📐

Decorating Principles

Fundamental design concepts like balance, scale, proportion, and arrangement techniques.

40 terms in this category

A

Alternation

The regular back-and-forth switching between elements to create rhythm, pattern, and visual interest.

Asymmetry

A design principle using different elements on either side that still achieve visual balance through weight and scale.

B

Balance

The visual equilibrium achieved through the distribution of elements, creating symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial arrangements.

Biophilia

The human tendency to connect with nature, applied in design through plants, natural materials, and views.

C

Cohesion

The unity and consistency in design that ties different elements together into a harmonious whole.

Contrast

The juxtaposition of different elements like colors, textures, or styles to create visual interest.

Conversation Area

A furniture grouping arranged to facilitate face-to-face interaction, typically with seating positioned 4-10 feet apart.

Crystallographic Balance

An overall pattern with no clear focal point where elements are distributed evenly across the entire surface, creating visual texture.

D

Dominance

The principle of making one element the star of a space, with all other elements supporting rather than competing with it.

E

Emphasis

The visual weight or importance given to certain elements, creating a hierarchy that guides where viewers look.

F

Flow

The visual and physical movement through a space, affecting how rooms connect and function together.

Focal Point

The dominant visual element in a room that draws the eye and anchors the design, such as a fireplace or artwork.

Furniture Arrangement

The strategic placement of furniture to optimize function, flow, and visual appeal within a space.

G

Golden Ratio

A mathematical proportion of approximately 1:1.618 found in nature and used in design to create aesthetically pleasing, harmonious compositions.

Gradation

A gradual change in color, size, or other qualities that creates visual movement and depth through progression.

H

Harmony

The unified, coherent feeling when all design elements work together to create a complete whole.

L

Layering

The technique of combining multiple textures, patterns, and elements to create depth and visual interest.

M

Mosaic Balance

A chaotic or random arrangement that somehow achieves equilibrium through careful distribution of visual weight across a composition.

Movement

The visual flow that guides the eye through a space, created through lines, colors, shapes, and arrangement of elements.

N

Negative Space

The empty areas around and between objects, essential for creating breathing room and visual rest.

P

Positive Space

The areas in a design occupied by objects and furniture, as opposed to the empty areas around them.

Proportion

The ratio between the sizes of different elements in a room, affecting visual harmony and balance.

R

Radial Balance

A type of balance where elements radiate from a central point, like spokes on a wheel, creating dynamic circular compositions.

Radiation

The visual effect created when lines or elements emanate from a central point, drawing attention and creating energy.

Repetition

The deliberate reuse of design elements throughout a space to create cohesion, rhythm, and visual continuity.

Rhythm

Visual flow created through repetition of colors, shapes, patterns, or textures that moves the eye around a room.

Rule of Odds

A design principle stating that odd-numbered groupings of objects are more visually appealing and dynamic than even-numbered arrangements.

Rule of Thirds

A design principle suggesting dividing space into thirds for more dynamic, visually interesting arrangements.

S

Scale

The size of objects in relation to the room and other objects, crucial for creating harmonious spaces.

Sight Lines

The natural paths the eye travels when entering or moving through a space, influenced by furniture placement and architecture.

Subordination

The intentional de-emphasis of certain elements to support the dominant features and prevent visual competition.

Symmetry

A design principle where elements are mirrored on either side of a central axis, creating formal balance.

T

Traffic Pattern

The pathways people naturally take when moving through a room or home.

U

Unity

The sense that a design holds together as a complete, integrated whole with clear vision and consistent execution.

V

Variety

The incorporation of diverse elements to prevent monotony while maintaining overall unity in a design scheme.

Vignette

A carefully arranged grouping of decorative objects that tells a story or creates a pleasing composition.

Visual Balance

The distribution of visual weight in a room to create equilibrium, either symmetrical or asymmetrical.

Visual Hierarchy

The arrangement of elements in order of importance, guiding viewers' eyes through a space in a deliberate sequence.

W

White Space

The intentional empty areas in a design that give the eye places to rest and allow featured elements to breathe.

Z

Zoning

The division of a space into distinct functional areas, each with its own purpose and furniture arrangement.

Put This Knowledge to Use

Transform your space with AI-powered interior design using these concepts.

Try NewInterior AI Free