. Accent lighting focuses light on a particular area or object. It is often used to highlight art or other artifacts.

5. Color

Color can make or break a space. Choosing appropriate colors for a facility's spaces is an important aspect of interior design. ... Warm tones, like red, orange and yellow can energize a space and its occupants. Cool tones such as blue, green and purple generally create quiet, relaxing atmospheres. Colors basically behave in three ways. They can be active, passive or neutral. Neutrals include black, gray, white and brown and these colors are often used to establish balance in a décor that includes both active and passive shades. The color wheel is made up of three different types of colors - Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary. The primary colors are red, yellow, and blue. The secondary colors are orange, green, and purple. The tertiary colors are made by mixing equal parts of one primary color and one secondary color. There are six tertiary colors: yellow-orange, red-orange, red-violet, blue-violet, blue-green, and yellow-green.



6. Texture


Texture refers to the surface quality in a work of art. Some things feel just as they appear; this is called real or actual texture. Some things look like they are rough but are actually smooth. Texture that is created to look like something it is not, is called visual or implied texture.

Texture is the surface quality or feel of an object. In graphic design, texture is generally only a visual thing, but it creates a physical illusion and it continues to play a leading role in the creation of all types of visual elements. Texture adds depth and interest into a living space and defines the feel/appearance and consistency of a surface. In the context of artwork, there are two types of texture: Visual and Actual. Visual texture refers to an implied sense of texture that the artist creates through the use of various artistic elements such as line, shading and color. Some things feel just as they appear; this is called real or actual texture. Some things look like they are rough but are actually smooth.



7. Pattern


Pattern is an underlying structure that organizes surfaces or structures in a consistent, regular manner. Pattern can be described as a repeating unit of shape or form, but it can also be thought of as the "skeleton" that organizes the parts of a composition. Patterns can have multiple meanings and elements in design. ... The use of such patterns can enhance the user experience, as well as the design and look of the final product, but must be used wisely so as to avoid a complicated layout or unattractive design. The Visual Element of Pattern is constructed by repeating or echoing the elements of an artwork to communicate a sense of balance, harmony, contrast, rhythm or movement. There are two basic types of pattern in art: Natural Pattern and Man-Made Pattern. Natural patterns include symmetries, trees, spirals, meanders, waves, foams, tessellations, cracks and stripes.

A pattern can be formally defined as a noticeable regularity in the natural and man-made world that repeats itself in a predictable manner. Man-made patterns are often used in design and can be abstract, such as those used in mathematics, science, and language. An example of a pattern is polka dots.

Thus from the above description it is seen that all the 7 elements of interior designs are inter related with each other. No single element cannot be replaced. The exact balance between these elements provide the perfect look.