Page 49 - Designing Ways 268

7 ELEMENTS
OF DÉCOR
& DESIGN

7 Elements of

Design & Décor

by Stienie Greyling

he elements of design are the
building blocks of what a visual
Tartist or graphic designer uses to
make a successful composition.
Interior design relates to the design of
a room or living area from the ground
up. Often this is confused with interior
decorating which uses a pre-built space
which is then enhanced with furniture,
wallpaper and various other features.
Interior decorating uses some elements What are the elements of Design? to create an image that can convey a the user and the designer. It can stand Even with monochrome colour schemes
of interior design (furniture, colour and The elements of design are the certain mood, draw the eye in a certain alone, as a background, or be applied to one can create a beautiful dynamic and
objects particularly), but also works fundamental aspects of any visual design direction, or evoke a number of feelings. other elements like lines, shapes, texture appeal by varying textures. Wall art does
out how the decorative features the which include shape, colour, space, While elements of design form the basics and typography. Colour creates a mood this by changing up walls flat, dull texture
homeowner likes will bring the space to form, line, value and texture. Graphic of any image, designers also lean on the within the piece and tells a story about the with uplifting and beautiful material and
life. designers use the elements of design principles of design, which are a set of brand. design. dw
practices of working with the elements
of design that make a composition look What are examples of décor?
pleasing to the eye. Ceramics, glassware, basketry,
jewellery, metal ware, furniture, textiles,
What are the differences between the clothing and other such goods are the
Elements and Principles of Design? objects most commonly associated with
The elements of design refer to the the decorative arts. Basketry or pottery
basic building blocks of any composition. are also commonly considered to be
The principles of design refer to how the craft, but the definitions of both terms are
elements are used, like the symmetrical or arbitrary.
asymmetrical balance, pattern, emphasis,
movement and proportion. The principles Why décor items are important?
of design are a set of cardinal rules and Decoration can be life-enhancing.
techniques for composing the various It can make dinner parties more fun,
elements of design. kids happier, relaxing easier, talks more
intimate and put guests at ease. And to
What are the principles of house design? think the decorating is often considered
There are seven main principles of frivolous. Making a charmed and happy
interior design: balance, harmony, home is a noble endeavour.
rhythm, proportion and scale, emphasis,
contrast and details. These concepts can Why is décor important in a home?
be applied to any room in a home, from The ways people decorate and furnish
living room to bathroom. their home, and the objects they choose
to display can reveal their benefits,
What are the five basic elements? aspirations and tastes. Décor and
All matter is composed of five basic furnishing can also contribute to their
elements (panchamahabhutas), which sense of mental and physical wellbeing.
inherit the properties of earth (pritvil),
water (jala), fire (tejas), wind (vayu) and Why is wall décor good?
space (akasha). An undeniable benefit of living room
wall art is the dynamic and texture it gives
What is the most obvious element of a space. This is especially true if walls are
design? all the same colour or if the flooring has
Colour. Colour is one of the most the same texture throughout the room.
obvious elements of design for both

48 Issue 268 • dw dw • Issue 268 49