• Get a new packet, bell quiz and
assignment sheet from the front.
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
Rules, instructions, or guidelines for using the Elements of Design that
will lead to a more successful overall design.
Balance, Scale, Proportion, Rhythm,
Emphasis, Unity, Variety, harmony
Balance in design is not
always the same as
balancing a scale.
1. Balance
• Visually gives a sense of equilibrium or weight in a
design.
• Visual weight is created in four ways:
•
•
•
•
Size
Color
Texture
Number of objects
• Odd number is more pleasing
3. Methods to achieving balance
• Large objects and
spaces visually
appear heavier
than small ones.
• A grouping of small
objects can
visually balance
out a larger object.
• Opaque materials
appear heavier than
transparent
materials.

Bright, warm, darkpatterned colors appear
heavier than grayed,
cool, light colors.
• Bright, warm, dark-patterned colors appear
heavier than grayed, cool, light colors.

• Typical shaped objects
settle into the background.
While non typical shapes
stand out.
Textures and
patterns hold one’s
attention longer than
smooth, plain surfaces.
• Contrasting textures, patterns, and colors have a
greater impact on creating visual weight or an
imbalance than close harmonies do.
• Objects above eye
level appear to be
heavier than objects
placed below eye
level.
• Brightly-lit areas
attract more
attention than
dimly lit areas.
Balance is ever changing
1. When a person enters the room, the balance of
the room is changed.
• The clothing they are wearing and the places they move
will also change the balance.
2. The constant changing of natural light is another
factor.
• Sunlight at different times of day
3. The little things that happen every day
• Reading materials placed in a room, toys, fading of
carpets and furniture, etc.
Types of Balance…
• Symmetrical
• Asymmetrical
• Radial
Symmetrical / Formal Balance
• Achieved by placing identical objects on either side of
central point.
• One side of the room is the mirror image of the other
• Suggest restraint, orderliness, quiet, restful, and
formality.
• Easiest type of balance to create.
Symmetrical Balance
Asymmetrical / Informal Balance
• Achieved by placing objects of equal visual
weight on either side of a central point.
• Most interesting arrangements –
• Visual weights are equal, but elements are different
in size, form, color, pattern, and spacing
• Relaxed and informal feel
• More difficult balance
to achieve.
Asymmetrical Balance
• http://www.hgtv.com/video/balanced-livingroom-design-video/index.html
Radial
• Achieved by placing objects around a central point.
• Creates a sweeping, dramatic, circular motion in a room.
• Chairs around a table, a clock, mirror
What types of balance do you see?
Balance Assignments
Fireplace Mantel
• Create 3 sketches of the same fireplace drawn side by side
on the same page.
• Think of items that might be displayed on or around a
fireplace mantel. Create 3 different arrangements of items
to represent 3 different types of balance. The items do not
need to be the same for both pictures.
• Explan which of the 3 types of balance are seen, how the 3
types of balance were achieved, and the feeling they
created.