The document outlines six essential elements of interior design: space, line, form, texture, pattern, and color. It explains how each element influences design, including tips on creating visual perception and harmony in a space. Understanding these elements allows for more effective and aesthetically pleasing design choices.

1. Interior Design
The 6 Elements of Design

2. Space
 Space is the area in
which we work
 It defines limits and sets
boundaries of our design
 It is limited by width,
length and height
 To make space seem
larger ­use
soft, light,
cool colors
 To make space seem
smaller – use patterns or
dark, warm colors

3. Line
 Line establishes
shape and form
 It suggests
movement and leads
or moves the eye
around the room
 Lines are either
straight or curved
 Straight lines are
considered to be
more masculine

4. Vertical lines suggest formality and dignity

5. Diagonal lines create a sense of drama

6. Horizontal lines are relaxed, restful and casual.

7.  Curved lines add interest
and relief
 Curved lines are softer, so
are considered to be more
feminine

8. Form
 The shape of an object is
form (square, rectangle,
round, oval)
 Forms in a room should
be harmonious
 Rectangular shapes are
more pleasing to the eye
than square shapes
 Rectangles are most
often the dominant
shape in a room

9. Squares suggest a rational, stable form with no
direction

10.  A circle implies unity
and completeness

11. Triangle is a stable, but dynamic shape

12. Texture
 The surface of an object, its
smoothness or roughness,
is another important
decorating tool
 The use of several
complementary textures
can add variety and keep
interest alive
 Be careful to avoid
dramatic contrasts between
the textures
 It is not a good idea to use
casual, rough burlap in the
same setting with a soft
and formal moiré

13. Texture cont.
 Heavily textured, nubby,
rough surfaces absorb
more light. They are
more casual in feeling;
they seem to be darker
and they are good at
absorbing sound
 Smooth and shiny
surfaces are more
formal; they appear to
be lighter and are more
reflective of light

14. Pattern
 Pattern is the repetition of a
decorative motif on a surface
 It is closely related to texture,
but individual elements of
pattern appear as individual
items and texture appears as an
overall tone.
 Pattern provides the spice in
decorating
 Scale is important in the use of
pattern
 If a large print is used on a
small object the pattern will get
lost

15. Pattern cont.
 You can safely use a
floral pattern with a
geometric pattern, a
stripe or check
 Be careful not to create
an effect that is too busy
 Use patterns that are in
proportion to each other
 A large floral would be
out of proportion with a
small check

16. Color
 Color is one of the most
powerful tools used in
interior design/ decorating.
 Color should be studied
both psychologically and
emotionally to be
understood and used
correctly.
 The amount of light also
affects color
 Dim lighting reduces a
color's value and
diminishes its hue

17. Color cont.
 High lighting levels can
either intensify the hue or
make the color appear
washed out
 Color swatches should be
tested in their actual
location under the expected
lighting conditions before
final decisions are made
 The amount of area covered
affects color
 Color intensifies as the area
of color increases
 It is also important to
remember that interior
colors should be chosen
inside and exterior colors
outside

18. Now that you know the
six Elements of Design ,
you can better understand
them and you can make
them work for you