07 January, 2011

The Elements and Principles of Design…A Guide for Design and a New Year

By Lauren Setum, LiLu Interiors intern
The following quote by interior designer, Andree Putman, was featured on the LiLu facebook page this week:
"I have no recipe for how to combine things. But you must be sincere. And if you are, strangely, it will succeed."
When it comes to design, there is no one single, correct solution. Similarly, there is not one right recipe for how to make 2011 a year to remember, but taking one day at a time and living sincerely can certainly make the next 365 days successful! Putman's quote and the final design principle of the week, rhythm, made me think of the Beatles song, 'Let it be'. The lyrics imply, again, that there is no one right recipe for life, but taking it a day at a time and trusting that things will turn out as they should are good methods to live by.
Let it be, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom
Let it be
And when the brokenhearted people
Living in the world agree
There will be an answer, let it be
For though they may be parted
There is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Yeah, there will be an answer let it be
Let it be, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom
Let it be
Let it be, let it be
Let it be, yeah, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom
Let it be
And when the night is cloudy
There is still a light that shines on me
Shine on until tomorrow, let it be
Just as the lyrics of the song repeat, rhythm in design can be achieved through repetition of the elements. Rhythm creates predictability and order in a composition and helps to move the eye through the space. While each of the principles of design have been discussed individually this week, all five contribute to the overall success of the final solution. The examples today come from the kitchen shown in the 'Emphasis' entry earlier this week.

rhythm 1 Notice the repetition, particularly in terms of color, materiality, and curved lines. All these elements contribute to the overall unity of the space.

LiLu designers never forget about the details. Even the island supports repeat the curved line found throughout the kitchen. The lines of the island chairs mimic that curve as well!