HARROW ALUMINART
Home Decorating Tips & Principles
PROPORTION and SCALE
Proportion is about the relationships of one object to another, and how they look when placed near each other. Some items of furniture, or paintings look good next to each other, and some don't. The reason why some rooms "feel right", is often because some simple guidelines about proportions were used.
In your home, you can safely use the approximate rules of thumb, of which there are only two. The one-third rule, and the three-fifths rule.
Proportion is about the relationships of one object to another, and how they look when placed near each other. Some items of furniture, or paintings look good next to each other, and some don't. The reason why some rooms "feel right", is often because some simple guidelines about proportions were used.
In your home, you can safely use the approximate rules of thumb, of which there are only two. The one-third rule, and the three-fifths rule.
Candle holders and Table lamps crafted from solid aluminium
Top of page
Basic home decor guidelines
HARMONY - The overall result
A well-decorated room is a unified whole that encompasses all the other elements and principles of design. Put yourself in a visitors shoes and try and decide whether they would feel relaxed and at home in your room. This is the ultimate goal.
There should be a consistency of sizes and shapes, and a harmony of color and pattern. The feel of a room will be right, if it reflects unity, harmony and a sense of rhythm. Repeating the elements, and balancing them throughout the room, accomplishes this.
A well-decorated room is a unified whole that encompasses all the other elements and principles of design. Put yourself in a visitors shoes and try and decide whether they would feel relaxed and at home in your room. This is the ultimate goal.
There should be a consistency of sizes and shapes, and a harmony of color and pattern. The feel of a room will be right, if it reflects unity, harmony and a sense of rhythm. Repeating the elements, and balancing them throughout the room, accomplishes this.
EMPHASIS - A Focal Point
Emphasis is the focal point of the room. The focal point should be obvious as you enter the room; it is the area to which your eye is attracted. Without a focal point a room will appear disorganised or maybe even too busy.
Look around your room, and there may be a natural focal point in the room already. Examples may be a fireplace, a window with a beautiful view, a large brass bed, a piano, or an entertainment area. Whatever is featured, as the center of interest, must be sufficiently emphasized so that everything else leads the eye toward the featured area. You can add emphasis to a natural focal point or create one in a room through effective use of line, form, color and texture.
Now here's an interesting point from the Barbara Bell article, "If you have not introduced or featured an element in the room which serves as a focal point, the occupant will seek one anyway: a pile of dirty clothes, a misplaced magazine, a picture that is hanging crookedly on the wall! These, however, are distractions and not desirable. And if there is too much 'sameness' of color, the eye will be drawn to the one object that is 'different': the one white cushion against a dark chair, the single yellow wall in a green room."
You might want to create a secondary focal point, in addition to the primary one, if your room is large enough, or if the primary focal point is a fixture such as a fireplace.
Emphasis is the focal point of the room. The focal point should be obvious as you enter the room; it is the area to which your eye is attracted. Without a focal point a room will appear disorganised or maybe even too busy.
Look around your room, and there may be a natural focal point in the room already. Examples may be a fireplace, a window with a beautiful view, a large brass bed, a piano, or an entertainment area. Whatever is featured, as the center of interest, must be sufficiently emphasized so that everything else leads the eye toward the featured area. You can add emphasis to a natural focal point or create one in a room through effective use of line, form, color and texture.
Now here's an interesting point from the Barbara Bell article, "If you have not introduced or featured an element in the room which serves as a focal point, the occupant will seek one anyway: a pile of dirty clothes, a misplaced magazine, a picture that is hanging crookedly on the wall! These, however, are distractions and not desirable. And if there is too much 'sameness' of color, the eye will be drawn to the one object that is 'different': the one white cushion against a dark chair, the single yellow wall in a green room."
You might want to create a secondary focal point, in addition to the primary one, if your room is large enough, or if the primary focal point is a fixture such as a fireplace.
RHYTHM
This is about pulling a room together by using color, pattern, shape or motif. It is the visual equivalent of the beat associated with music. Rhythm is the important quality that results in the feeling of harmony. It helps your eye move easily about the room, and give the impression that everything in the room belongs to a unified whole. Planning in advance is the key here.
This is about pulling a room together by using color, pattern, shape or motif. It is the visual equivalent of the beat associated with music. Rhythm is the important quality that results in the feeling of harmony. It helps your eye move easily about the room, and give the impression that everything in the room belongs to a unified whole. Planning in advance is the key here.
A THEME AND A PLAN
These are the two most important things in decorating a room or your home. It applies whether you are starting from scratch, or doing a makeover. If you don't have a co-ordinated plan, the end result will reflect an unplanned look.
A "Theme" can mean a period, for example, modern, traditional, colonial. Theme can also mean a colour scheme.
These are the two most important things in decorating a room or your home. It applies whether you are starting from scratch, or doing a makeover. If you don't have a co-ordinated plan, the end result will reflect an unplanned look.
A "Theme" can mean a period, for example, modern, traditional, colonial. Theme can also mean a colour scheme.
Proportion and Balance are often the key to why a room "feels" right.
