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Design Process:
Elements & Principles

By Irina S. Weatherley

An understanding of basic design elements and principles will help you start the design process. Although they may seem abstract, these concepts need to be considered and applied as you develop and identify your own style.

Elements of design
Color: Color may be foremost among the design elements, but space, line, texture and pattern are also critical to a decorating scheme. As you consider the many choices for furnishings, keep those elements in mind. A successful mix will help you achieve a balanced, beautiful room.

Space: Walls enclose and define the space called a room. How space is perceived depends on the way color, line, texture and pattern are used on and inside the walls. To make a small room seem larger, emphasize openings and let the eye travel to the space beyond. Use small to medium-sized textures and patterns on the walls. Try a faux painting treatment to give the room depth. Employ light, cool colors on walls and ceilings. To make a room seem smaller, use a contrasting color, texture or pattern to define or create distinct areas. Use dark, warm colors on walls and ceilings. Introduce rough textures such as combed plaster walls or a fresco treatment to advance them visually.

Decorating Basics
The first step to take when decorating or redecorating your home is to incorporate and develop your own sense of style. Ask yourself what made you choose your home in the first place. Take a look at the location of your home, its architecture, color/texture, lighting and natural surroundings. What aspect impresses you most? This is where you should start. Capitalize on whatever drove you to your home. If it was the landscape, then bring a little of the outside into your room via fabric textures, architectural motifs, color tones, foliage and botanicals. If it was an architectural detail, such as a fireplace or grand window, then put the emphasis on that by making it the focal point of that room.

Developing a style that tells us about you is inductive. If your style has changed over the years, then the style of the room can’t support the way you want your life to look. Find the form of decorative self-expression that will suit both you and the rooms you reside in. Ask yourself if the style you’ve decided on is conducive to the way you live. If you have a house full of animals and children, then white upholstery with frills and lace would not be appropriate. If you happen to be in this situation but love the style, then choose a room all for yourself — your retreat, yet allow it to flow with the rest.

If you’re not sure about your style, color palette or general theme of your home, hire a decorator or pick up some decorating ideas in books and magazines. The more you research, the more you find what you like and dislike. This will help in eliminating costly mistakes in the future. Most decorators are willing to come out to your home and suggest ideas for color, furniture plans, lighting and accessorizing. So if you are on a budget, hire a decorator for a few hours just to get ideas on where to begin. Get the most for your money by being prepared. Figure out in advance what the most troublesome issue is in your living area, whether it is clutter, storage, lighting and so on.

Designing a house can be an arduous experience, especially when dealing with contractors, painters and furniture establishments. If you don’t want the hassle, hire a decorator to do it all. He or she will take care of everything from making sure the plumbing is done correctly to picking out your lighting fixtures, bed linens and window treatments. A decorator is responsible for making sure a floor plan enhances the furniture and serves the function of the room. Completing the design of a house may take years, but a decorator should pull together a plan so you can decide on what you want to do first. Planning ahead saves money.

Irina S. Weatherley is president of Pastiche of Cape Cod in West Barnstable, a design business she founded in 1994. She recently opened a second store in Dennisport.