The Balance Life

Symmetrical Balance

Symmetrical balance is found in settings where objects mirror one another in composition and placement. As seen in the top left picture, the blue plate is balanced by the orange plates located on either side. In the top middle picture the doors are symmetrical through the panes on each window. The placement of picture frames in the top right picture also displays symmetry. The top and bottom picture mirror each other and the right and left picture mirror each other creating a symmetric collection. In the picture on the bottom right hand corner all aspects of the picture are symmetric. With the center point being the armoire, the chairs, the lamps, the pictures as well as the handles on the piece are all symmetric to the center. The plants and light fixtures strategically placed on either side of the crest in the bottom middle picture display another example of this. Finally, the arrangement of plates in the picture in the bottom left hand corner are also symmetric. If there is a plate on the right, one is also found on the left balancing the collection.

Asymmetrical Balance

Asymmetrical Balance is when objects do not exactly mirror each other in size and weight but still manage to balance each other out. In the top left hand picture, the picture frames are asymmetric in their composition. They are complied together in a seemingly random order that creates one unit and balances out. The pictures in the top middle and bottom right use smaller elements paired together to balance out the larger element. The picture located in the top right corner as well as the picture in the bottom middle use height and position to balance each other out. The top right picture uses the placement of the vases to balance out the height of the lamp, while the bottom middle picture uses the height and arrangement of the hand and the cross to balance out the height of the lamp. In the last image, located in the bottom left hand corner, the picture frames and small box on one side of the dresser balance out the jewelry holder on the other side.

Radial Balance

Radial balance is elements that are arranged around a center point and radiate away from it. The sunburst in the top left is a clear example of this. The circle acts as a focal point and all the lines pull away from it. The bottom left and the bottom right are examples of pillows in the use of radical balance. The fabric all begins in one point and twists and pulls away from it. The top middle picture also does. The raised parts of the fabric radiate out in circles away from the center point. The ring in the top right picture is a smaller scaled example of radial balance. The center point is the diamond in the middle and is surrounded by the diamonds on the outside. A fan is also an everyday example of this that you might not necessarily notice. From the light fixture part of the fan the blades radiate out.

Emphasis

Emphasis is the element in the room that catches and holds the viewers attention. In these photos emphasis is found in three forms, through color, texture and pattern. In the first two photos in the upper left hand corner, the color aqua is used as a focal point. Dramatic use of color like on a bedspread or a dresser automatically draws attention to that piece. The next two photos located in the upper right hand corner and the bottom left, are examples of emphasis through texture. The texture on the front of the dresser and the texture of the intricate carving of the chair bring emphasis to the pieces and draw attention to them as focal points in the room. The pattern used on the pillow and the lamp shade are both examples of pattern as a use of emphasis. In a room with little going on, these patterns bring out color and excitement in the room.

Repetition and Rhythm

Repetition and movement are found in various places throughout our everyday lives. The repetition of the hanging light fixtures and the curve of the glass create rhythm and movement within a restaurant as seen in the picture in the top left hand corner. Repetition is seen within the shapes of the pictures and the shapes of the windows in the top middle and top right photos. The repetitiveness of these creates rhythm. The flow of the hanging racks create rhythm and repetition through the horizontal lines. Doors covered in the same fabric are examples of repetition and also creates rhythm as they are strategically placed. The shelves seen in the bottom left picture are an example of repetition because they are the same and rhythm as they are evenly placed.

Movement

Movement is most easily demonstrated through the use of fabric. The lines in the zebra carpet create move your eyes along the length of the rug. The pattern located in the top middle picture demonstrates movement through the use of color and design. This pattern draws your eye to the bed and throughout the rest of the room. The rugs located in the top right and the bottom left corner move your eyes through the room. The diagonal pattern moves creates movement through the room and draws you to the other side of the room. The pattern on the drapes moves your eye vertically up the room and emphasizes the height of the ceiling. The folds in the curtains in the bottom right hand corner creates movement down the fabric.

Proportion and Scale

Proportion and scale are how the size of an object relates to its surrounds or other objects. The paintings in the picture located in the upper left hand corner are proportionate to the chairs and the dresser in between.  Although large, the mirror above the dresser in the upper middle picture fits in proportion to the dresser. Because the dresser is large, its appropriate to have a large item above it to balance it out. The scale of a piano is large, but in comparison to the rest of the room, it fits the scale and does not appear to overwhelm the room. The picture in the bottom left hand corner is a huge mirror that spans the height of the room. On its own, the mirror is not proportionate to most things around it but within the scale of the room it fits appropriately. The same is true of the photo in the bottom middle. The TV is large and the size of the cabinet is large but on a large scale they are proportionate to one another. Focusing solely on scale, the size of the tree in the bottom right hand picture compared to me standing within the tree the scale is completely skewed. The tree is so much larger than me that it is disproportionate. 

