The Elements of Interior Design

The elements of interior design are the building blocks when it comes to the design of a space. When considered thoughtfully, they help create interior spaces that feel harmonious, balanced and functional. Below is a simple summary of each element:

Space:

Space refers to the boundaries of a room, consisting of the walls, ceilings and floors. Having a thorough understanding of the specific dimensions of a room along with thoughtful consideration of design choices will heavily influence the way a space feels.

Space within a room is made up of positive and negative space. Positive space is all the three-dimensional elements that occupy a room including furniture, artwork, lighting and accessories/decorations. Negative space is therefore the empty and open area that exists around these elements such as blank walls, clear walkways and space above furniture.

Negative space in a room i.e. leaving some walls blank or spaces uncluttered, allows our eyes to rest, helps highlight key features or focal points in the room and overall creates a sense of balance. Relative proportion is achieved when there is good balance between positive and negative space in room. In other words, when three dimensional elements are appropriately scaled to the room’s size, it ensures the space feels comfortable, functional and visually harmonious.

Line:

Lines create visual paths within a space and help define areas through dividing a room or outlining objects. They evoke different emotions and overall feeling of a room.

Vertical lines, such as floor to ceiling curtains or tall windows draw the eye up, make the room feel more structured and contribute to creating a formal look.

Horizontal lines like low-profile seating or bedding visually widen a space and provide a sense of intimacy and grounding. Diagonal lines seen in the pattern of floorboards or exposed ceiling beams introduce movement, volume and add visual interest to a room. Curved lines such as rounded light pendants or curved dining chairs add softness, create better flow and a calming atmosphere.

Shape:

When considering shapes in a room, it is important to firstly consider the fixed structures such as walls, windows, doors, ceilings and architectural features. These elements can present opportunity and limitation to our design choices. Shapes are created when lines connect and can be either two-dimensional (heigh and width) or three-dimensional (height, width and depth). They appear through objects within a space such as furniture, architectural details and décor. Shapes are grouped into three main categories:

Geometric: circles, squares, rectangles.

Organic: natural forms found in plants, trees, flowers and any other curves from nature.

Abstract: non-representational shapes, unlike geometric and organic forms.

The shapes you choose and how they relate to each other, either contrast or match and influence the overall style and feel of a room. Understanding the history of style and suitability of shapes helps create interiors that feel cohesive and are visually appealing.

Texture.

Texture refers to surfaces we see and touch, adding visual and tactile interest to a room. Textures chosen in a space will influence whether it feels cosy and warm or cool and sophisticated. Soft textures such as woollen rugs, cushions, linens and upholstered furniture create comfort and intimacy. On the other hand, hard textures seen in materials like timber, marble or cement may have glossy, matte or rough finishes seen in furniture, cabinetry or walls. The combination of a variety of textures prevents a room from falling flat, adds depth, richness and adds personality.

Colour.

Colour in interiors is as much psychological as it is visual. It is one of the most powerful elements in interior design as choice of colour can strongly influence mood and perception of a room. Colour is grouped into primary, secondary and tertiary hues, often combined to create balanced and visually appealing interiors.

A simple way to make harmonious colour choices is using the 60/30/10 rule:

60% - Dominant colour: This is the main colour of the room, applied to the walls, ceilings and/or flooring.

30% - Secondary colour: Found in large furniture, floor rugs or curtains to add depth and complement the dominant colour.

10% - Accent colour: Sparingly used throughout cushions, armchairs, artwork or accessories to create visual contrast and interest.

Pattern.

Pattern is the repetition of shapes, lines, motifs or colours within a space. It helps create visual texture, adds personality and brings other design elements in the room together to work cohesively through shape, line and colour.

It presents in many different forms, including fabrics and textiles like cushions, rugs, artwork and repeated materials such as floorboard arrangements, staircases or exposed ceiling beams. It can also be pictorial such as rooms or homes with a theme such as fairy-themed in a children’s room or coastal beach house in a home. Natural elements such as casted shadows from the natural light that enters the room can create pattern. Architectural details and features such as moldings also contribute to pattern within a space. When used thoughtfully, pattern enhances visual interest and creates harmony within a space.

Light.

Light plays a crucial role in interior design, influencing mood, atmosphere, function and the way we experience a space. It can also affect the way we see colours, textures as well as highlight architectural features and focal points.

Light is either natural, entering through windows, doors or skylights, or artificial, created through light fixtures such as pendants, wall lights, table and floor lamps. A well-balanced room will often incorporate layered lighting to support function and feeling. Having a thorough understanding of how natural light enters a space, including variable times throughout the day and across the year, allows us to create a space that fully enhances its beauty and functionality. The addition of task lighting assists with functionality, typically used in kitchens, workspaces or reading areas. Ambient lighting, on the other hand, provides overall illumination, creates warmth and helps establish an intimate, calming and cosy atmosphere.

The elements of interior design shape the way a space looks, feels and functions and each one plays its own important role in creating a harmonious space. Having even a basic understanding of each element will assist with creating calm and inviting spaces. By knowing how the elements interact with each other, you can begin to make stronger, more intentional design choices that support your lifestyle.