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BALANCE
Balance is about giving a room a visual equilibrium. It gives a sense of repose and a feeling of completion.
Symmetrical balance
Nature gives us symmetrical balance in abundance. We have two arms, two, legs, two eyes, and so on. In decorating, this refers to arrangements where the majority of the objects within the grouping are placed in even patterns about a focal point. When you draw an imaginary line down the center of a symmetrical grouping, each side mirrors the other.
This is the balance that comes more naturally to us, the grouping of things in pairs. There are some "built in" examples of symmetrical balance which we accept as normal. For example, a window has a pair of curtains.
Two ornaments on a mantlepiece, or a pair of wall lamps on either side of a display cabinet, are both examples of symmetrical balance. This type of balance is regarded as more formal and conservative.
Balance is about giving a room a visual equilibrium. It gives a sense of repose and a feeling of completion.
Symmetrical balance
Nature gives us symmetrical balance in abundance. We have two arms, two, legs, two eyes, and so on. In decorating, this refers to arrangements where the majority of the objects within the grouping are placed in even patterns about a focal point. When you draw an imaginary line down the center of a symmetrical grouping, each side mirrors the other.
This is the balance that comes more naturally to us, the grouping of things in pairs. There are some "built in" examples of symmetrical balance which we accept as normal. For example, a window has a pair of curtains.
Two ornaments on a mantlepiece, or a pair of wall lamps on either side of a display cabinet, are both examples of symmetrical balance. This type of balance is regarded as more formal and conservative.
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It is quite in order to have a different theme in different rooms, but within one room, the aim is that the interior decor should look as if it were part of an overall harmonious plan. A room should project a relaxed atmosphere, and make your visitors feel at ease, and at home.
HEADINGS ON THIS PAGE
A THEME and a PLAN
PROPORTION and SCALE
BALANCE
RHYTHM
EMPHASIS
HANGING PICTURES
HARMONY
CLOSING TIPS
A THEME and a PLAN
PROPORTION and SCALE
BALANCE
RHYTHM
EMPHASIS
HANGING PICTURES
HARMONY
CLOSING TIPS
Look at the drawings on the right. The ornaments in the top sketch do nothing for the fireplace. They are just "there". The combination in the bottom sketch makes more of a statement, and draws your eye towards the combination of the fireplace and the ornaments.
Here's an example of the one-third rule. The ornaments on the mantlepiece above your fireplace, should be about one third of the height of the wall above the mantlepiece.
three fifths
rule
rule
An example of the three-fifths rule, might apply to the height of tie-backs placed around curtains (drapes). It is not visually pleasing to place the tie-backs in the
Another example, of using these rules can be applied if you have placed a sofa against a wall, and want to hang a picture, or group of pictues above it. The picture, or group that doesn't occupy at least three-fifths of the length of the sofa, will look too small, and a bit lost. Be bold, it looks better.
one third
rule
rule
middle of the drapery. A better option would be three-fifths of the way up from the bottom, or down from the top. Experiment, and decide which is more pleasing to you.
For those who are doing the arithmetic, there is not a lot of difference between one-third and three-fifths. So, if it makes life easier, choose one of them as a yardstick. These ratios are probably derived from the Golden Mean, which you can read about on these pages. Three-fifths is closer to an approximate Golden Mean.
The ornaments are too small relative to the the height of the wall above the fireplace.
This looks better. The height of the ornaments is at least one third of the height of the blank wall above the fireplace.
Asymmetrical balance
This is more interesting to the eye. However, asymmetrical groupings must still appear to be balanced. If we were to draw an imaginery line through the middle of the group, each side must be of similar size, even though the sides are not mirror images of the other. An example would be a console table with a floral arrangement on one end, and a grouping of candlesticks on the other.
This is more interesting to the eye. However, asymmetrical groupings must still appear to be balanced. If we were to draw an imaginery line through the middle of the group, each side must be of similar size, even though the sides are not mirror images of the other. An example would be a console table with a floral arrangement on one end, and a grouping of candlesticks on the other.
SCALE is how the size of the items in a room relate to the size of the room. You don't have to get bogged down with definitions and rules. A lot of home decorating is common sense when it comes to Proportion and Scale.
For instance a grand piano would be out of scale in a small sitting room. A delicate side table with spindly legs would be out of proportion, if it were placed next to a large chunky sofa.
For instance a grand piano would be out of scale in a small sitting room. A delicate side table with spindly legs would be out of proportion, if it were placed next to a large chunky sofa.
Large heavy pieces of furniture should not be grouped together on the same wall, as this will give the room a 'lop-sided' appearance. Give a room more balance by spacing larger items of furniture. If you have two large items of furniture, try placing them opposite each other. This will appear to have more balance, than placing them in random positions.
Balance is about the placing of objects according to thier visual weight.
Balance is about the placing of objects according to thier visual weight.
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Here's an example of common sense, but it does illustrate a proportion rule. Say, that you have a painting that you love, or has been given to you by your mother in law. You feel that you have to feature the painting in your lounge, but it is narrow and must be hung vertically.
