In previous posts, the idea of shape was mentioned.  Form is derived from shapes and should be expanded on to deepen your knowledge of the important part they play in interior design.  While form is three-dimensional, the shapes that create it are two-dimensional, simply lacking depth.

The post on form discussed how shapes are separated into geometric and organic; the former being man-made with distinct outlines such as a rectangle or triangle and the latter inspired by nature with less distinct borders such as the shape of a fruit or a plant.  A third type of shape used in design, which can be considered an offshoot of organic shapes, is known as abstract.  This is a simplified version of organic shapes that are easily recognized by the viewer.  For example, a stick figure is an abstract version of a person, but we can recognize what the design is meant to represent.

Shapes can further be described as positive and negative and well as static and dynamic.  A positive shape is solid while a negative shape has open space inside or around it.  Positive shapes appear more stable and carry more visual weight while negative shapes appear to be lighter and more fragile.  Describing a shape as static also conveys a sense of stability and repose while dynamic shapes convey movement.

The six basic shapes at the center of interior design are Circle, Square/Rectangle, Triangle, Cross, Spiral and Curve.  Circles, with their lack of beginning and end give the viewer a sense of infinite movement and possibility.  Squares and rectangles, with the latter being the most popularly used, represent stability and conventionality.  Their horizontal lines are parallel with the Earth, giving a sense of being grounded.  Triangles are a symbol of power when incorporated into a design right-side up with a strong base to support it, but if this shape is turned upside-down it can give the opposite effect of instability to the space.  Crosses, which can be used in a “t” or “x” pattern, provide balance and are not automatically seen as a religious symbol when it comes to interior design.  Vertical crosses convey strength while horizontal ones provide a sense of calm.  Spiral shapes provide natural movement and signify growth, change and creativity.  Finally, curved lines bring softness to harder, more distinct lines.  They have more movement than circle or spiral designs since their borders are more free-flowing and unexpected automatically drawing the viewer’s eye to a new region.

The room above contains both open forms (recessed lights, chandelier, greenery) and closed forms (curtains, headboard, crown molding).

Throughout this series we’ve discussed the concept of space and line. These two principles are responsible for adding tone and character to a room’s interior. However, both elements lend to the concept of form. Line determines the space and form of an object.

Shapes Vs. Form

The concepts of shape and form are very similar. In fact, it can be difficult to differentiate between the two. How are these concepts different from each other? In interior design, shapes are often two dimensional. They have both width and height. On the other hand, forms are three dimensional objects that take up space. For instance, a speaker box is an example of form. The speaker consists of several shapes specifically squares that are put together to create form. Yes, form is solid mass that can be viewed from various angles.

Form can be created by combining at least two shapes. This element can be heightened using texture, color and pattern.

Types of Form

There are two types of form: geometric and natural. Geometric form is typically manmade while natural form is organic. Form can also be categorized as either open or closed. Open forms are objects that have a light and airy form, leading the eye away from the center and into the room.  Closed forms are heavier and dense, leading the eye into the object, creating a feeling of permanence and stability.

Importance of Form in Design

The use of form is essential for creating a well-decorated space. When form is used correctly it can create a sense of balance and great visual interest.  What are some ways you can implement form into your home’s decor? Form can be seen in your furnishing choices, decorative accessories and other objects that can provide functionality. Try to classify your furnishings and décor into open and closed forms! 

Without form a room would be flat. Sculptural type form is a great way to add drama to a space. Good form can be successfully achieved by taking into consideration both scale and proportion, which will be touched upon in future posts.  Form should be evenly distributed throughout a room. However, using too many unrelated types of forms in a space can be overwhelming and cause confusion in the design.

When selecting furnishings and decorative elements keep in mind that form has the power to transform a space!

In interior design, lines are separated into four categories: vertical, horizontal, angular and curved.  Each type of line can give a room its ambience by simple placement alone.  Therefore, it is a critical element when deciding how to move forward with your decoration plans.  Too much or too little of a single type of line can steer you in the wrong direction, so let’s get to know what feelings each one evokes when expressed through design.

Vertical lines help bring height to a room and give it a more formal look.  Floor to ceiling drapery is a perfect example of using vertical lines to enhance a space by making the ceiling appear taller.  Wallpaper with a vertical stripe design is another method used as well.  Vertical lines can give an imposing look to a design through architecture such as columns outside or inside of a home.  These lines draw the eye upward and add elegance to the space, but too many vertical decor choices can make it appear aggressive. Mixing in other types of lines will help mute a look that can become oppressive if not reined in.

