Scale is a principle of design that evaluates the size and visual weight of objects and the way they relate to each other.  Scale may be small (child’s room), medium, large (average American home) or grand (think public places, like a museum or hotel lobby).  I used the picture above because I think it is a good example of scale (sorry about the quality, this was taken with my old phone).   I love that a queen sized bed was used.  It fills the width of the room just right.  I also like the size of the headboard.  It fills the height of the room just right. Everything else relates to everything else. Nothing overpowers anything else, they all support each other. I know most of us do not have a blank slate or an unlimited budget to work with.  But you can play around with what is already in your home.

Here is a good example of playing around with scale.  The flowers are huge but they work on this table because they fill the visual void between the table and the light.  They help everything in this dining area relate to each other. I think that is the big take-away for me, don’t leave glaring voids and make sure that this relates and supports that (whatever your this and that may be).  Which brings me to why I am doing this “Design Elements” series, I want to share (and review for myself) the lessons I’ve learned in design school.  I really hope I don’t sound preachy or like a know-it-all.  I started this blog with a sincere desire to share tips and tricks I’ve learned the hard way (or had to pay someone a lot of money to gain).  My hope is to empower and inspire you to create your perfect home.

Asymmetrical balance is when you place different objects on either side of a center point.  The goal (and trick) is to make sure that each side is balanced.  I am very much a fan of asymmetrical balance.  Why?  First it is much more casual than balanced symmetry.   Second, it is more modern.  An asymmetrical room will feel fresh and updated.  It may take more thought to pull off this look.  symmetrical balance can be as easy as buying two identical vases and putting one on each side of a mantel.  It will take some trial and error to find two different objects to balance the same mantel.  Please notice how the “home” balances the vases on this mantel (family room from the 2011 Salt Lake City Parade of Homes “Up” House).  Also note the sofa is opposite the matched chairs.  Each side of the room is different but both sides hold the same visual weight, they are balanced.  If you are considering using this design principle, a good place to start is breaking up anything that is too matchy-matchy in a room.  Take one of those matched vases I talked about before and move it to another room.  Try balancing the other side of the mantel with flowers or a painting or a figurine.  Have fun trying different things, it’s your home so if it feels right to you, than it is!

Symmetrical balance is a principle of design where there is a mirror-like balance of elements in a room.  This picture (Ivory Homes model in the 2011 Salt Lake City Parade of Homes) is a good  real life example.  Notice the mantel has the same floral arrangement on each side.  The hearth displays pottery on each side.  And the chairs, though not mirror images, are of similar size so they are still symmetrically balanced.  Symmetry is a bit formal.  You can use it to ground elements that aren’t usually considered formal.  It is possible (in my opinion) to overdo the symmetry.  EXACT symmetry is too stiff.  That is why I said this picture is a good real-life example.  Notice the end tables flanking the sofa are completely different.  It makes the room seem livable.  I want to share the things I learn in design school to show the science behind the art of interior design.  I am a firm believer in the power of knowledge.  With the basics under your belt, there’s no reason your house can’t be your dream home.

Repetition is a design principle where shapes, lines, forms or colors are repeated in a pleasing manner.  Repetition is important because it will bring a sense and order to your room and home.  It will make everything cohesive.  In this room (an Ivory Homes model and 2011 Salt Lake Parade of Homes entry) you may notice that the same colors are repeated throughout the room.  The yellow chairs have teal pillows, the teal chair has a yellow pillow and the cream-colored couch has both. The colors are also repeated in the accessories.   Your eye travels around the room without skipping.  A good rule-of-thumb is to repeat an element, like color or shape, at least three times in a room or throughout your home.

Every room should have a special emphasis.  Emphasis or focal point is a design principle that simply directs one’s attention to a certain area.  The easiest area of a room  to emphasise is a fireplace.   Of course not every room has a fireplace. The next easiest architectural element to use as an emphasis is a window.  If the view is great, call it good.  If you need privacy you could really punch the window up with some to-die-for window treatments.  So, what else works as an emphasis?

Furniture works.  Do you have a prized heirloom handed down to you through your family?  Do you have a special piece painstakingly refurbished?  You know what they say, “If you’ve got it, flaunt it!”.  Color also works as an emphasis.  You could paint one wall of your room your favorite color.  How about pattern?  You could wallpaper  one wall or paint one wall with stripes or chevrons.

Art and accessories are especially powerful as an emphasis.  To give the art enough “oomph” to make it an emphasis, one large-scale piece works, but so does a trio of related paintings (or photos).  Another idea is a gallery wall.  Have fun and be creative with your emphasis.  There’s no right or wrong, just keep in mind that your emphasis or focal point should be strong enough to take center stage.  All other things in the room play a supporting role to it.