Week 1

 Elements of Design 

Gina Christopher 

This week we learned about some of the events of interior design including point, line, plane, space/volume, and form. 

Point refers to the focal point of an interior space. There can be a built in focal point such as vaulted ceilings, windows, or angled walls. There can also be created focal points such as back splashes, mirrors, light fixtures, and statement furniture. 

The lines we discussed include horizontal, vertical, diagonal, zigzag and curved lines. Horizontal lines create a restful, stable and calming environment. Vertical lines create a grand, luxurious and important feelings. Diagonal lines create an unbalanced fun energy. Zigzag lines create energy and excitement. Curved lines create a graceful gentle feeling. Curved lines can be more informal and free forming or formal such as geometric curves, and circles. 

The most important planes for interior designers are the wall plane, ceiling plane, and floor plane. Each plane requires a great level of thought and attention to detail.

Space and volume consist of either negative or positive space. Positive space includes solid masses, while negative space included voids. It is important to balance positive and negative space to make a space feel well put together. 

Repeating forms can also be very effective when trying to make a space feel well put together. 

Here are my two upside down drawings from this week’s assignments. I really liked these exercises because they taught me how to draw without thinking too hard. This is very helpful for someone who isn’t the best at drawing. I choose to sketch the Wells Cathedral photo from the history of furniture textbook because I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the interior ornamentation of cathedrals.