Interior Design Principles and Elements Flashcards

What are the seven elements of interior design?

Answer: Space, line, form, light, color, texture, and pattern

The seven fundamental elements are space (the foundation), line (horizontal, vertical, dynamic), form (shapes), light (natural and artificial), color (hues and values), texture (surface quality), and pattern (repeated designs).

What is the 60-30-10 color rule in interior design?

Answer: Use a dominant color for 60% of the room, secondary color for 30%, and accent color for 10%

The 60-30-10 rule creates visual balance: 60% dominant color (walls, large furniture), 30% secondary color (upholstery, curtains), and 10% accent color (accessories, artwork) for a cohesive, balanced space.

What is the golden ratio in interior design?

Answer: A mathematical proportion (approximately 1:1.618) used to create aesthetically pleasing spatial relationships

The golden ratio (1:1.618) creates naturally pleasing proportions in furniture arrangement, artwork placement, and spatial division, found throughout nature and used in art and architecture for centuries.

What is the purpose of a concept board (mood board) in interior design?

Answer: To visually communicate the design direction through collected materials, colors, textures, and images

A concept/mood board collects and arranges material samples, color swatches, fabric pieces, images, and inspiration to visually communicate the overall design direction to clients and team members.

What is biophilic design?

Answer: Design that incorporates natural elements and connections to nature to improve human health and well-being

Biophilic design integrates natural elements (plants, water, natural light, organic materials, nature views) into interior spaces to reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and enhance overall well-being.

What is the difference between symmetrical and asymmetrical balance in interior design?

Answer: Symmetrical mirrors elements equally on both sides of a center line; asymmetrical uses different elements of equal visual weight

Symmetrical balance creates formal, orderly arrangements by mirroring elements equally across a center axis. Asymmetrical balance uses different objects of similar visual weight to create informal, dynamic equilibrium.