Much like other forms of art, interior design is subjective. There’s no right or wrong way of decorating and styling your own home as long as it’s comfortable and aesthetically pleasing for you.
But there are a few principles that are consistently found in all good interior designs, whether the style is modern, classic, or contemporary. Here are three of them:
Balance
In interior design, this is the proper distribution of objects in a room to make it visually balanced. It’s all about creating a feeling of equilibrium in the space using shapes, colors, texture, and pattern. Balance can be done in three different ways: symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial.
- Symmetrical balance is common in traditional designs and is usually done by placing identical objects in the same position on either side of a vertical axis.
- Asymmetrical balance is a more modern way of achieving balance and is commonly done with urban home décor. Instead of using identical pieces, use different objects but with similar dimensions to maintain equal visual weight.
- Radial balance is done by having a central focal point and arranging pieces around it. This is the most challenging way to achieve balance.
Rhythm
Rhythm in interior design isn’t much different from rhythm in music. It’s all about creating repeating patterns and contrast to create visual interest in the room. The purpose of this design principle is to move and guide the eyes around the room.
You can create rhythm in a room using colors, shapes, sizes, patterns, and texture. For example, you have a beautiful painting in your living room. Pick up a defining color or pattern from it, and then use it on your pillows and rug.
Scale and Proportion
These two go hand in hand since they both deal with size and shape. Proportion is all about the ratio of one element to another. For example, if you place a small side table next to an oversized chair, then the proportions are off. It’s why the size of each object in a room should be more or less equal to maintain balance.
Meanwhile, scale refers to the size of an object within a space. When you walk into a room and feel like the furniture is too big or too small for the area, that means the scaling of the pieces in relation to the space isn’t done properly.
Visit Factory Direct Furniture
To achieve balance, rhythm, and scale and proportion in your home, you’ll need the right furniture and urban home décor. Drop by at Factory Direct Furniture and browse through our various pieces. You’re sure to find the perfect sofa, table, or loveseat for your home.