The below pages linking to the Design Principles Series preceding this one are all significant to getting a good understanding of the elements of design as they they relate to creating art and interiors.

DESIGN ELEMENTS Overview
POINT - The First Element
LINE - FORM - FLOW
TEXTURE & PATTERN
Some Fun With Color!

It is impossible to grasp spatial planning without a thorough knowledge of the elements of design. Some have the natural inherent ability, some none. Whatever degree of understanding always bears aligning with the universal design principles that apply to every area of visual and spatial design.

Scale develops design, a result of flow from point to line to flow & form. Where line flows into object form, it creates object size. Specifically, the subject of SCALE will make the most sense by getting a grasp of the elements point, line, form & flow.

SCALE IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FORMS

Click to art prints Forms of like or similar scale (size) create harmonious design. Objects of extremely dissimilar scale juxtapose creating disharmony.

Juxtaposition can create an effective statement in art. But in Interior Design, it creates an uncomfortable, generally undesirable feeling.

Click to art postersSuccessful interiors for living & working depend on the variety of the design elements and principles working harmoniously & in balance. Each decorating element is of significant importance in the contribution to cohesive interior design.

Scale may be a least understood & hence improperly applied of design elements. Even among those working in the field, I have seen this misunderstood & therefore mis-used decorating application mess up the interior design arrangement of an entire house.

It really comes from total lack of a point of reference in relating to an understanding of scale & therefore all the design elements preceding it. Know your POINT - LINE - FLOW - FORM. It will take a long way and even become so natural you hardly have to think about it

GETTING SCALE DESIGN ELEMENTS RIGHT

So how do you get it right? As above, take the time to study, observe, practice and know the design elements.

Generally, a large room will warrant large pieces. Large furniture, pieces of art, window treatments that make statements suited to the scale pf the room. Accessories must be in scale also. Small lamps for example, in a large room with large furniture pieces look ridiculous.

Equally ridiculous is the combination of improperly scaled furniture pieces placed together. The following pages also offer helpful and interesting references to scale:
Choosing Furniture
Elements of Design
features an amusing critique of an Architectural Digest vintage spread on the late Gary Coopers home.

A small room - this is interesting now - can go either way. Small rooms are well-suited to smaller scale furniture, art, etc. However, take for example a small den or even a small living room. A few carefully chosen & carefully placed large pieces instead of more smaller ones can actually make a small room appear larger.

This must be done carefully & blended with accessories, lamps, and art of different scales to merge the scale in the room appropriately. The light and wall color will be of critical influence also, so special attention is due.

When purchasing and outfitting a room with furniture :

MEASURE the room. Draw it to scale.
MEASURE the furniture before buying it. Draw it into the floor plan.
MEASURE all entries for fit

TO CONTINUE TO TEXTURE AND PATTERN click here

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