 Variety

Variety is found within the interior of homes as well as in the exterior architecture. Variety is found in the size of pictures and patterns and the use of color within a room. In the top middle picture variety is found in the color and pattern of the room. The different sizes and shapes of the buoys on the wall create movement and add color. Variety is also found in the different textures on the cabinetry in the top right picture. The use of wood, mirror and carved wood create a variety of pattern that all uniformly piece together. The variety of pattern, used in the image of the pink and green room,  

Unity and Harmony

Unity and Harmony describe the space as a whole. They depict the overall feeling of the space or piece.  In the first image, located in the top left hand corner the contrast between the forest, mountain and snow is brought together by the brightness of the sun. The second image is more serene. The glass sink, granite countertop, mirror and cabinetry all coordinate together into one harmonious scene. The image located in the top right hand corner is a great example of unity. The shells individually are intricate and complex but together they are molded to create one entity and the surface of the box. The picture in the bottom right hand corner is another example of unity and harmony. The different texture and usage of white in the room with the dark contrast of the wood and metal frame all coordinate to create an overall peaceful feel to the room. The image on the bottom middle is harmonious through the use of color and texture and creates a solid image. The final picture located in the bottom left hand corner uses a variety of pattern and texture all found within the same color pattern to create a look that is pleasant and comforting. 

The Space of Texture

Actual Texture

Actual texture is texture that can be felt. As apparent in the picture a dried-out sponge feels rough to a dry hand. Tiny strands of string are also woven into a blue, almost plaid pattern found on a lampshade. The woven, multicolored yarn adds a soft texture to the somewhat bumpy surface. The woven rope also does the same thing. The intertwining of the various rows and columns create a unique texture that functions together as a uniform pattern.

Implied Texture

Implied texture is found in surfaces that are made to look like they have texture but when felt they are actually smooth with no texture at all. The grains within the fake wood floors give it a hard wood floor look. With that look the wood would appear to be bumpy and maybe even capable of producing splinter when in reality, it is a smooth slick surface. The woven cream and brown fabric appears to have a raised texture but its smooth surface proves nothing of the sort. Tiles on the floor appear to be uneven rock, that is highlighted by a rough surface. The tale-tell for this picture is the mortar between the tiles giving away the truth that these tiles are actually smooth to the touch. The picture in the bottom right hand corner is a close up of shutters painted on a wall. From far away the shutters look like actual shutters but upon closer inspection, I was surprised to find that they were indeed completely flat! 

Actual Space

Space is defined as elements surrounding one another. Actual space is exactly what it sounds like; elements enclosed to produce space. Inside of this decorative dresser, actual space is found. It is located within each drawer as well as within the entire dresser as a whole. This space is defined by the four sides of the dresser along with the top and bottom. It completely encloses this space making it an actual space. On a larger scale, the picture on the right displays only two sides of a four sided room. The space located within all four walls is known as actual space. Also, the jar sitting on the coffee table, filled with shells is another example of actual space.

Implied Space

Implied space is space is space that may not actually be enclosed within an object or four walls, but it is apparent that something fits there. The picture located in the top left corner is a seating arrangement. This seating arrangement implies a center because all of the chairs and sofas are facing inwards to a focal area. This type of arrangement promotes communication between people sitting in it. The bowl located in the bottom left hand corner is also an example of implied space. Although it is not four sides enclosed, it invites objects to be placed inside of it. Within this element there is only one place for the objects to go. It is this direction that makes this an implied space. Implied spaces can also move crowds from one point to the other. The staircase in the picture on the far right is a prime example of that. Its placement creates a clear pathway that invites people to move up or down it and does not give them another option to choose otherwise. Implied space can also be the addition of space. In the picture located in the middle right, the two girls talking have left enough room so that they each still have their own personal space left. This type of implied space is subjective to each culture and can vary around the globe.

Forming Interiors

Forms contain a combination of lines that create height, width and depth within an object. These forms are found in many aspects of the design world. Whether they are geometric, abstract, static or dynamic, these, along with various others, are demonstrated through the following photographs. 

Geometric

Geometric forms are basic shapes such as squares, triangles, circles and rectangles that have been incorporated into forms found in everyday life. As basic as geometric shapes are, as in the pictures with the triangles, when combined with other geometric shapes, they can create very intricate designs.  The curving and striping of the glass causes it to reflect light in unique and interesting ways. The inset circular clock has the same effect. Because it uses a combination of various circles and protruding metal appendages it appears to be more complex than the original shape. Although the triangular cut out in the wall is a simple and basic form, within the space it creates an element of unexpectedness and adds character to an otherwise ordinary wall.

