A good interior design integrates creativity with practicality to optimize spatial use and user experience. To create a perfect interior design, a designer needs to delve into the core; they must be aware of the 7 principles of interior design and implement them in each of their design projects.
The 7 Principles Of Interior Design include,
1. Balance
3. Rhythm
4. Emphasis
6. Contrast
7. Details
These principles guide decisions on important aspects like layout, colour scheme, furniture placement, and decor choices ensuring that the spaces are not only aesthetic but also comfortable and functional for the residents.
In this blog, we will discuss in detail the 7 principles of interior design. Not only will this help you comprehend interior design more closely but it will also help you design your interior space accurately and effectively.
1. Balance
Interior design involves three types of balance:
symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial balance. Balance in interior design is essential to achieve visual equilibrium by distributing visual elements throughout the space. The principle of balance is responsible for infusing stability into the interior design of the entire living space.
Symmetrical Balance
This type of balance is derived from a mirroring effect. Here the living space is divided into two and both sides are identical as if they are reflecting each other. Symmetrical balance is usually seen in dining rooms and bedrooms where the furniture on the two sides of rooms is identical.
Asymmetrical Balance
An asymmetrical balance is completely opposite of a symmetrical balance. Here care is taken to break the mirror effect by a more flexible design style. The space is adorned with decor items and furniture that complement each other but are quite dissimilar from each other.
Radial Balance
This involves placing the elements in a certain manner such that a natural focal point can be established. Usually, a bigger element like a fireplace or a table is considered a focal point and the smaller decor pieces diverge from it
Achieving Balance in Different Spaces
Amongst the 7 principles of interior design, balance is a crucial one. Here we are suggesting some ideas for creating a balanced design for different rooms of your house.
In Living Room
You can consider achieving symmetry in your living room by incorporating matching furniture on either side of the focal point.
In Bedroom
You can go for asymmetric balance here.
For example, choosing varying sizes of furniture will help you establish asymmetric balance while creating a relaxed look for your bedroom.
In Kitchen
Creating a radial balance around the cooking area with cabinets and appliances is ideal for cooking spaces.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
A common mistake that most interior designers make while trying to infuse balance in the design is overemphasizing symmetrical balance in every aspect of the room. The designers might neglect the opportunity to introduce asymmetry or radial balance which are essential for adding dynamism to the room.
Therefore, it is always advisable to establish balance in interior design by incorporating symmetric, asymmetric, and radial balance effectively. This is the key to creating a more engaging and harmonious interior
Opt for a design that incorporates the right amount of decor elements and implements the principle of symmetry. Remember, a room stuffed with furniture and decor items looks messy and overcrowded whereas a room that has a lot of negative space can seem empty. Also, using contrasting elements in the design can make your space look more appealing.
2. Unity and Harmony
Unity and Harmony are at the core of the 7 principles of interior design. Let’s understand them.
An interior design comprises varied elements; they are knit together to transform a living space and make it more presentable. It is important to ensure unity in interior design by carefully picking the furniture and the materials. Often interior designers establish cohesion by maintaining a common design or theme while preserving the uniqueness of every room. To add to unity, they further ensure that everything blends harmoniously to create a pleasing composition. Designers often use colour schemes and textures to establish harmony in the projects
Techniques to Achieve Unity
Let us look at some of the techniques for achieving utility.
Color Schemes
Colour schemes are a great way to achieve cohesiveness in interior design. It is important to choose a cohesive colour palette that comprises consistent base colours across different rooms accompanied by contrasting shades and tones of the same colour. Choosing a good colour scheme is instrumental in creating a sense of cohesion and balance, making the entire design feel integrated and harmonious.
Texture and Patterns
Using similar textures and patterns throughout the house incredibly brings the entire design together. Consistent use of textures like wood, glossy surfaces, and fabrics tie different elements together and harmonize the space. Similarly, repeating patterns reinforce the design theme in different corners of the house and infuse unity.
Creating Unity and Harmony In Design.
Most professional interior designers use different techniques to maintain unity and harmony in their designs. Some effective ways of blending the different design elements harmoniously include the following:
- Sticking to a consistent design style
- Using repetition of design elements.
