Interior designers need to understand how design elements like color, line and texture work together. They also need to stay abreast of industry trends and have a strong creative vision.
Balance and symmetry are essential to interior design but if applied without careful consideration they can produce overly formal, traditional and dull environments. The key to balance is a proper distribution of visual weight.
Color
Color is one of the most important things to consider in interior design. It can change the mood of a room and influence how people feel in it. For example, if you walk into a restaurant and see yellow or orange colors, it will stimulate your appetite. This is why many restaurants use these colors in their decorations. Savvy interior designers know how to use color in a subtle way that will make their clients feel good about the space they’re in.
Unity is another important consideration in interior design. Every element of the design must work together to create a cohesive whole. This includes the colors, textures, and shapes of all the different elements in the room. It’s important that these elements are complementary, but they also need to provide a contrast. Otherwise, the space will look chaotic and disjointed.
Form is the shape of the rooms and furniture in the home. It can be geometric – such as straight lines and angles – or natural, such as curvaceous pieces that bring softness to the design. In addition, forms must be balanced – if you have too much of one type of shape, it can overpower the design. For instance, if you have a lot of radial patterns or straight lines in your room, it’s important to balance them with neutral colours like white.
Texture
A room without texture feels flat and unfinished. It’s one of the most underrated design elements, but it adds depth and beauty to any scheme. In our series, Unsung to Undeniable, Interior Designer Amity Worrel looks at textures that are often overlooked but have the power to elevate a space from basic to beautiful.
When people think of texture, they often think of different fabrics or materials. However, it’s important to remember that texture can also be found in all sorts of other things. A rough brick wall, for example, has a physical texture that can be felt by touch. Natural wood furniture, on the other hand, has a more visual texture that can be appreciated by sight. Even a gloss finish on a painted wall has a distinct texture that’s different from a matte finish.
In addition to adding visual interest, texture also adds a sense of warmth and comfort to a space. For example, a plush rug or throw can make a starkly minimalist room feel cozy and inviting. Texture can also be used to highlight specific architectural elements in a room, such as crown molding or chair rails. When paired with adjustable ambient lighting, texture can be even more impactful. By adjusting the color and brightness of the light, you can highlight the texture of your chosen elements while still keeping the space feeling spacious and open.
Line
Line is an interior design element that can be used to create all sorts of different looks. It can add depth and interest to a space, as well as evoke emotions. In addition, it can make a space appear longer or wider. It can also create a sense of movement in the room. It is important for interior designers to use a mix of lines to ensure that the room is balanced and interesting.
In terms of shape, there are two types of lines: geometric and natural. Geometric shapes tend to be man-made, such as furniture, while natural shapes are more organic and curved. Curving lines, such as those found in a Cappellini chair, can create a playful and fun look. They can also make a room feel voluminous and full of life.
In contrast, vertical lines can create a feeling of strength and stability. They are often used in features such as doors, windows, and tall structures. They can be emphasized with contrasting colors to draw the eye upwards and create a more imposing and masculine look. Similarly, diagonal or zigzag lines can add drama and excitement to a space. However, it is important for designers to avoid overusing dynamic lines in a space because they can be overwhelming. Instead, they should be used to emphasize specific points in the room and bring a more balanced and cohesive look to the space.
Light
A successful interior design is not just about the colours and furniture, it also includes lighting. The right lighting can change the mood and the overall feel of a room. It can make a space look warmer and inviting, or colder and more sterile. It can also create the illusion of space or make a small room look bigger. Using the right lighting can also improve the flow of a room.
Whether a space is a luxurious mansion or an humble mud home, it has a distinct ambiance that can be felt by anyone who enters it. Great interior designers understand the power of their craft and carefully consider the message that a space sends to people. They also know that good design is not just a physical aesthetic but can also help to heal the soul.
Although some people think that the work of an professional interior designer is similar to that of a decorator, it is a far more complex and involved process. In addition to creating a unified aesthetic, interior designers must be able to take the lead on projects that may require a significant amount of time and money. Moreover, they must be able to respond quickly to the needs and concerns of their clients. This is especially important when working with a client who has very particular tastes or unique requirements.
