Design Basics series: line, shape, form

When I moved into my first home, I didn’t have a clue about the elements and principles of interior design. I loved reading interior design magazines, and I had a stash of pictures of my favourite interiors, but that was the extent of my knowledge.

I remember stepping into the empty apartment with my bulging file of beautiful pictures, and wondering how on earth I was going to turn a few shabby, old-fashioned rooms into the lovely, modern home I wanted.

Luckily for me, one of my best friend was an interior designer, and she offered to help. Not only did she manage to design the apartment of my dreams, but watching her work her magic made me want to learn more about interior design, and years later I went back to college to become an interior designer.

One of the first things I learned was that a knowledge of design basics is essential for the successful planning and realisation of any interior design project. The elements and principles of design are general, universal ideas that apply to every aspect of design. Once you know them, and understand their potential, you can combine and use them to create beautiful interiors, regardless of style and taste.

The elements of design are tools. They have visual and psychological characteristics that are essential for creating desired effects. Design elements create a relationship with each other, the space that contains them, and the observer (us). They are:

• Line
• Shape & Form
• Colour
• Texture & Pattern
• Light

The principles of design are guidelines to the possible ways design elements can be arranged into recognisable patterns. They are:

• Proportion
• Scale
• Balance
• Harmony
• Unity & Variety
• Rhythm
• Emphasis

Today I’m going to talk about line, shape and form, since they are intrinsically related.

Line

A line is, basically, a point extended, or a series of points joined together. While a point is static, and directionless, a line leads the eye and expresses movement, direction, and growth. Line can also convey various feeling and emotions: a delicate, smooth line seems serene and soothing, while a bold, frantic line can suggest anger or energy.

A simple repetitions of similar elements placed close enough can also be perceived as a line with textural quality – think of a Greek key pattern repeated along a wall, for example. Line can also be used to create texture and patterns on the surfaces of forms.

Horizontal lines suggest rest and stability; they have a relaxing, informal effect, and are ideal to create calm interiors. Horizontal lines also suggest breadth, so they visually expand a room.

Vertical lines express a state of equilibrium with the force of gravity; they generate the psychological impression of steadiness, strength and simplicity. They add height and dignity, creating a more formal atmosphere.

Diagonal lines imply movement and are visually active and dynamic; they attract attention and can add drama, but they can be disturbing unless supported by verticals or opposing diagonals. Too many oblique lines can make the interior restless.

Curved lines tend to promote softness; being similar to natural forms, we perceive them as freer than straight lines. Large upwards curves suggest gentle, relaxed movement, while downwards curves seem serious and sad; small curves can express playfulness and energy. An excessive use of curves can create an ornate, fussy appearance.

Shape & Form

Lines joining together define the form or shape of objects. The most common shapes found in our homes are squares, rectangles and triangle – created by straight lines – and circles and ovals – created by circular lines.

The square represents the pure and the rational; like the triangle, it’s a stable, serene figure but it becomes dynamic when standing on one of its corners.

All rectangles can be considered to be variations of the square, however rectangular shapes are more pleasing to the eye than square ones.

Rectangular shapes are clearly the norm in architectural and interior design, however too many rectangular shapes can become boring. Add interest by varying their size, proportion, colour, texture, placement, or orientation.

The triangle represents stability, but it’s also a dynamic shape because of the different angles formed by its sides. A triangle resting on one of its tips implies motion, too.

The circle is a compact shape that represents unity and continuity; although it’s normally a stable shape, it can appear to have motion when combined with other lines and shapes. Curvilinear shapes, like curved lines, express softness and fluidity.

When shapes extend into the third dimension they create volume; the space defined by walls (a room) is the most common volume in interior design. Totally geometric spaces can seem too formal or restrictive, while free-flowing spaces can feel open and confused, so it’s necessary to balance both kind of forms.

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In the next post of the Design Basics series I’ll talk about colour, how we perceive it, the emotional responses it provokes, and how it can be used to change the mood, size and appearance of a room.

Colour is one of the most important elements of design, so make sure not to miss my next post! To receive your free updates, subscribe to Positively Beauty here.

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Photo Credit: LivingEtc

Tagged as: design, design basics, interior design, tips