"A home is a place to share, create, and nourish the best in each of us as individuals and as a family. Design is one of the finest means to accomplish this." -Eve Robinson
Design is one of those aspects that would genuinely give a space character and personality.
In this regard, homeowners should endeavor to give their homes a bit of their touch not only to personalize it, but to make it come to life as well. But what is interior design really? Word by word, interior would be taken to mean as something on the inside while design, according to most dictionaries is an element as an essential or characteristic part of something abstract. When put together then, interior design is an abstract wherein the overall design of a space is comprised of many factors. This myriad of factors would then boil down to concrete elements essential to improving a space's overall aesthetic.
So, how do you ensure that your space in The Lerato or elsewhere is visually appealing and practical as well? After all, a good interior design would take functionality into account just as much as the visual appeal. A good place to start is to have an awareness of what the essential elements of interior design are as listed below:
1.) Space
Well, to begin with, an integral aspect of interior design is just as the word presupposes where it means the design of an interior space. Interior space would be taken to mean as the structural elements such as the columns, ceilings, floors and walls. Any empty space between two structural elements would be referred to as the negative space. This would then mean that the objects incorporated into the very blank spaces would contribute to it being a positive space. In this regard, there has to be balance within the two wherein a room would not be too overwhelmed with objects or too bare that it would look lackluster, uninspired and dull.
2.) Forms
It has been well-regarded that lines are the very foundation of forms as this is what would give them shape. To differentiate, lines are categorized into two types known as the geometric and natural. Both of which can mean either closed or open. Today, forms are no longer limited to 2D interpretations, today they are mostly 3D. A comprehensive understanding about what forms are is imperative in accomplishing the desired feel of a space.
3.) Light
Any article detailing the importance of interior design would all proclaim the importance of light. And indeed, how important they are! Light is what gives a room dimension and would be use to illuminate all the lines and forms that can be found within. Moreover, light is paramount to color in such a way that its absence would negate a color's existence (save for black). Essentially, light also enables us to see visual textures and patterns. Two of the main types of light are artificial and natural and a good designer would know how to make a cohesive plan wherein there is harmony among the space, the colors chosen and the amount of natural light the space receives during the day.
4.) Color
Color is a core aspect that would not only give a definitive personality to a space, but it also has a subconscious influence on us. Apart from bringing a room to life, it also leverages the whole mood of a space. However, do note that color is essentially nothing without light. With this in mind, it is imperative that these two elements go hand in hand. Keep in mind that although the selection of colors might seem like a negligible task, the correct choice can contribute to the effectiveness of the overall design and aesthetic. As it is, appropriate color choices would support the function of a space.