Do you want to design your own room, but you don't know your asymmetrical from your equilibrium? Believe me, design is simpler than you think! Designing your room is just a matter of understanding relationships in space - between objects, colors and light. Let me explain:
- The first relationship is scale and proportion. Scale is the size of an object compared to everything else - like, for instance, YOU. The scale of a chair may be perfect for you, but totally wrong for your child and vice versa. Proportion is the relationship of one piece in your room to another based on its size. Massive leather furniture, for instance, is out of proportion to a petite French occasional chair.
- The second relationship is line. Line defines the physical space of your room. There are different types of line and each gives a different feel when emphasized.
- Vertical. Vertical lines in a room give a formal, strong and dignified feeling. Think of the feeling of columns!
- Horizontal. Horizontal lines give a room a feeling of relaxation or casualness. Think of beds and sofas!
- Diagonal. Diagonal lines give a feeling of motion, change or transition. Think rocker!
- Curved. Curved lines bring a softness and sensuality to a room. Thinks cabriole legs and carved French furniture!
- Next is balance. Balance in a room is equal weight between objects on either side of the room . There are two types of balance:
- Symmetrical. Symmetrical designs mirror one side on the opposite side. This can be a very formal design style.
- Asymmetrical. Asymmetrical design is more informal. In this design style visual weight is important. For instance, a large object on one side is balanced by several small objects on the other. It is not a mirror image, but it "feels" like balance.
- The last space relationship is rhythm. Rhythm in room design is the repetition of patterns, color, or line - just like rhythm in music.
Now you understand the relationship between objects and spaces in your room. That wasn't so hard, was it? Now go forth and design!
