The problem with Interior Design is a lot many people confuse it with Interior Decoration. While the former refers to designing an entire living space from scratch, the latter refers to decorating an existent living space with added furniture and upholstery.

Interior Design is indeed a science that is bound by its own elements and principles and yes, it is not as simple as one imagines it to be..! Generally interior designers go by the rule book that states that “There are 7 Elements and 7 Principles of Interior Design”.

1. Space

Space is one of the most important elements of interior design. Space acts as a foundation on which the entire interior design plan is built.

Hence it is essential that the designer is well aware of the space available, its dimensions and its utilities.

Space is divided into two types namely – Two Dimensional Space which covers the floor (includes length and width) and Three Dimensional Space which forms the living space (includes length, width and height).

A space that is essentially filled with furniture/decor items is a Positive Space and an empty space is a Negative Space. An equilibrium has to be maintained between the positive and negative spaces and either overcrowding or skimping on the furniture/decor items is going to affect this equilibrium.

2. Line

Lines give birth to forms and shapes and are responsible for establishing a sense of harmony, contrast and unity (3 of the 7 principles) in a living space.

They define shapes and act as visual guides of an interior space. Lines are broadly categorized into three types – Horizontal, Vertical and Dynamic.

While horizontal lines adorn structures likes tables, chairs and beds, vertical lines can be found on windows, doorways and almirahs. While horizontal lines add a safe and secure feeling to the space, vertical lines emote free and expansive nature. Dynamic or angular lines, which are action oriented add drama and can be seen on structures like stairs.

An interior designer knows how to utilize these lines to define the forms, another important interior design element.

3. Forms

Forms mean shapes in general, an outline of any three dimensional object in the space. The form is often used interchangeably with the term shape in interior design.

It is a close relative to line in that it can be used to produce distinct feelings and effects when applied according to the principles of interior design. A well-defined form establishes harmony and additional forms add balance to the space.

There are two types of forms Geometric (man-made) and Natural (organic). Also forms are categorized as open and closed; open forms are those that can be looked into and closed forms are those that are enclosed by a closed surface.

A solid understanding of the above mentioned elements i.e. space and line is required to achieve a good form.

4. Light

Light is one of the most obvious elements of interior design. Either natural or man-made, without light other elements namely color, texture and pattern have no significance at all. Light sets in the mood and ambiance into a living space and highlights the every other element including space, line and forms.

While smart placement of doors and windows should take care of the natural light, man-made or artificial lighting is broadly divided into three major types namely – Task Lighting, Accent Lighting and Ambient Lighting.

Task Lighting

As the name says, task lighting is to light up specific areas where you want to do something.

Examples of these are a desk lamp for a working area, a reading lamp on the bedside table, recessed kitchen lights for the food prep counter, cabinet lighting that turns on when you need to get something inside, or a picture light for your favorite wall painting.

Accent Lighting

These are the lights that give character and beauty to your space.

It could be those pendant lights that give your dinner table a rich flair, or a favorite quote in neon lights installed on your wall.

The function of accent lighting is primarily to create that ooh la la factor you’d like in your home; providing illumination is a secondary function.

If it can do both in equal measure, then give yourself some brownie points…!

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting illuminate the entire space. These are usually found overhead, like flush or semi-flush fittings, chandeliers, even wall lights.

It’s best if these lights could be in different circuits so you don’t have to turn everything on. You can also have the lighting installed with dimmers so that it would be easier for you to create the mood you want.

5. Color

Colors don’t need any special introduction. Colors establish an aesthetic connection between objects and set the mood.

Colors must be chosen based on the psychology and the mindset of the dweller. For example, red is an excellent choice for dining room as it encourages appetite and green for bedroom as it is the color of tranquility and health.

Each color has three distinct characteristics namely Hue, Value and Intensity, and an interior designer must be well aware of these characteristics to perform various permutations and combinations.

Colors are broadly classified into Primary and Secondary colors and also sub-categorized into Tertiary, Complementary, Analogous and Monochromatic colors.

6. Patterns & Texture

Patterns add interest and life to interior design and work along with colors. Patterns tell a story of their own and add the elements of continuity and smooth transition in a living space.

Patterns could be of any shape and mostly comprise of attractive and repetitive designs. Paisley, a design pattern which takes the shape of a droplet-shaped vegetable is one of the most commonly used patterns on wall paints, pillow covers and other decorative surfaces.

Texture mainly deals with surfaces and determines how a typical surface looks and feels. Texture adds depth and interest into a living space and defines the feel/appearance and consistency of a surface.

Texture is broadly classified into two types – Visual Texture where the texture is only visible and Actual Texture where the texture is both seen and felt. Anything that has to do with textiles such as pillow cover, bed spreads or anything to do with covers like drapes, wall paint or wallpapers have a texture.

While there must be a dominant texture to define a mood, a contrasting texture must also be included to avoid monotony

7. Furniture & Objects

Furniture is a functional element of design, as well as an important one to use to bring together a room and the feeling of a house. Furniture forces particular paths to be taken throughout the space and are a great way to express creativity or personality.

Placing furniture around a focal point can be a good way to highlight a feature, such as a fireplace, and shuffling furniture at intervals can be a quick and easy way to change the feel of a room.

Objects are the most personal element of the overall design, and tell a story. The objects used in a room, whilst personal, should still be linked with the design, and flow with the room.