Design elements and principles.doc

Design elements and principles Design elements and principles are the basic visual toolbox of design tactics in every visual design discipline. The elements form the basic vocabulary of visual design, while the principles constitute the broader structural aspects of the composition. These concepts and elements drive all intentional design strategies. Elements of Design Line Line is the mark made by a moving point, such as a pencil or brush. The edges of shapes and forms also create lines. It is the basic component of a shape drawn on paper. Lines and curves are the basic building blocks of two dimensional shapes like a houses plan. Color Color is the most expressive element of art and is seen by the way light reflects off a surface. Color is used to create illusion of depth, as red colors seem to come forward while blue seems to recede into the distance. Color, and particularly contrasting color, is also used to draw the attention to a particular part of the image. On some cases of interior design, color can be added to increase visual appeal such as the natural colors of wood of a china cabinet. Color may add visual appeal to a home decor just as colored flowers can add beauty to a field on a prairie. Shape Shape is an area enclosed by lines or curves. It is 2 dimensional and can be geometric or organic. Importantly, a shape automatically creates a negative space around it. Shapes in house decor and interior design can be used to add interest, style, theme to a design like a door. Shape in interior design depends on the function of the object like a kitchen cabinet door. Natural shapes forming patterns on wood or stone may help increase visual appeal in interior design. Form Forms are 3-Dimensional. They occupy space or give the illusion that they occupy space. Form as home furniture or art may help add variety to reduce a monotonous (bare) look and increase visual appeal in interior design. Texture and Finishes Texture is the feeling and visu