Abstract 

Abstract forms are ones whose concepts are more difficult to grasp. Their composition may not make much sense compare to objects with a more traditional form, although they do appear to be a form of an object that is somehow altered. The picture in the top left has an odd composition of strangely placed structures who's positioning do not really make sense. The picture located in the top right is also unusual in composition. 

 Natural

Natural forms are ones that are representative of nature. The top left picture demonstrates the height and width of forms found in nature. These forms have been duplicated within the modern world like in the shape of columns on a building. The delicacy of the shape of the flowers can be represented within patterns and soft fabrics. Natural rocks and their shapes have been known to be incorporated into flooring and their texture is used in elements such as counter tops. Uneven coastline can be translated into a uneven or rough tile on a floor. Natural forms can be inspiration for interior design spaces.

Plane

Planes are usually flat surfaces that extend in length and depth. In the top left picture the seat of the bench, the floor and the steps all demonstrate plane. In the top right picture the front of the boat as well as the water and the porches on the house are also examples of plane. The bottom right picture demonstrates large planes within the pool deck as well as the pool while the bottom left picture demonstrates plane in the table top and the floor.

Static

Static forms are stable forms that demonstrate power and stability. The first picture demonstrates structure and is enhanced by the numerous inlay of steel structure. The second picture shows a figure that is massive in size and appears to be very sturdy in construction. Its stability is enhanced by its enormity.

Dynamic 

Dynamic forms are ones that encourage movement and motion. The first image creates the movement of water as it moves down the fountain from layer to layer. Because the top of the structure begins small and gradually becomes larger, it moves the viewers eye down. The second image displays motion within its design. The wheels clearly inspire movement which is fueled by other wheels and gadgets seen in the center of the image.

Non-objective

Non-objective forms are three dimensional forms that are unrecognizable. The first image is made up of spirals and circles but its actual definition is unclear to the viewer. The second image is also unrecognizable in the aspect of traditional form. It has varying elements and textures that throw off its shape. Although it appears to have mirrored shapes, they are by no means arranged in a way that tells of its actual shape.

Interior Design Links

Creating a space involves using many different aspect of interior design. It is important for a designer to have a wide variety of resources from multiple paint suppliers, to tile and flooring manufacturers. Lighting, furniture and overall appearance of the room are also vital aspects to the design process. I have chosen 25 links that incorporate all these elements and ones with tips and tricks for the design process. The most helpful and interesting link I found was Home Portfolio.com because it had a wide variety of different styles of rooms. Once you click on the room, it then provided you with a list of hardware and furniture found in the room with individual links connected to it for easy access. Although I've never believed in exactly replicating a room that has already been created, it is helpful to pull products and concepts from room inspirations and recreate them in your own style.

http://www.homeportfolio.com/

Shaping the Lines of Design

The elements of point, line and shape are the basic founding elements of all aspects of nature as well as all aspects of design. It is through the combination and application of these elements that design is created. Point, line and shape in all of their different forms are found everywhere we turn in everyday life, even in places you wouldn't even consider.

Point

Point is the basis of every aspect of design. Whether it is the scales on a drawing of fish, the speakers in a car or the knobs on a dashboard, all shapes begin with and are made from points. A point can function as the center piece or focal point of work, as in the picture in the bottom left-hand corner, or it can be the starting point, as are the balls on the top of the fence found in the bottom middle picture. From far away points may not be recognizable but upon closer inspection, as in fabrics, the points clearly jump out of the image.

Horizontal

Horizontal lines create calming spaces. They function as a resting point for the eye. They are also used to draw attention to areas as in the picture located in the top right corner. The solid, aqua, horizontal line draws the viewers attention up off the ground and along the length of the building. Horizontal lines can lengthen a space. When they are paired with vertical lines, like in bricks, subway tiles and windows they help create a feeling of organization and bring order to the space.

Vertical 

Vertical lines create areas of strength and stability. They are usually associated with supportive structures like columns. The picture on the right is a great example of the use of vertical line. The brick columns draw the eye up the length of the building and highlight the interesting architecture.  Vertical lines also demonstrate balance as seen in the photo with the chair and curtain, as well as the headboard. Although these vertical lines may be different heights, they appear to be stable and balanced because of their equal distribution and placement.

