Design with color, shape and size in mind.
Like a family, the elements of design are all related. The component at the center of good design is balance. The basic elements of design -- line, color, shape, size, space and texture -- must be in harmony to create balance. To understand how each element relates to design balance, you must consider the characteristics of each element. Does this Spark an idea?
Line
The curvy lines in these chairs create a graceful, somewhat formal and feminine feel.
Lines define shape, contour and outline. Just as great bones provide the skeleton for a well-formed body, lines create the structure for furniture, accessories and, in general, everything around us. When describing a piece of furniture, you may hear people say, "It has great lines." Lines make up shapes or suggest shapes. Whether long, short, continuous or broken, lines lead the eye. They can be graceful, as in the curvy, rounded Queen Anne style of furniture, or rigid and straight, which characterizes the Mission style.
Size
While size is an obvious design element, surprisingly, it's often overlooked. Plus, it can be tricky. For example, a large sofa or chair in a small room can make the room look and feel cozy or completely overcrowded. If you placed a balance beam down the center of the room, the size of the objects in the room must appear evenly balanced on both sides. They can balance symmetrically, giving a formal look to a room, or asymmetrically. For example, a sofa with two chairs on either side is balanced. To balance a room asymmetrically, place one larger item, balanced by several smaller items on the other side of a room. A sofa with a love seat on one side and two smaller chairs on the other side is asymmetrically balanced. The same principle applies to accessories.
Color
Color selection is integral to design balance.
Step into any room, and color instantly engages you. The colors in use will create a sense of order and balance, chaos or boredom. "The human brain rejects what it cannot organize or understand," according to Colormatters.com. The color wheel helps organize color and aids in making color selection. Balancing color creates visual interest, a sense of order, mood and overall design balance.
Color Schemes
Selecting color schemes based on general principles helps create balance. Analogous, triadic, monochromatic and complementary color schemes are dependable starting points to select colors for your interiors. Triadic color schemes use three colors that are equally spaced on the color wheel, for example, yellow, red and blue. When one of the three colors dominates, it adds further interest. Monochromatic schemes, where just one color in different values is used, may be the easiest to create. This versatile scheme allows you to easily add other colors with brightly colored pillows, throws or other accessories. Complementary color schemes use two colors opposite each other on the color wheel. Red and green are complementary colors; varying the intensity allows balance and harmony in this color scheme.
Shape
A large rectangular sectional sofa balances well with a round cocktail table.
Balancing shape means incorporating a variety of shapes. For example, a round pillow placed on a rectangular sofa creates interest. A large square ottoman in front of a sofa and loveseat with rounded backs and arms creates a balanced and cozy conversation and TV viewing area. Think of the balance beam again: One shape on one side can be balanced by a different shape of equal size on the other side; three smaller shapes on one side can be balanced by one large shape that equals the three smaller shapes on the other side.
Space
Ample space around this chair shows off its graceful lines.
Space is important in design balance because furniture and accessories must fit, with sufficient space for people to walk, be seated, have a conversation, watch television or play video games. In general, areas people walk through should be no smaller than 36 inches wide. Consider all aspects of the room. Low ceilings or extra high ceilings mean you need to use the space accordingly. Not every square inch of a room must be filled or the room appears crowded. Conversely, too few pieces of furniture or not enough accessories can make it look too spare. Use the space in a room like a canvas, balancing the shapes, sizes and colors within it. An area rug helps balance space in almost any room, providing a foundation for the furniture.
Texture
A solid wood floor is rich in texture.
Texture is present in everything from your ceiling and walls to the fabric on the sofa, the yarns in the carpet, the finish on the wood floor, the lamps, pictures and other accessories you select. Texture alone can cause a room to feel cozy or aloof. Shiny surfaces such as chrome and glass often give a room sophistication. Deep, richly finished woods, nubby fabrics or velvety fabrics invite people to touch them, sit down and relax for a while. With a few thoughtful selections, texture can make the "wow" difference in a room.
Measure Everything
The most important tool to help determine size is your tape measure. Use it to measure everything and carry a small one with you in case your find the perfect item. Measure your room and carry those measurements with you as well. Make a paper pattern of each piece of furniture or accessory and place it in the room to help you visualize whether the actual size will work.
Tags: design balance, other side, color schemes, color wheel, side balanced, balance beam