218 Interiors Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Design Tools and Guiding Rules The elements and principles of design are the fundamental design vocabulary of the profession. They are the tools and guidelines designers use to create, discuss, and evaluate good design in aesthetic, but functional spaces. The elements of interior design—line, shape, form, space, texture, pattern, color, and light—are the tools used to achieve the principles of interior design— guidelines that govern choices and actions designers take to achieve good design—including proportion, scale, focal point, balance, rhythm, and harmony. If used together properly, they produce a quality designed space. If used improperly, the space often appears ugly or chaotic. A sense of beauty and order are both essen- tial components of a well-designed space. To understand the relationship of elements to principles, consider two other artistic fields: music and culinary arts. ■ To compose music, the proper combination of notes, dynamics, and tempo (elements of music) achieve harmony (principle of music). This combination results in a pleasing melody or tune. ■ In culinary arts, the chef combines spices and ingredients (elements) according to a recipe or formula. With harmonious display (principle), these elements result in a beautifully presented and yummy-tasting dish. As you walk into every space, begin to ask yourself, how does this space make me feel? How did the designer achieve this look? Focus on the details of how the elements and principles are used. Is the ceiling too high or too low to make you feel comfortable? Does the light add drama to the space or is it too dim to read a book? Does its shape and size please you? Is the wall color enchanting or do you find it depressing? Is there an intriguing alcove created by a volume of space? Is there a charm created by a mixture of specific textures? The way elements and principles of design are applied differentiate one space from another, Figure 8-1. The world of interior design unfolds as you realize that the power of creating spaces begins with your proper use and application of the elements and principles. Before beginning your study of them, it is important to know several factors. ■ Clients routinely expect interior designers to be creative on demand. At the same time, well- designed spaces require thoughtful consideration of client needs. Proper use of the elements and principles offers designers a systematic approach to more quickly achieve this goal. ■ Good design rarely results from intuition or instinct, but from proper use of the design elements and principles. ■ It is important to observe the application of the elements and principles of design in the spaces around you. Start now. As you study and analyze them, their use becomes second nature. ■ The elements and principles of interior design are not used singly or in isolation. Different combinations create a unique space. ■ The application of the elements and principles of design does not have the same exactness as physics or mathematics. A designer cannot neatly categorize and describe them. Instead, their flexibility allows the interior designer to creatively manipulate and interpret them, sometimes with great fancy or fun. Introduction There is something wonderful and exciting about the elements and principles of design. Perhaps it is because how you use them differentiates your interior spaces from other places. Possibly it is through the innovative use of them you express your creativity in an interior. When applied in a personal space, they express your individuality. When applied in a client’s space, they are the tools and guidelines used to innovatively solve problems and reflect your client’s preferences in design.