Element of Design: Space

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Our task this week was revolved around the element of design: space. We had to create a New York City studio apartment layout on http://gabberts.icovia.com/icovia.html that included a bedroom, bathroom, living area, and a kitchen. The key to this was to make sure it was a comfortable living environment while only using walls around the bathroom but still having designated spaces for each "room". We defined space as the three dimensional area with which the designer works. Here is my example of a NYC studio apartment.

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Elements of Design: Texture

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The next Element of Design we have been discussing in class is Texture. There are 3 different types, visual, tactile, and audible. Visual is described as the appearance of a surface. Some examples in my olioboard of this are the plants on the wall, the shiny side table on the left, the geometric clock, and the artistic pillows on the couch. The next type of texture is tactile. This is the way a surface feels. For example, the sequin pillow is going to feel scratchy, the sculpture on the table is smooth with sharp edges, the tree is very tactile, and you can feel the buttons on the fabric chair. Finally, the last type of texture is audible. This is any kind of sound something makes when you come in contact with it. This could be the sound the tree makes when you move your hand through it, rubbing your hand over the scratchy sequin pillow, the sound of the vase falling on the couches versus the tile, or the hollow noise the left side table would make if you pounded your fist on the top. Texture adds interest to a room and draws our attention. Everything we touch evokes a physical response and texture gives a room depth.

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Elements of Design: Line

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This week in Interior Design we learned about the elements of design. The first element we are talking about is line. There are a four different types of lines and each one can affect the mood of the room. There are horizontal, vertical, diagonal, and curved. Here are some examples of each along with the mood they give the room.

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~Horizontal~

Horizontal lines draw your eye from side to side. It lengthens the room or space and make it look wider than it really is. Horizontal lines are referred to as informal and it gives the space a very calm and relaxed feel. Both of these pictures embrace and showcase the relaxed and laid back atmosphere.

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~Vertical~

In comparison to horizontal lines, vertical lines give the space a formal feel. It draws your eye upward. You can see this in the first picture where the tree and the sliding glass door draw your eye up toward the vertical siding on the building. Vertical lines make the space seem taller than it really is and stretches everything up.

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~Diagonal~

Diagonal lines bring attention and interest to a space. It breaks up from the expected vertical and horizontal lines and leads the eye across the diagonal. In the image of the staircase, your eye immediately goes across the image and follows the green railing upward. Or in the outdoor space, you don't first look in the very center at the back room, you look up at the peek of the diagonal lines because they draw your attention and create interest.

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~Curved~

The images I chose to represent curved lines are very similar. They are both calm and gentle curves in an outdoor space that brings your eye and attention all around the picture to appreciate all the details. There are curved lines all around in the pool, hot tub, staircases, windows and doors, and the architecture in general. Curved lines prevent the room from becoming to stiff and add a feminine touch. Both of these images are very soft to me and are a great example of curved lines.

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As you can see, lines can affect the mood and feel of a room. Each of the four types bring a different style and they all draw the attention of your eye in a unique way. Lines stand out more when the room is simpler and less cluttered. The more the room has in it, the harder it is to detect a specific line style and your eye doesn't know what to look at first.

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