M2: Emphasis

The concept of emphasis is the art of creating a focal point, even if the room has absolutely nothing going for it.

Emphasis is when one’s attention is drawn to one part of the room first.

Lounge suite around a fireplace; or a beautiful object or painting on a wall or the view out the window, all creating a focal point.

Emphasis is when one’s attention is drawn to one part of the room first.

Harmony suggests carrying a single unifying theme that consistently relates the varied components of an interior to each other, whether a single room or an entire house.

There needs to be artistic tension between order and disorder and between variety and unity.

Elements of design include the various aspects that make up spaces and materials.

Line is used to create shape and form and to enclose space.

Objects are perceived by the line that describes them for example; square, triangle, hexagon, octagon, round and rectangular

Vertical lines create an illusion of height and are strong, dominant and definite.

They lend dignity and formality to a room and it is important to have at least one piece of furniture that is tall.

These lines run across the room and would include table tops, shelves, picture and dado rails, painted stencils in a row, pelmets, windowsills, sofas (particularly modern style) and ceiling cornices.

These lines run across the room and would include table tops, shelves, picture and dado rails, painted stencils in a row, pelmets, windowsills, sofas

These lines run across the room and would include table tops, shelves, picture and dado rails, painted stencils in a row, pelmets, windowsills

These lines run across the room and would include table tops, shelves, picture and dado rails, painted stencils in a row, pelmets, windowsills, sofas

These lines run across the room and would include table tops, shelves, picture and dado rails, painted stencils in a row, pelmets, windowsills, sofas (particularly modern style) and ceiling cornices.

Diagonal Lines - these lines are dynamic and dramatic and can be overbearing.

They should be used sparingly in a room and should be used in conjunction with other types of line.

On the other hand, too many curves can create a fussy, restless atmosphere.

Curves need be used with discretion as too many curved lines may be confusing and distracting.

Uncontrolled curves give a feeling of free-flowing movement such as wall murals and waves.

Controlled curves such as arched chair backs, arches in a wall, arched mirror tops all create a light, floating feeling.

The smaller the home, the more important it is to subdivide space in such a way that it appears more spacious.

As a decorator it is your job to understand what clients’ requirements are for the space in their home or office and adjust your plan accordingly.

The use of space can convey a positive or negative feeling.

However, a cluttered crowded room can cause one to feel uncomfortable and restless.

Ultimately the aim, procedure and result will be the same.

It has length and depth, and takes up space because it has volume.

Free shapes such as a continuous freehand line which forms numerous shapes.

Circle - this is a self contained shape which holds the eye rather than allowing it to move to another item.

some examples of objects in décor would be door knobs, cushions, pictures, mirrors, floor rugs and tables.

Rectangle - this is a commonly used shape when designing homes and internal rooms and used in the ratio of 2:3 (width: length).

Examples would include a corner cabinet, the pitch of a thatch roof and modular office furniture.

Examples would include a corner cabinet, the pitch of a thatch roof and modular office furniture.

You can see a texture because of the difference in light and shade created by its surface relief.

If one kind of texture is used in a room it can become rather bland and boring.

The three basic textures can be classified as fine, medium or coarse.

Textures are used in interiors to make the décor of a room interesting, some surfaces reflect light (shiny and smooth) and others absorb light (matt and coarse).

Some descriptive words used to describe texture would include: sharp, smooth, shiny, rippled, soft, rough, fibrous and stiff.

Some descriptive words used to describe texture would include: sharp, smooth, shiny, rippled, soft, rough, fibrous and stiff.

Some descriptive words used to describe texture would include: sharp, smooth, shiny, rippled, soft, rough, fibrous and stiff.

Contrasting textures can combine well for example using concrete and stainless steel.

Contrasting textures can combine well for example using concrete and stainless steel

Rough textures absorb sound and light, but do not clean easily if untreated.

Gloss paint, chrome and glass can appear cold and formal.

Woollen carpets, wood and matt paint give a feeling of warmth and cosiness.

Bring the outdoors in by providing textural transitions like rock and tile, wooden flooring and natural fibres onto wall and furniture coverings.

Bring the outdoors in by providing textural transitions like rock and tile, wooden flooring and natural fibres onto wall and furniture coverings.

Coarse, natural and absorbing textures are useful in a very bright, sunny room.