Horizontal lines help soften the vertical elements in the room.  This can be done through the horizontal shape of a coffee table, couch, or countertop.  Since they are parallel to the ground, horizontal lines evoke more of an informal, calm feeling.  Incorporating these lines in a room will bring down the intensity of your vertical choices.  They draw the eye all the way around the room, providing flow not just in that space, but throughout the home. 

Angular lines can be broken down into two categories: diagonal and zigzag.  These lines are great for adding visual interest to a room and give the space some movement.  Chevron and herringbone designs are a good example of regular angular lines and zigzag designs with less obvious symmetry are considered irregular angular lines.  Choosing an irregular design will lend an unexpected look to the room simply through its lack of obvious symmetry.

Curved lines soften the appearance of other lines and provide an aesthetically pleasing look to any room.  Studies have found that curvilinear decor enhances the viewer’s mood and give them a sense of safety and comfort.  Good examples of curvilinear design are a half-moon table placed in an entryway or a spiral staircase.  Circular accent rugs or light fixtures are also easy ways to add curves to your living space.  Overly curvy interior choices can give the impression of being too ornamental, so striking a good balance between straight and curvy lines is key.

Space is extremely important when it comes to interior design.  Planning ahead is essential.  The first step in planning should be to familiarize yourself with the space.  From the floors to the windows to the ceilings, anything that can be enhanced stylistically and utilized in the most functional way to benefit the room is all considered to be under the umbrella of “space”. 

Mapping out your design ensures that everything in the room fits together properly and that any problem areas can be addressed and worked to their best advantage.  Even the space that is left open needs to be considered.  Walkways between pieces of furniture need to be properly spaced as well as dining chairs or reclining sofa seats to provide for range of movement.

This may all seem overwhelming at first, but remember to take it one step at a time.  First, think about the function of the space. While style is important, if the room cannot function the way you want it to then being stylish won’t matter.  If the room is a high traffic area, think about what you can do to make sure it does not become too cluttered.  Make a list of all the items currently taking up space and decide if any of them can be relocated. 

Assess the room’s lighting next.  If it’s satisfactory then you can play around with the idea of updating the fixtures and bulbs for your artificial light sources.  If you have proper natural light as well, consider what window treatment will flatter the space best.  If either one of these light sources is not to your liking, then play around with different methods that can help brighten up the room.  You want the design you are planning so meticulously to be showcased in the best way possible.

Lastly, we come to style.  Now that you know the feel of the room and have a running inventory of the items that will be taking up residence in it, you can decide the best presentation for them.  This is where you play around with your plan and move items back and forth to see which configurations works best for you.  It is also a good time to decide whether you want to create a focal point in the room.  It’s always a good idea to add a feature that draws the viewer’s eye upon entry.

There are certain to be times in your life when you visit a new place and find yourself admiring its design elements.  You may not be an interior designer, but you can still feel how much work and intention have gone into setting the scene for the spot you are standing in.  You catch yourself trying to discover every little detail and seek out every nook and cranny until you’ve uncovered its secrets. 

Sometimes you may wish you could take some of that appreciation home with you and implement even a little bit of the looks you admire right into your own living space.  For the average person without a degree in interior design it can all seem a bit overwhelming to understand.  Your mind is not yet trained to go to the same places as someone who makes their living from beautifying different types of rooms and buildings—but it can be! 

Through our in-depth series, we hope to enlighten you on the elements and principles of design so you can recognize what attracts you to arrangements and how they each play their part in making a space functional and beautiful.  You won’t be earning a degree by the end of it, but don’t let that stop you from putting all your new knowledge to good use!

With each installment, we will try to give you as much information as you need to understand why every element and principle is so important when you are making design decisions.     Understanding how these concepts work together is the first step to thinking like an interior designer and successfully implementing what you have learned into your home.  Through easy to understand descriptions and use of recognizable examples, we hope to better equip you on your journey to bringing your design dreams to life. 

If you want to immerse yourself in the world of interior design, then grab your pen and paper and get ready to learn! When you’re done, you will be the one your friends turn to for decorating tips. Don’t worry, we won’t tell them how you became such an expert! Ready? Let’s go!