urban interiors
DESCRIPTION
Elements and Principles of DesignTRANSCRIPT
Interiors URBAN
Rediscovering Downtown Living
Adaptive Reuse of Historic Buildings
Rooftop Gardens
An exclusive look at downtown revitalization in Winston-Salem, NC
Contents Letter from the Editor
Design Thesis
Elements of Design Line
Texture
Light
Color
Space
Shape
Form
Principles of Design Balance
Harmony
Emphasis
Rhythm
Scale
Massing
Proportion
Letter from the Editor . . . . . 1
Design Thesis . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Elements of Design
Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Texture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Shape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Principles of Design
Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Harmony . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Emphasis . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Massing . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Rhythm . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Proportion . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
H Letter from the Editor
Hello readers! I'm Hannah Faye Sanders. Ever since I was
little, I've always been surrounded by art and creativity. My
mother is a graphic designer and by father is a
photographer, so I'm always seeing and learning about all
the elements and principles of design! Not only does
having an artistic family inspire me be creative, but also
growing up in a city that is notoriously know as “The City
of the Arts” also known as Winston-Salem has made me
love it as well. Over the years, I have grown to love the
idea of designing interiors of buildings and living areas.
Ever since then I have noticed more and more the elements
found throughout the downtown arts district of Winston-
Salem as well as the principles of design. That's why I have
created this magazine to show how you can incorporate all
of these design element and principles into interiors of
urban living!
Hannah Faye Sanders, editor
1
W Design Thesis
With the Winter season fast approaching, and as many of us in the design industry are wrapping up our calendar year, let us not forget to recognize this final quarter of the year as a time of preparation for the upcoming year. This is the time to consider prospecting for new clients, doing a little rain dance to attract RFPs, completing existing projects that may lead to phase 2 as the calendar rolls over and simply discovering new and exciting opportunities for future business.
Along with preparation and discovery, the final quarter of the year is traditionally a time we at Urban Interiors set aside to research industry trends and understanding their significance to your community and to your business. When researching new trends you can anticipate both the familiar and perhaps the not so familiar as applied to Elements of Design and Principles of Design. However, who among us can dare say they know everything there is to know about lines, texture and space or have mastered all aspects of balance, harmony and rhythm – pertaining to elements and principles of design? Interior design can be compared to other aspects of art; either we are imitating what has already been done, or we are responding to a desire to achieve the new and the different. In art we see it the finished expression on the canvas, in design we see it in the expression and texture of our environment. And all of this brings us to this current edition as Urban Interiors explores new trends in
our urban environments by highlighting one community and its efforts to resurrect historic buildings in the midst of a thriving downtown through an adaptive reuse approach to design - all while respecting the past histories, the present needs and the future potential of the community. Join me as we discover Winston- Salem and quickly feel the visceral textures and fiber of this vibrant community as they lead the way in the new trend of adaptive reuse.
2
LINE
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Straight Horizontal LinesHorizontal Lines promote a feeling of relaxation and
peace. They are long and can make objects appear
longer than they actually are.
5
Straight Vertical LinesVertical lines can present
a challenge to the viewer.
They are not as calming
as horizontal lines,but
Vertical Lines provoke a
notion of strength when
used in any structure, even
your home. Such lines can
also elongate the height
of a room, or entry way
allowing for a dominant
open and inviting space.
6
Curved Flowing LinesCurved Flowing lines provide a relaxing feeling.
They are soft and look elegant. They provide a sense
of movement as the viewers eyes look upon them.
TEXTURE
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Implied TextureImplied Texture is the surface of an object that appears to have
some sort of texture, but is actually smooth. This particular
texture is not one that is felt, it’s an illusion or implied texture
that gives off the appearance of being 3-D.
9
Non ReflectiveNon Reflective texture is a texture that has no reflective
qualities and does not mirror an image back. Usually
non reflective texture portrays a more relaxing and
casual environment.
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ReflectiveReflective textures mirror an object back or reflect light that comes from a window or other various
forms of lighting, such as lamps. Also, dependent upon the vibe you are trying to convey from your
space, it can greatly be determined by the texture in your room. For example, a shiny tile floor can
elevate the elegance formality of the space, while a non reflective wood or carpet floor can warm the
feeling and provide a relaxed casual environment.
LIGHT
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Task LightTask Lighting is one of the most used types of lighting due to its various uses. It can be used to
set direct light when a person is working to complete a specific task such as reading, studying,
cooking or just wanting to draw attention to something special. Task lights can be the only form
of lighting in a space or they can be placed with other types of lighting.
13
Natural LightNatural light can make a space feel more
open and bright in a room with windows.
Essentially no electricity is needed for
daytime natural interior light.
14
Floor LampsFloor lamps are another very popular form of
lighting. Floor lamps are used many times for
decoration and to provide the space with a visually
appealing type of lighting. They also allow larger
spaces to be illuminated versus table lamps because
of the height and the reflection off the walls.
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Table LampsTable lamps are some of the most used lighting in spaces, both residential and commercial. They
come in hundreds of colors, shapes and styles. They are used both for conventional purposes to
provide lighting in the room, as well as to provide decoration.
COLOR
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AnalogousAnalogous colors are colors that are next to each other on
the color wheel and colors that complement each other.
The analogous scheme allows you to use adjacent colors
on the wheel that build in whichever gradation of tone
you prefer. With this scheme, you can utilizes the hues
and tones to really round out the color in your space.
18
ComplementaryComplimentary colors are directly across
from one another on the color wheel, and
using a variety of these hues in one room
can be exciting, stimulating and is a great
way to really personalize a space.
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Neutral PaletteA neutral palette is a nice alternative to having colors in a space. Neutral palettes provide a sense
of unity. A neutral room will automatically calm a space and further the relaxed atmosphere.
