How to Use the 7 Elements of Interior Design in Your Living Room
When we imagine interior design, it’s easy to think that the selection of each living room piece is magical. Images of finished living room designs rarely show the science behind the procedure. However, professional interior designers apply rules to their creativity and flair, hence the consistency in design excellence. This set of informal rules apply the 7 elements of interior design, which, when considered, produce the art that we all desire in our homes. Space, line, form, light, color, texture, and pattern, when applied correctly, create harmony. How do you use the 7 elements of interior design in your living room?
Are you ready to spruce up your living room and walk into the space of your dreams? Here are the 7 elements of interior design and how to apply them to your living room.
Space
The physical boundaries of your living room form the space you can work with. In most cases, you may not have the option to alter the space, which means knowing what you have creates the best design. Space occurs in 2-D (length and width) and 3-D (length, width, and height). You can also split space into positive (space containing objects) and negative (open space or space between objects).
Once you know your length, width, and height, it’s easier to select pieces to achieve a specific design. For example, you can use a tall bookshelf in your living room to create a height illusion. However, if the room is small, you may want to avoid a large bookshelf because its scale swallows up the negative space and creates crowding. In other cases, you may avoid a tall bookshelf because you want to focus on the furniture in the room.
In addition, different styles utilize space differently. For example, minimalism increases negative spaces, while maximalism focuses on positive spaces.
Line
The lines in your living room guide the eye and shape the outcome of your space. Excellent design strikes a balance between horizontal, vertical, and dynamic lines. Horizontal lines may present themselves through tables, drawer chests, and sofas. Using horizontal lines makes your space wider, safe, grounded, and formal. However, overusing horizontal lines makes your living room dull and bland.
Vertical lines, on the other hand, draw the eye upwards and evoke feelings of freedom. Windows, doorways, walls, and long items create vertical lines that lift the eyes and highlight other room features, such as the ceiling. However, too many vertical lines create a feeling of confinement.
To break the monotony, you can apply dynamic lines. These are curved, angular, and zigzag lines that create movement and energy. Curved lines in a painting create fluidity, while zigzag lines create activity. However, avoid using too many dynamic lines because they can be distracting.
Form
Form relates to lines and shapes of objects. It can be geometric, which means that the shapes and lines appear or natural, which means organic objects inspire it. However, using too many forms in an enclosed space could cause confusion. Striking a balance between different forms creates harmony. Usually, it’s best to repeat the dominant form with tiny objects in the living room.
Light
Natural and artificial light affects the function, mood, and beauty of your living room. Usually, natural light flows into your living room through doors and windows and highlights parts of the room. Unfortunately, without adequate natural light, your living room may appear dull, even with the presence of vibrant colors.
Mirrors on the walls are an excellent way to reflect natural light and increase the ambient light in your living room during the day. Chandeliers, recessed ceiling lights, and wall sconces are a great way to create ambient light at night.
It’s also vital to consider the purpose of the space when selecting artificial lights. What is the function of your living room? For example, if part of your living room functions as a workspace, the light needs to be bright because it helps with alertness and vision. In most cases, it’s best to add a task light over a table or desk instead of brightening the ambient light in the living room.
Light can also set the mood of your living room. Using softer lights can help bring a sense of calmness and relaxation in the living room. Fortunately, smart bulbs allow you to alter the color and brightness of light in your living room to define different moods.
Besides function and mood, lights also emphasize items and spaces. Accent lights highlight architectural features, wall hangings, carvings, and areas in your living room. For example, you can set up lights beneath or above paintings on your feature wall to draw attention to it when entertaining.
Color
Colors evoke emotions, feelings and stimulate us psychologically and physically. When considering the colors for your living room, consider its function, your style, and how the color interacts with natural and artificial light.
There are various ways to introduce color into your living room, including painting the walls, using wallpaper, using rugs, furniture, and decorations. Having a color palette helps you define the colors you can play around with while maintaining harmony and vibrancy in your living room.
Black, grey, navy, blue, and beige are highly recommended in living rooms, especially on furniture, rugs, and walls, because they’re laid back and provide an opportunity to play around with colors on other parts of the living room. However, greens, yellows, carmine, salmon pink, and golden hues can also work for your living room when paired with the right items.
Texture
The tactile appearance and feel of an item affect the appearance of your living room. Objects can have smooth, glossy, and coarse textures. Using different textures improves the vibrancy of the room while creating comfort. For instance, a fluffy rug in your accented reading corner introduces texture while comforting the feet.
With different textures, it’s entirely possible to maintain a color palette without being boring. For example, introducing textured beige and light grey pillows to a leather sofa and a beige textured poof to a light grey rug balances the room’s style. You can use light brown ceramics, rattan trivets, and green leafy plants in beige macramé plant hangers for the decorations.
Pattern
A pattern is created by repeating a design. It occurs in furniture, wall hangings, wallpaper, paint, rugs, and fabrics in the living room. Patterns bring vibrancy into a room but cause confusion when used overwhelmingly. First, consider the style and space of the room to choose where to apply the patterns. Usually, it’s best to use patterns sparingly to avoid confusion.
If you choose a patterned fabric for your upholstery, it’s best to keep other items in the room subtle. However, if the furniture in your room is modest, you can introduce patterns through pillows and throws. You can use intricate patterns made of different lines, shapes, and colors on a feature wall.
Lastly, it’s essential to know what patterns match the style of your living room. For example, contemporary designs use geometric and abstract patterns, while traditional techniques go for floral and organic patterns.
How Can We Help?
The Florida Leather Gallery is home to exquisite leather furniture pieces that you can use to style your living room to achieve sophistication and comfort. Visit our Tampa leather seating showroom or contact us today for more information.