- Selecting lighting fixtures that match the overall design aesthetics
3. Rhythm
In the previous segment we were discussing achieving harmony in interior designs; for harmony to exist rhythm is important. In the field of interior design, rhythm is among the 7 principles of interior design. It implies the use of colours, patterns, and textures in repetition or contrasts to create an effect that leads your eyes through your rooms
In this segment, we share some ways in which you can create rhyme in your interior design.
Repetition
This technique involves repeating elements like colours, shapes, textures, or patterns to guide the eyes and create a sense of movement throughout the space.
For example, you can create colour repetition by using similar colours in different areas of the room. A yellow accent pillow on the sofa can be echoed by yellow curtains or yellow-coloured patterns in a rug
Alternation
Using alteration to create rhythm in an interior design involves alternating two or more elements in a regular pattern to establish visual interest and guide the eye through the space. You can alter between two or more colours in a sequence, or you can combine different patterns in repeating orders to add variety and maintain cohesiveness at the same time
For example, Arrange alternating colours or styles of dining chairs around the table. You can alter between wood and upholstered chairs to add visual interest.
Progression
Using progression to create rhythm in interior design involves arranging elements in a sequence that gradually changes in size, colour, or shape creating a sense of movement. You can create rhythm through size progression, colour gradient, height variation, and more.
For example,Install wall panels or molding in a repetitive pattern, such as wainscoting or beadboard, to create a rhythmic architectural element.
Balancing Rhythm with Other Principles
When you implement each of the principles of interior design it is important to ensure that all of these principles complement each other seamlessly. Balancing rhythm with other principles of interior design ensures a cohesive and harmonious space. When each principle supports the others an aesthetically pleasing and functional design is created
Style tip
Here are some easy tips to incorporate rhythm in interior design
- Repeat a key colour throughout the room.
- Position furniture symmetrically around a focal point.
- Arrange items in an increasing or decreasing sequence.
4. Emphasis
Out of the 7 principles of interior design Emphasis plays a crucial role in eliminating the monotony and rigidity of a space. It involves using a focal element that holds a space together. Usually, design elements that are larger and weighty make a good focal element. For example, a chandelier or a fireplace in the living room can instantly grab your attention and bring life to your interior design.
Creating a Strong Focal Point
In this segment, we discuss different techniques by which you can create a strong focal point.
Furniture Arrangement
Arranging the furniture strategically can draw attention to the focal point of the room. Some possible ways to create a focal point with furniture arrangement includes:
- Placing a bold piece of furniture such as a sofa, opposite to a room’s entry point is great at catching attention.
- You can use area rugs to define a focal point.
- If you want to enhance the focal point of your room then incorporating symmetry into your design can help.
Architectural Elements
Incorporating architectural elements can create a built-in focal point that enhances the overall design and functionality of a place,’ Some techniques for creating a strong focal point with architectural elements include:
- Building fireplaces
- Using accent walls with bold colours, textured finishes, or other distinctive materials
Balancing Emphasis with Other Elements
A perfect interior design balances the 7 principles of interior design. While implementing emphasis in your designs you have to be very careful. The best practice will be to balance emphasis by ensuring other areas support the focal point without competing for attention.
Avoiding Overcrowding Focal Points
The beauty of focal points is that one of them is enough for a specific space. Having a single focal point in a room is enough to grab the focus of the people in that room. However, if you include too many focal points close to each other then the space might look overcrowded. It confuses people rather than grabbing their attention.
Style tips
Here are some style tips that you can include while creating focal points in a space
- Using bold patterns and colours to highlight a particular area
- You can hang a large piece of art or an eye-catching mirror to create a focal point
- As mentioned before, do not include multiple focal points within one room.
5. Proportion and Scale
Proportion and scale are one of the 7 principles of interior design. Scale measures how the size of one object in a room complements or contrasts with the size of the other objects in the same space. On the other hand, proportion focuses on the relationship between objects of different sizes. If you pay close attention to your home’s interior design then you will find plenty of examples of the application of the principle of proportion and scale. Let us explore this principle a little bit more.
Difference Between Proportion and Scale
Before proceeding further it is important to understand the difference between proportion and scale.