A neutral palette can work well anywhere.
SPACE
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Positive SpacePositive space is any object that takes up space in an
area. This can include furniture, lamps, artwork, and
many other 3-D things taking up negative space.
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Negative SpaceNegative Space is the space between and
around certain objects in a room. It is the
area that surrounds the positive space.
Negative space signifies the space in a room
that is not being taken up by something.
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Crowding TerritorialityCrowding occurs when a space has many different things happening in one room. It can appear
cluttered and messy as well as cause too tight of a space.
SHAPE
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AbstractAbstract shape is a shape that does not have
a particular name and is derived from other
geometric shapes. Abstract shapes often
appear in modern homes.
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GeometricGeometric shapes are seen more commonly than abstract shapes. Geometric shapes include
rectangles, squares, triangles and circles.
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Natural/OrganicNatural/ Organic shapes are shapes that
appear to have appearance and flow. Often
times they have curves and are made from
natural objects such as wood
FORM
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GeometricGeometric form are the most common forms
presented in spaces. They include squares,
rectangles, triangles and circles.
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Natural/OrganicNatural forms are forms that appear to come straight from nature. They are often times unfinished
and have a rough look about them. Natural, organic formscanbe characterized by loose lines that
have no geometrically defined shape. The fluidity of natural forms can also break up the repetition
of geometric shape sand forms in the room while balancing nicely.
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AbstractAbstract forms are forms that are taken from
geometric forms, but altered into an unknown
shape. Abstract forms usually appear as focal
points, or points of interest in a room because
of the unusual appeal they typically carry.
BALANCE
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Visual SymmetryThe placement of objects are identical to one
another on either side creating visual symmetry.
This can be achieved with furniture, wall
decorations, lighting, even patterns and many
more things.
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Visual AsymmetryThis is a more relaxed type of symmetry, yet still
does a lot to the layout of the space. It may be
achieved by the use of similar objects and shapes
arranged together but not creating symmetry
at all, yet still creating a well ballanced
asymmetrical area.
35
Visual Radial SymmetryRadial symmetry occurs from elements of a design branching out from one central point. This can
bring a peaceful, dynamic feel to ones desired area.
36
Structural Radial SymmetryWhen trying to develop structural symmetry, it is usually carefully thought out by defining the
definite shape on either side of a structural object to create symmetrical balance. For example in this
picture, the designer had to make sure the sinks, lights and wall decorations were aligned perfectly
in order to achieve this symmetry.
HARMONY
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Unity through LineWhen developing unity through the use of lines, the lines can usually run the same way being
parallel, or they can run perpendicular to each other. If used creatively and accordingly, lines of
furniture, prints, color, ect., can create a great since of unity.
39
Unity through ShapeUsing shape is a great way to create unity. The
use of similar shaped objects throughout the
space can be very powerful in how a room feels
and comes together.
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Unity through ColorIncorporating a similar color throughout
a room can be a great use of the element
to create harmony and unity. It can pull
the room together in a simple way and
create a clean look as well.
41
Variety through ColorBy combining different colors to add variety to a room, the room can become more vibrant and
personalized. According to how you use color, it can create an abstract feel or certain mood, along
with balance and harmony.
42
Variety through MaterialsUsing different materials in a room could result in an unorganized look that doesn’t go well, but if
used creatively and correctly, it can create a well balanced area. It can also appear cozy and warm.
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Variety through FurnitureWhen it comes to adding variety to room, most people t]stick to color and decorations and overlook
the furniture. How about incorporating colorful or odd shaped furniture to the mix.
EMPHASIS
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Focal Point -VisualA focal point is used to draw a persons eye to a certain
area or point in a room. It is usually of importance to
its surroundings and in many cases can stand out and
become the focal point because of its color, placement,
size, shape, style, or even material.
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Focal Point-StructuralJust like a visual focal point, a structural focal point is
used for the same reasons to draw ones eye. This is usually
by something built into the existing environment, but
with odd shape or size like this fireplace.
MASSING 47
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Actual DensityActual density is when an object has physical density as
well as looks dense. For example the granite counter tops
in this kitchen show the thickness and solidity of it. We of
course also know how heavy granite is.
49
Optical DensityOptical density is a little different. This is when it appears
to be taking up space but actually does not just like this
clear shower door. Although it cuts off its own space in
the room, it still is not very dense.
RHYTHM
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RepetitiveRhythm through repetition can be created
by repeating anything throughout the room.
However, usually it is through the use of line,
color, pattern, furniture, or even structures.
Along with rhythm, this can also create a
harmonious feel.
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ContrastRhythm can be created through contrast because it creates a balanced feel with its light and dark
attributes. Natural light or light furniture and dark wall colors or vice-versa are a great way to
create contrast in a space.
PROPORTION
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Object in Proportion with SpaceProportion is the comparison of the relative size
of parts to a whole. In order to created a very
proportional space, one must make sure the parts
of the space are proportional to each other. For
example, wall decorations compared to furniture
compared to wall space. Correct proportion is
very important to a successful room.
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Objects NOT in Proportion with SpaceIn design, an object can be disproportional to the space
around it if the object is not equal to its corresponding
space. For example the picture frame in this picture is
disproportional because the wall space around it is a lot
bigger and empty compared to the frame.
SCALE
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Human ScaleHuman scale has to do with size of
objects, furniture, ect., in relation
to the size of people and their
surroundings. With everything
in a room being at a human scale,
the room will not appear to be
overwhelmingly small or large.
Scale can play a great role in the
comfort of a space.
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Symbolic ScaleThis type of scale is used to symbolize objects in different ways like a change in color or size.
Urban InteriorPrinciples and
Elements of
Design
Rediscovering
Downtown LivingHannah Faye Sanders