Design notes from the Barcelona Chair: The Principles of Interior Design


Interior Design has principles. These principles rule its practice and give us some guidance in times of trouble or tricky spaces. While there is a more or less different number of principles depending on the Designer or the School of design, is true also, that they tend to target the same objective. So let’s take one point of view, to talk about the 7 general principles of Interior Design.


Principle Number One: Balance


The main Principle in Interior Design, and almost in any human activity. An even distribution of weight that enables something to remain steady and upright. Usually, you talk about Symmetrical Balance, Asymmetrical Balance, and Radial Balance. 


Principle Number Two: Emphasize and Focus


It means to provide always a focal point to the eyes of the viewer. Through color, shapes, textures, there is always a spot with a defined purpose that catches our attention.


Principle Number three: Contrast


You create contrast in Interior Design by placing very opposite elements one next to the other. This creates a visual tension that results in creative and rich, but this is something that has to be handled with measure and balance. You can create contrast using colors, shapes, lights, and textures.

 
Principle Number Four: Rhythm and movement


Just like music, the repetition of one element in a pattern creates a sense of rhythm. All elements of Interior Design can be used to create this effect.


Principle Number Five: Scale and Proportion


This Principle rules about the size and weight of an object by it self, and the size and weight of one object compared to another object or the whole space we are working on. Scale applies for the particular measures of the object, while Proportion has to do with the object and the whole space (the entire room or hall).


Principle Number Six: Detail


Detail means not to forgets the little finishes that make everything holds finally together. The ends (wires, paint, among others), and the decor (Ornaments, small furniture, and personal things) are the final layers in the process of Design.


Principle Number Seven: Harmony.

The final result of the Interior Design Process. When all the principles of Interior Design are properly applied, you see a unified, beautiful, and functional space. The main purpose of an Interior Design process is to achieve a unified and harmonious space. 
As we can see, the Principles of Design are the main guidance that takes us to make good use of the resources of architecture and design. Furniture is one of these principal elements to play with, and with the proper help, we are capable to create beautiful and functional spaces. The Barcelona Chair, like the rest of the Barcelona Collection, can create great spaces with the proper handling of the elements and principles of Interior Design.


Go to Manhattan Home Design to get the best advice and information about Mid Century Modern style furniture, and masterpieces of design like the Barcelona Chair