Interior Design Principles and Elements Flashcards

A designer repeats a circular motif in the rug, mirror, and light fixtures of a room. Which principle is being applied?

Answer: Rhythm through repetition

Repeating an identical element throughout a space creates rhythm through repetition.

Which element of design refers to the perceived surface quality of an object, whether smooth, rough, or glossy?

Answer: Texture

Texture is the tactile or visual surface quality of materials in a space.

A room feels off because a massive sectional sofa sits beneath a tiny piece of wall art. Which principle is violated?

Answer: Scale

Scale concerns the size relationship of objects to one another and to the space.

Horizontal lines in a room's design tend to create a feeling of what?

Answer: Restfulness and stability

Horizontal lines evoke calm, stability, and a sense of restfulness.

In color theory, colors located opposite each other on the color wheel are known as what?

Answer: Complementary colors

Complementary colors sit directly across from one another on the color wheel.

A designer arranges furniture so the eye moves in a circle around a central chandelier. This is an example of which type of rhythm?

Answer: Radiation

Radiation is rhythm created when elements radiate outward from a central point.

Which principle ensures that all elements in a room appear to belong together as a unified whole?

Answer: Harmony (unity)

Harmony, or unity, is achieved when elements work together to form a cohesive design.