Proportion | Scale |
Proportion is responsible for guiding how elements such as furniture, architectural features, and decor items relate to each other. | Scale is crucial in determining how objects and spaces feel in terms of size. |
Proportion focuses on the relative size, scale, and visual weight of elements in relation to each other and the whole composition. | It deals with the actual physical dimension of the elements and how they relate to the size of the space they occupy. |
Importance of Proportion in Design
Why is proportion important in interior design?
Proportion is one of the most crucial elements of the 7 principles of interior design. Here are some reasons explaining the cruciality of proportion in design.
- Proportion helps create a sense of harmony and unity within a design
- Proper proportions ensure that a design feels balanced.
- Proportion is important for incorporating functionality into the design.
Achieving Proper Scale in Different Spaces
Achieving proper scale in both large and small spaces involves careful consideration of several factors.
Large Spaces
You can create a proper scale for large spaces by:
- Using properly sized furniture and decor items that fill the space without overcrowding it.
- Creating zones with a large space to define different functions.
- Utilize tall plants, shelving units, or artwork to fill the vertical space.
Small Spaces
Creating a proper scale for small spaces involves:
- Opting for smaller-scale furniture to avoid overwhelming the space
- Use smaller-scale lighting fixtures.
- Using mirrors or light-coloured walls to create an illusion of depth
Common Mistakes in Proportion and Scale
Proportion and Scale are critical elements in interior design. Making mistakes can keep you from achieving a harmonious and balanced space. Some common mistakes which you should avoid include:
- Using either too small or too large furniture
- Mixing decor items of drastically different scales
- Neglecting the vertical dimension of the room
Style tips
Are you planning to incorporate the 7 styles of interior design in your work?
In this segment, we are sharing some style tips that you can follow to implement the concepts of proportion and style.
- You can choose a dominant piece in the room and create a design around it
- Combine large, medium, and small items to create visual interest
- Divide the spaces and elements into thirds to create pleasing proportions.
Also read our Experts list of interior designers in Bangalore to pick right one .
6. Contrast
One of the interior design basics is to understand the role of contrasts in your interior design style. Contrasting elements make your design look more attractive and break the monotony. Contrast is one of the most powerful principles of interior design. You can add contrast to everything including shapes, varieties, textures, materials, and more. Contrast allows you to combine opposites and craft a unique aesthetic that strongly showcases the power of contrasting elements. Some common forms of contrast include using light against dark, rough against smooth, or pairing objects of different sizes.
Creating Color Contrast
Out of the 7 principles of interior design, contrast is one of the most crucial ones. There are different ways of creating contrast, and using colours is one of the most common ones. Here are some common ways of creating contrasts with colours
- You can use colours that are opposite to each other on the colour wheels.
- Pairing high-contrast neutrals like black and white.
- Using bold accent colours against a neutral background
Using Textures and Patterns for Contrast
You can use patterns and textures to create contrast in interior design. Here are some popular ways of doing it.
- Combining patterns of different scales; for example, pairing a bold pattern with a smaller and a more delicate one
- Mixing different types of patterns including stripes, polka dots, and plaids
- Pairing smooth surfaces with tougher textures
Balancing Contrast to Avoid Overwhelm
Too much of a contrast might seem overwhelming. So, to avoid this you can implement the following tips.
- While using a contrasting colour palette make sure that you are using a contrasting base colour and introduce contrasting hues in moderation.
- Use different types of lighting to highlight contrasting elements and unify them.
Practical Examples of Contrast
Let’s look at some practical examples of using contrasts
- You can pair light walls with dark furniture for a striking effect
- You can combine smooth and rough textures for tactile contrast
7. Details
While consulting interior designers you will find them highlighting their ability to pay attention to details. This skill is quite relevant in the interior design field as taking care of details is an important principle of interior design. Little details in the design can make a huge difference to your living space.
The Importance of Details in Interior Design
You cannot perfect interior design as long as you miss out on the details. Therefore, incorporating details is one of the 7 principles of interior design. Here are some reasons for the importance of interior design.
- Paying attention to details creates visual interest and complexity which make the place look more engaging and appealing
- Functional details such as light switches, outlets, and efficient storage solutions improve the usability of the room.
