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The Seven Elements of Interior Design: A Beginner's Guide

Updated: Oct 13, 2021

In interior design, terms such as creativity and elegance immediately come to mind, yet many people are astonished to hear that certain science is involved. Professional interior designers in Sri Lanka like Widac Commercial Interiors often follow a series of "rules" that are based on particular ideas and elements of interior design. All interior design components must be balanced in order to produce an esthetically appealing home, encompassing space, lines, shapes, lighting, colour, texture and pattern.

Introduction to Interior Design

There are seven elements of interior design that you should know when designing your home or office: space, colour, lines, shapes, texture, lights, and pattern. Colour in interior design is used for several reasons. It can be used as a focal point to draw attention to an object, or it can be used to showcase a particular style or design element. Although different designers have their own unique styles and ideas of colour, they agree that bold, primary colours are best used to create a splash of colour in a room. Translucent or translucent paints are also ideal for walls, as they allow some light to pass through them but not too much light to shine through them. Lines are often featured as a design element in an interior.

The Elements of Interior Design

From symmetry to triangles, to the great circle of architecture, the seven elements of the interior design appear frequently in the top design magazines. There is a strong connection between the elements of interior design and the physical world around us. In the seven-element system, the sky represents 'white' or 'pure' space. This space can be made transparent, full of white light, bright and stable. White space has the potential to create a balanced home interior, one that contains every colour, shape, size and texture.


Light

Light is a very important aspect of interior design because it can change the perception of space, or direct the eye to an element in a way that is invisible to the naked eye. An intuitive sense of balance is created when light and shadow are applied in a consistent manner in a room. When light is replaced with various colours of paint or light fixtures, a room may be perceived as more contemporary, yet this colour scheme may contrast with other elements of the room, which may be more serious or warm in colour. For example, white walls with light blue trim or floors may be perceived as more formal, whereas more dark walls with darker floors may be viewed as more romantic or more homey.

Colour

This might sound like a given, but one thing people often forget is that colours are a big deal in interior design. We might think of colours in terms of warmth or fun, but that doesn't mean they are interchangeable. A paler hue, such as white, might be considered the definition of cold, whereas an energetic hue, such as yellow, might be considered warm. White is most often associated with ultra-feminine and clean designs, whereas warm colours are associated with more organic and gentle designs. The best way to determine the right colour for a room, especially if it is an important feature, is to use combinations of the right colours.

Texture

The texture is one of the most important interior design elements whether it is office interior designing in Sri Lanka or home interior designing in Sri Lanka. A visual texture can be as simple as a texture on a doorknob, to as intricate as polished brass fixtures. This type of texture must appear inviting, especially when choosing paint colours for a room. Pattern Any type of pattern is a great choice to break up the monotony of a flat wall. It can also work in conjunction with the soft, flowy texture of a rug. Patterns help define spaces and indicate a level of decor, without being too distracting. Limitations of Skin Every material has its strengths and weaknesses, and it is easy for colour and texture to be over-used, when similar effects are tried out.

Line

The most well-known line in interior design is the straight-line – this is considered to be a clean and elegant approach that expresses the architect’s vision and goal. Straight lines usually include a specific tone and colour, yet sometimes a line can be varied. Convex and concave Convex and concave are lines that are both convex and concave. When convex, the design is convex; when concave, the design is concave. Cross-section and profile Cone and dome are more geometric designs that are positioned on the surface of the room. Cross-section refers to a natural form; a profile refers to architectural designs and is only geometric or natural. Floor to ceiling Floor to ceiling is one way of dividing up space vertically, as in a series of cubicles or work areas.

Shape

The idea behind the "shape" of the home is to fill the space with an element that can enhance the experience and wellbeing of the occupants. The shape of a home is actually defined by how the space is shaped. A circular home design is about breaking the pattern, feeling spacious, light, airy, and relaxing, all qualities a circular home encompasses. This is a unique design element that is not found in other designs and is popular for use in modern and contemporary homes. The current trends in home interior design include looking to technology to control devices. The home automation trend in home interior design has been growing, and many are using devices like Google Home, Amazon Echo, and Apple HomePod to listen to music and adjust the lighting in the home.

Space

Space is one of the most important parts of interior design. Too much or too little space can make a home look messy. But balance is key. The correct balance allows for movement and reveals symmetry. Think of the layout of a home as a puzzle, a layered puzzle with each layer depicting a change of direction. When there is no progression and there are gaps between certain spaces, a home will look stark. Sizes and proportions What does it mean to have proportionate spaces? Simple. When trying to balance an interior, space must be considered first and then proportions. For example, a column of space where a window should be will take up too much space and create the feeling that there is no flow from one space to the other.


Pattern

Pattern, when combined with colour, has a similar function to texture in that it can bring appeal to a room. Wallpaper, soft furnishings, rugs, and fabrics all have patterns that are formed by using a repeated design. Stripes, geometric, pictorial, organic, motif, and animal prints are all examples of patterns. It is advisable to evaluate the size and style of a room before using a pattern. Patterns should be used sparingly in a tiny area to prevent dominating the space.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you ever find yourself feeling confused about why interior design is such an important concept to consider, then you're in luck! Instead of getting the answers to interior design questions from unqualified professionals, you can learn about the latest trends and explore the ideas and science behind the process by the best interior design company in Sri Lanka, Widac Commercial Interiors.


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