Interior Design Principles Flashcards

A designer places a large fireplace as the dominant feature that draws the eye first upon entering a living room. Which principle is being applied?

Answer: Emphasis

Emphasis creates a focal point that captures attention first within a space.

The 60-30-10 rule in interior design most directly governs which aspect of a room?

Answer: Color distribution

The 60-30-10 rule allocates dominant, secondary, and accent colors for balanced palettes.

Arranging identical lamps on either side of a symmetrical console creates which type of balance?

Answer: Formal (symmetrical) balance

Mirror-image arrangement around a central axis produces formal, symmetrical balance.

A repeating pattern of arches down a hallway that guides the eye forward demonstrates which principle?

Answer: Rhythm

Rhythm uses repeated elements to create visual movement through a space.

When a designer chooses a sofa sized appropriately to the human body and the room, they are chiefly concerned with:

Answer: Scale and proportion

Scale and proportion ensure furnishings relate correctly to people and the space.

Which principle is achieved when all elements in a room feel unified and belong together despite variety?

Answer: Harmony (unity)

Harmony, or unity, ties diverse elements into a cohesive whole.

Pairing a rough jute rug with a smooth glass table primarily creates interest through:

Answer: Texture contrast

Combining differing tactile surfaces adds depth through texture contrast.