- Details are important for bringing various elements of design together thus creating a harmonious and unified look.
Key Areas to Focus on Details in Designing
Lighting, Hardware, and Accessories are some of the key areas to focus on while paying attention to details.
Lighting
You must pay attention to lighting as it is crucial for both functionality and aesthetics. Noticing little details like colour temperature and brightness of bulbs, types of lighting fixtures, and more can make a big difference to your design.
Hardware
Hardware details including knobs, handles, and hinges can influence the look and feel of the room. You must pay attention to ensure the use of consistent hardware styles, proper materials and finishes, and high-quality hardware so that the room’s aesthetics and design longevity
Accessories
Accessories add personality and character to a place. They play an important role in adding a personal touch to your space. Hence paying attention to the selection of complementing or contrasting accessories to a room’s colour scheme, mixing and matching patterns, and picking proportionally sized accessories can create a huge difference in the design.
Examples of Successful Detail Integration
Are you confused about incorporating details in your design process? Here are some examples for you to follow
- Arranging for layered lighting in a living room by decorating it with a central chandelier, recessed ceiling lights, floor lamps and table lamps.
- Fitting matching brushed nickel handles on all cabinets and drawers creates a cohesive look.
Style tips
Some common tips for incorporating contrast in interior design include
- Combine bold, vibrant colours with neutral tones to make the bold colours stand out.
- Mixing smooth and rough textures to create a contrast
Design Style By Applying the 7 Principles of Interior Design Together
Design style refers to a theme or an aesthetic approach that guides the implementation of interior design principles. When you are applying the 7 principles of interior design including balance, unity and harmony, rhythm, emphasis, proportion and style, contrast, and details within a specific design style we must ensure they work cohesively.
Be it a traditional style or a contemporary one, it is important to ensure that the design principles have been incorporated and blended seamlessly to achieve the desired look.
Often it becomes difficult to blend the 7 principles of interior design together. It is important to seek help at these times. But, should you hire an interior designer or an interior decorator?
Before making a decision, understand the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator and hire according to your requirements.
Final Tips for Aspiring Interior Designers on Using the 7 Principles
Are you planning to be an interior designer?
Here are some steps that you can follow
Gain knowledge and Education : You can build a good foundation and understanding of the principles of interior design, spatial planning, and colour theory by investing in formal education.
Develop your style and vision : Explore and experiment with the different design styles and develop your unique aesthetics.
New design styles and techniques are always emerging in the interior design industry. To be a good designer you must stay updated with these trends and developments. At the same time, you must be acquainted with the timeless design techniques as well.
Experience : Experience is very important in any field. So, you must get some experience by working as an intern or in some entry-level positions to get some hands-on knowledge.
Conclusion
Most people misunderstand interior designing as decorating their homes with some random decor items. However, it is not just that. Interior design involves a ton of rules and principles.
It is important to incorporate these in your design to craft a perfect style that balances aesthetics and functionality. Any design project is incomplete without the 7 principles of interior design.
In this blog, we explore these principles in detail to understand how and where to use them. Also, remember that while incorporating these principles you must ensure that they blend properly. A design that follows all the principles of interior design brings out the best in a place.
Interested to know more about interior design?
Read this blog: Top 100 types of interior design styles every designer should know.
FAQ FOR 7 Principle Of Interior Design
Yes, they do. Most leading interior design firms like SunTew have a team of designers who are well-versed in the 7 principles of interior design and implement them in design projects.
Interior design focuses on spatial planning and functionality. On the other hand, decorating enhances aesthetics with furnishings and decor.
Learn more about the difference between an interior designer and a decorator by clicking here.
Begin by considering the room’s purpose, lighting, and personal preferences. You can then use colour theory to create harmony and balance.
Here are some ideas for creating a focal point for small rooms
- Placing a big piece of furniture
- Use contrasting colours and textures
- Highlighting architectural features
- Using consistent colour schemes and textures
- Ensure flow between rooms with cohesive furniture placement
With almost 6 years of experience, SunTew is one of the most trusted design firms in Bangalore
- Overcrowding spaces with too many focal points or design elements
- Neglecting lighting
- Mismatched furniture proportions