Diagonal

Diagonal lines are representational of action. For example on a stairway, the slant of the railings imply a  movement in direction either up or down. Diagonal lines are also supportive. The are used to support structures like awnings in the picture located in the upper right hand corner. This support provides stability between a horizontal and a vertical feature or line. 

Implied

Implied lines can be found in a variety of places and cause the viewer to create shapes that are not necessarily "drawn out" for them. At a certain angle, separate buildings along a road line up so they appear to be one building creating a straight line that draws the viewers eye down the length of a road. Tall vases placed on top of a table work with the shelving to create vertical lines that draw the eye up the length of the piece. Implied lines are also found very often in natural settings. The variation of depth in the ocean alters the color of the water creating horizontal lines. Although it is one body of water, these lines seem to separate it. Implied lines can be broken as in the bottom picture. Although this line is broken, the continuation across the cracks is still apparent.

Organic

Organic shapes follow curves and lines that are more apparent in nature. Although they still have structure, they are not as structured and precise as horizontal and vertical lines. The lines on the sail of a ship and the curves of the petals of a flower demonstrate this type of line. Even something man-made like the draping of a curtain can create organic lines. The organic lines found in wood are highlighted by the cabinet doors as you can see the grains and lines found within the wood.

 Structural

Structural lines can be best described as supportive. The columns of a pier support the foundation just as steps that lead of to a building. Iron gating in a unique diamond pattern is structurally supportive and can create strength in its ability to withstand impact. Columns of brick that are nestled between windows are also examples of structurally supportive lines.

 Non-Representational

Non-representational shapes are ones that are not seen in objects that are recognizable and may even be considered confusing to the viewer. The viewer may not know exactly what the original object is without being told or without the title of the work. For example, the silver image in the bottom left-hang corner is a close up view of a fire hydrant and the image in the top right-hand corner is two wine bottles reflecting with light. 

Natural

Natural shapes take organic elements, or elements found in nature and incorporate them into design and style. Whether its birds and leaves on a pillow, grainy wood on a door, rain drops on a window or vegetables painted on a sign, these elements of nature have been incorporated into design. Even little things like shells on a box or the shadow of a person creates line and shape that can be highlighted within any design and used to encompass a natural feel.

Geometric

Geometric lines have been taught to us for years but we take advantage of how many elements they are used in on a daily basis. Whether its the squares created by window panes, the rectangular length of tables, the circles paired with rectangles in sidewalk equipment or semicircles paired with squares, geometric shapes are all around us. Their structure and stability they provide are used to create pleasing spaces that appear comforting to the eye.

Abstract

Abstract lines are found in a variety of places as well. Whether its the odd placement of different levels on a roof, the swirls of a design in a dresser or the arrangement of tiles, all of these characteristics contribute to aspect design. These designs have the ability to function in more traditional environments but give the space an element of twist and unexpectedness.

Expected or Unexpected Beauty

The definition of beauty is unique to every individual and is influenced by the culture and society they are immersed in. Beauty is more than just the way a subject or scene appears. It's the way it makes you feel and it is found everywhere we look. I've never met a person who didn't appreciate the beauty in a sunset. The way the light reflects off the water and through the trees creates shadows and illusions that force the observer to look at the scene with a new perspective.

What would normally be a muck brown pond surrounded by half dead grass and a dying tree is suddenly illuminated and blurred into a magnificent display of lighting. The beauty in a sunset is more than just the pleasing colors fading into the horizon. The true beauty is how observing a scene like this makes you feel. The impact of the combination of shapes, light, texture and color is able to create feelings of peace, relief, joy and content.  

Beauty is also found in some of the most unusual places. When I think of a graveyard or cemetery I immediately think dark, solemn colors filled with mourning and sadness. Culturally headstones are not beautiful. They symbolize death, the ending of a life and the families who mourn the loss of this life. But these headstones are also a remembrance of the lives lived, the accomplishments made and the impact these individuals had.

Arranged on a hillside with the sun shining brightly behind a clear blue sky, these headstones are transformed into forms of art. They have become more beautiful with age as mold and moss discolors the stone structures. Although in general they are not universally perceived as beautiful, their representation of life as opposed to death brings out the beauty in them.

Designers

Interior design is an influential field. Designers take inspiration from objects around them, natural color patterns, architecture as well as from other designers themselves. I have compiled a list of designers that inspire me in some way. Although their style may be completely different from my own, they each created spaces I found appealing. For some it was their unique use of natural elements, like petrified wood and dramatic windows that allow an abundance of natural lighting. For others it was their use of tiles and textures to create a comfortable atmosphere that still felt sophisticated. To simply copy someone else's style would undermine my skills and creativity, but to be inspired by it is a form of flattery.