It will look out of proportion hung above the sofa. Rather hang another painting which has the correct dimensions in relation to the sofa, as the drawing on the right illustrates. If you have collected, or inherited quite a number of items, don't fall into the trap that you have to find a place for everything. Your room may look cluttered, and have an unco-ordinated feel.
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COLOR
This page is purposefully created without bright colors. Color might distract attention away from the topics of balance, proportion, and scale
This page is purposefully created without bright colors. Color might distract attention away from the topics of balance, proportion, and scale
Rhythm - repetition
Perhaps this is best illustrated by some examples.
Color repetition. Cover a few scatter cushions for your sofa in the same material as your curtains. Or pick the dominant colour from your curtains, and cover some scatter cushions in material of the same color.
Shape repetition. If your windows were to have an arched top, then this shape can be repeated by incorporating round back chairs in your room.
You can achieve a feeling of harmony in rhythm, by "echoing" a color, pattern or shape in another part of a room. Using the same, or recognizably similar, table lamps and shades in different parts of a room, will probably look better than two totally different lamps.
Rhythm - graduation
This is also known as Progressive Rhythm. It is about using the same object in different sizes. Some examples might be the use of different sizes of framed mirrors, pictures or candlesticks. You may also use graduation in colour, by using two colours of the same hue.
Perhaps this is best illustrated by some examples.
Color repetition. Cover a few scatter cushions for your sofa in the same material as your curtains. Or pick the dominant colour from your curtains, and cover some scatter cushions in material of the same color.
Shape repetition. If your windows were to have an arched top, then this shape can be repeated by incorporating round back chairs in your room.
You can achieve a feeling of harmony in rhythm, by "echoing" a color, pattern or shape in another part of a room. Using the same, or recognizably similar, table lamps and shades in different parts of a room, will probably look better than two totally different lamps.
Rhythm - graduation
This is also known as Progressive Rhythm. It is about using the same object in different sizes. Some examples might be the use of different sizes of framed mirrors, pictures or candlesticks. You may also use graduation in colour, by using two colours of the same hue.
There are thousands of web pages on home decor and interior design. Most of them carry too many advertisements, and links to places that you might not want to go to.
So here are some basic tips and principles borrowed from a large number of web pages. It is not possible to mention them all, but I have placed links to some of the sites.
The basic organization of this page comes from Diana Haines of Sierra Yosemite Design.
So here are some basic tips and principles borrowed from a large number of web pages. It is not possible to mention them all, but I have placed links to some of the sites.
The basic organization of this page comes from Diana Haines of Sierra Yosemite Design.
HANGING AND GROUPING PICTURES - Some notes
We have all heard some guides on what height to hang pictures. The rule used to be that the center of the picture should be at the "nose" height of a standing person.
A more modern guideline is that pictures can be hung lower than that - about 5cm (2 inches) above a table, for example.
When you group pictures, hang them at least two inches apart so the eye can take in each separate object, and can see that there is a grouping at the same time.
Here are two examples of picture grouping, both of which echo the wall dimensions behind them. This has a harmonious look about it.
We have all heard some guides on what height to hang pictures. The rule used to be that the center of the picture should be at the "nose" height of a standing person.
A more modern guideline is that pictures can be hung lower than that - about 5cm (2 inches) above a table, for example.
When you group pictures, hang them at least two inches apart so the eye can take in each separate object, and can see that there is a grouping at the same time.
Here are two examples of picture grouping, both of which echo the wall dimensions behind them. This has a harmonious look about it.
| · | Plan before you start |
| · | Think about first impressions of a prospective buyer, if you go for way-out colors |
| · | Wide cornices look great, and add a special atmosphere |
| · | The use of large mirrors creates an illusion of spaciousness. |
| · | Use a few scatter cushions in co-ordinated colors |
| · | Area rugs can add a nice touch to a bare floor |
| · | Don't display too many nick nacks and grandma's little porcelain shapes on lounge tables. Too much clutter detracts from the harmony of a room. |
| · | If you move from a large to a smaller home, don't feel you have to display all your furniture and other items. You might have to make some tough decisions on what to sell, to avoid a crampted and cluttered look. |
REMINDERS AND CLOSING TIPS
Always 3
Never 2
Never 2
Radial balance
The spokes of a wheel have radial balance. In a home, an example of radial balance might be the arranging of sofas around a fieplace.
Another example, would be the placing of a round dining room table in a dinining room, if your dining room is square. This would have the effect of softening the square nature of the room.
Once again, radial balance can have a more interesting appeal than a symmetrical balance.
The spokes of a wheel have radial balance. In a home, an example of radial balance might be the arranging of sofas around a fieplace.
Another example, would be the placing of a round dining room table in a dinining room, if your dining room is square. This would have the effect of softening the square nature of the room.
Once again, radial balance can have a more interesting appeal than a symmetrical balance.
Asymmetrical groupings are often in sets of three or five. The result has more character and is often more pleasing than grouping in pairs. When you place groups of items on display on a table, some say, "always three, never two".
