Chapter 8 Elements and Principles of Interior Design 245 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Harmony Harmony is the combination of design elements and principles in an aesthetically pleasing or orderly whole. It is the hallmark of good design and results when all design elements—such as the architectural features and furnishings—work together in an interesting composition of belonging and relationship. To form a visual decision, designers often ask the following: ■ Do these elements look like they belong together? ■ Do adjacent colors, similar shapes, or related textures create an interesting visual connection throughout a space? ■ Is there is a relationship between the design elements that relate to and reinforce a key concept developed for the space? Harmony results with the correct application of the design principles. If elements and principles are unrelated or compete with each other, harmony does not exist, the design looks chaotic or boring, and it visually falls apart. Harmony requires planning for a balance of unity and variety in a space. Unity is a set of conscious choices to tie the composition together, a sense of order, oneness, and uniformity. The elements have a sense of belonging to each other such as colors that mesh and complement each other or furnishings used from a similar period. Unity in design is a concept that stems from Gestalt theory. This theory—related to visual perception and psychology—concerns how the human brain perceives and organizes visual information into categories or groups. The visual world is so complex that the mind tries to determine ways to cope with the confusion. It often seeks the simplest solution or meaning to a design it is viewing by organizing or grouping the information. Gestalt theory includes the following four harmonious concepts (see Figure 8-33 A, B, C, and D): A B C D Figure 8-33 Gestalt theory relates to how the human brain visually perceives and categorizes information. Four gestalt concepts that produce harmony include (A) proximity, (B) repetition, (C) continuation, and (D) alignment. Discuss design examples that support each concept. Tr1sha/Shutterstock.com Haworth, Inc. Photography: Kenneth M. Wyner/Designed by ForrestPerkins Designer: Aneka Jensen/Photography: Damon Searles Photography