The Principles of Interior Design: A Case in Harmony

Stylish bedroom featuring symmetrical design, neutral tones, and natural light, showcasing principles of balance and harmony in luxury interior design.

When thoughtfully applied, the principles of interior design work together to create beautiful, functional, and emotionally resonant spaces. In the room featured here, we explore how balance, rhythm, emphasis, proportion and scale, and harmony shape a serene and beautifully finished interior.

Balance

Symmetrical balance is achieved in this bedroom by way of the two wall hangings either side of the bed being placed at equal distances from the bed and from the corners of the wall. The two bed side tables and lamps sitting directly beneath them reinforce the symmetrical balance.

The rug has been placed in the middle of the floor at equal distances to the edges of the bed, and the circular wall hanging centred above it, adding to the presence of symmetrical balance.

Asymmetrical balance is also used with tabletop accessories either side of the bed.

Rhythm

Vertical lines and rectangular shapes feature across the room at regular intervals, allowing the eye to travel the width of the room at a steady uninterrupted pace.  

Horizontal lines and shapes also feature from top to bottom, from the timber structure of the ceiling to the rectangular shapes of the framing to it, followed at an equal distance by the bedhead and folded bedspread. This adds to the symmetrical balance of the room and forms a pleasing rhythm.

Emphasis

The eye is drawn to the centred circular wall feature and below it to the expansive rug beneath the bed. Framed at both sides, these provide the focal points within the room.

From a different angle, emphasis falls to the tall window/door displaying foliage and tying in to the organic features and accessories within the room.

Proportion & Scale

The bed is the most notable piece of furniture within this room; its proportions well suited to the height and depth of the space it occupies. The rug is large and placed in the centre of the floor to affect an inner framing of the floor beneath it and the ceiling above it.

Harmony

A sense of harmony and serenity is accomplished in this warm, inviting and calming space through a combination of elements and principles including:

Line;

The consistent repetition of straight lines both horizontal and vertical, presented with the use of furnishings and accessories and highlighting existing structures within the room, brings about a sense of flow to the room.

Shape;

A combination of geometrical shapes including square flooring tiles, horizontal rectangles in the furnishings and structures of the room, vertical rectangles emanating from the accessories such as wall hangings and table lamps, and circular shapes such as the focal point wall hanging and the round table, compliment and enhance existing lines to maintain rhythm and balance.

Colour;

The correct ratio of colours has been implemented in the use of stone as the predominant colour occupying more than half the space and dispersed across the flooring, walls and ceiling as well as the bed linen, browns featuring at around half the ratio of stone and evenly distributed throughout within the ceiling structure, furnishings and accessories, and green highlights provided by plants and foliage visible through the glass. The colours combine beautifully with the textures and patterns to warm the room, stimulating feelings of tranquillity and peace.

Texture

Various textures in the form of matt finishes to the walls and flooring, gloss in the cushions and centre wall hanging and sensory textures in the organic timbers and plants, combine to deepen the dimensions of this space and lock in a feeling of rustic, peaceful nature.

Light

A combination of natural light streaming into the room in daylight hours through the large glass structure, and artificial lighting strategically placed to enhance, illuminate and warm the room allow the space to maintain its purposeful, naturally inspired sense of the outdoors at various times of day.

Pattern

Patterns dispersed throughout the space in various forms tie together shapes, lines and textures in the room. Those appearing in the circular table stand, wall hangings and table lamps all reflect a rustic theme and help to tie the design together.

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