Elements of Interior

Design
By Ranga Panditharathne

What are the elements of interior

design?

Space

Line

Colour

Form

Textur
e

Light

Patter
n

SPACE

Space
Space acts as a foundation on which the entire interior design plan is built. Hence
it is essential that the designer is well aware of the space available, its
dimensions and its utilities.

Space is divided into two types namely

Two Dimensional Space which covers the floor (includes length and width)

Three Dimensional Space which forms the living space (includes length, width and
height).

Space can be defined as two types

Positive Space - A space that is essentially filled with furniture/dcor items

Negative Space the empty space

A balance has to be maintained between the positive and negative spaces.

Defining Space
In interior design we manipulate three generic types of planes

Base plane

Wall plane

Overhead plane

Base plane:

Elevated plane:

Horizontal plane

Depressed plane:

Overhead Plane:

VERTICAL PLANE
VERTICAL LINEAR
ELEMENT

SINGLE VERTICAL PLANE

Vertical Linear Elements

Vertical linear elements define
the perpendicular edges of a
volume of space.

Single Vertical Plane

A single vertical plane
articulates the space on which
it fronts.

L-shaped Plane
An L-shaped configuration of
vertical planes generates a
field of space from its corner
outward along a diagonal axis.

Parallel Planes
Two parallel vertical planes define
a volume of space between them
that is oriented axially toward
both open ends of the
configuration.
U-shaped Plane
A U-shaped configuration of
vertical planes defines a volume
of space that is oriented primarily
toward the open end of the
configuration.
Four Planes: Closure
Four vertical planes establish the
boundaries of an introverted
space and influence the field of
space around the enclosure.

Floating plane

Openings in space

CENTERED

DEEP-SET

OFF-CENTER

GROUPED

SKYLIGHT

CENTER

OFF-CENTER

GROUPED

DEEPSET

SKYLIGHT

LINE

Line
A point extended becomes a Line with properties of:
- Length
- Direction
- Position
A line is a critical element in the formation of any visual construction.
Types of lines,

Vertical

Horizontal

Diagonal

Curve

Vertical Lines
Vertical lines are often
associated with
strength , stability,
balance, and
elevation.
the length of a line
applied vertically is
often extended lending
to the feeling of height
in a space

Vertical lines lead the eye up,

adding height
Formality
growth
spirituality
grandeur
strength to a design

Horizontal Lines
Lines applied
horizontally often evoke
feelings of stability,
grounding, emphasis
and direction.
Horizontal lines tend
create length and lower
the ceiling of a space

Horizontal lines lead the

eye to the left or right,
suggesting informality
calm
peace
gentleness
gravity
restfulness.

Diagonal Lines
Diagonal lines typically connote
a sense of dynamic
movement, transformation,
and freedom.
Diagonal lines can really bring
life to a space, and add volume
to a space, making it feel larger
than it is.
That being said if applied
incorrectly, diagonal lines can
conjure a sense of confusion
and imbalance.

Diagonal lines suggest

action,
activity,
movement
excitement
Creates a sense of
speed

Curved Lines
Curving lines whether
freeform, arcing, circular, or
elliptical often feel natural,
organic, playful, and
soothing.
If you are looking to make a
space flow curving lines are
a great way to do it.
They are also very
voluminous taking up space
within an interior.

curved lines create

a busy look
Represent freedom
Natural
Flow
Appearance of softness
A soothing feeling.

FORM

Form
Form is the outlined edges of a three-dimensional object
Types of Form,

Organic - natural, living form.

Inorganic - man-made, non-living forms.

Open-forms - forms that can be looked into.

Closed-forms - self-contained.

Geometric Shape - circle, square, rectangle, triangle, pentagon,

octagon, other polygons.

Geometric Form- sphere, cube, pyramid, cone, cylinder.

Free-Form- any non-geometric shape: irregular

Organic Forms

Inorganic Forms

Open Forms

Close Forms

Geometric Shapes

Geometric Forms

Free Forms

Thin, delicate forms appear fragile, even when built of sturdy materials.

Large, heavy forms provide stability to a design scheme.

LIGHT

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting provides

an area with overall
illumination. Also known as
general lighting,

it radiates a comfortable level

of brightness without glare
and allows you to see and
walk about safely.

In some spaces such as

laundry rooms, the ambient
lighting also serves as the
primary source of task
lighting.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting is designed to

complement the ambient
fixtures within the space.

It can help to highlight certain

aspects of the room, or create
a sense of separation between
different spaces.

Typically, accent lighting is

composed of track fixtures,
sconces or spotlights, though
other fixtures may also be
used.

Task Lighting

Task lighting is used to provide

a localized light source for a
specific tasks.

Some popular task lighting

sources include desk lamps,
kitchen or bathroom pendants
and lights in refrigerators and
other appliances.

The type of lighting is

designed to be used only
when the task is being
performed. When it is not
needed, it can be turned off

Decorative Lighting

Decorative lighting is light

that is used more for its
appearance than for its ability
to produce light.

This may include chandeliers,

hanging fixtures and sconces.

Here, the fixture itself is the

main attraction, though the
light produced can also be
beneficial.