246 Interiors Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. ■ Proximity. By organizing distinct elements into groups that are near each other, the designer uses the concept of proximity. Placing elements next to each other, such as accessories on a sofa table or pictures on a wall, develops a relationship between objects and is the easiest way to achieve unity. ■ Repetition Repeating the same color, texture, pattern, or shape throughout a space or building creates harmony through unity. Repeating a geometric pattern, such as a square, is an example. ■ Continuation. Used as a line or edge to transition from one form to another, continuation moves the eye through the visual composition or space. This is the most difficult way to achieve harmony. ■ Alignment. Lining up forms or images to organize and create groups involves using alignment. For example, creating clusters of furniture around a focal point creates alignment. Unity, coupled with variety, develops an interesting, cohesive design. Variety is the absence of monotony or sameness. Variety adds vitality, interest, and diversity to a design. It brings life to a room. In interiors, design- ers achieve variety in several ways, such as ■ selecting different colors, furniture, or accessory styles ■ creating interest by using materials of very different textures ■ associating historic furniture pieces with contemporary items Remember, variety without unity can create disorder and chaos. Unity alone is not boredom, but beauty. Lastly, the stronger the grouping, the stronger is the gestalt. Placing a grouping in order achieves unity and under- standing of meaning in the design. If a client desires variety, the designer can reverse the same concept to form groups to add interest to the composition. Understanding Gestalt theory helps you to control unity and variety, therefore achieving harmony. Gestalt allows you to control the order, arrangement, and design of a space based on client needs and preferences. In the design of an interior space, harmonious use of the elements and principles creates visual literacy— the ability to interpret and derive meaning from the composition of images rather than words. Harmony results from practice. In general, designers achieve harmony when ■ interior materials and furnishings blend with existing architectural features ■ furniture is appropriate in scale and proportion to the space ■ colors and textures are compatible with the design and style of furnishings ■ floor coverings and window treatments assist in developing the style and concept ■ accessories enhance and build on the existing design rather than introduce a new theme or style The images and forms that fill an interior space express meaning. These images and forms guide the eye around the room often with a stop at the dominant element, such as a focal point. In combination, the human eye and brain continually gather meaning—visual literacy— from the composition in sight. What gathered meanings are the viewers and users of your designed spaces perceiving? How a designer uses the elements and principles of design develops meaning within the space, and thereby achieves visual literacy. The interior designer manipulates the elements and principles to create spaces that express the client’s function and please the senses. How the elements and principles of design are used changes as new styles appear on the scene. However, they remain the design vocabulary of the profession and the tools and guide- lines to achieve good design. As a student of design, develop a toolbox of different ways to manipulate elements and principles to adapt and transform spaces to address new client needs. As you experiment, you will understand more how to see, feel, and use objects within a space.