THE VISUAL LANGUAGE OF DESIGN

Module 1

Select three Interior spaces that each conveys a different message, mood or feeling. 
Describe how these moods have been created in each space using the elements and principles of design as they have been discussed so far. 

Design Elements

The high ceiling creates an illusion of airiness, as does the placement of the furniture. The small spaces between the furniture does not give off a feeling of mess and clutter, but rather a feel of coziness and security.

The curved lines are prominent in this design, which creates a softening and graceful effect to the entire room. These curved lines are especially shown in the coffee table stands, the curve of the arm chairs and the rounded chandelier attached to the ceiling.

The colours that are used create a very calming and earthly vibe to the room. The light colours of the walls, curtains and selected furniture brings out the dark colours of the fireplace and cushion covers. The recurring use of browns and beige brings out the blues of the cushions and fireplace.

The walls, fireplace, and ceiling look smooth, and the polished windows and coffee table are sleek. The fabric used for the curtains and couches seem soft to touch, and the rug placed in the middle under the coffee table looks to be both comforting and soft to step on.

The tall windows let in plenty of natural light during the daytime. When night falls, the space is illuminated by the various table lamps placed around the room, as well as the hanging chandelier.

The striped pattern on the cushion covers adds a semblance of playfulness to the otherwise sophisticated look of the design. The striped patterns is a change of pace as compared to the majority of the solid coloured cushion covers placed around the space.

Design Principles

The furniture placement showcases a sense of balance in the design. The three seater sofa facing the fireplace and the two single chairs by the window facing the blue sofa creates an asymmetrical look, with the coffee table and chandelier filling up the space in the middle. The entire balance of the design gives off a vibe of spontaneity. The decoration placed in between the two windows also create a sense of balance.

The emphasis in this space is the fireplace. Its dark paint contrasts with the lighter beige of the walls. The dark colours are also repeated with the cushions on the three seater couch.

The furnitures are all moderately proportioned amongst each other. There is no clear piece of furniture that seems to take up more room than others, and this creates an overall balanced and sophisticated feel to the space. There isn't much negative space on the floor or ceilings.

This space is harmonious in a way that the colours seem to complement each other. The blues and beiges and browns create a sense of calmness and homeliness. The space is visually appealing and looks inviting to guests, and the placement of the furniture creates an ideal place for conversation. 

Design Elements

The moderate ceilings and relatively tight spaces between the furniture pieces give this space a compact feeling. There isn't much empty space, but rather than give off a feeling of clutter, it creates a sense of security for guests.

The space is decorated with sharp lines — the horizontal shelves built into the wall creates a restful feeling to the design. The slightly curved legs of the coffee table adds a semblance of gracefulness to the entire design. The overall straight lines creates a masculine feel to the entire space.

The rounded shape of the wooden side table and the bar stools contrasts with the otherwise sharp edges of all the other furniture pieces in the room. 

The design has predominantly dark colours, most noticeably dark browns and navy blues. However, the dark colours are contrasted by the white ceiling and wall furtherest from the entrance.

The room's texture is mostly smooth and hard, with a touch of softness in the rug and couches. The smooth textures of the furniture adds to the secure feeling of the entire design.

Due to the size of the windows, there is not much natural light that enters the room during the daytime. However, because this space is not large, the small windows are perfect for this scenario. When the sun has set, the fireplace in the centre of the room provides a warm glow around the room. The lamp in the corner of the room can also be used for light during the night, leaving the room illuminated.

The motorcycle pattern drawn onto the rug further intensifies the masculinity of the entire design. The patterns visible in this design are mostly square and simple.

Design Principles

A sense of balance is achieved from the shelves in the far wall. The wall is facing the two bar stools and countertop. To create a more balanced look, the single chair and side table should be tilted to face the window. 

With the angle the single chair is at now, it creates a nice flow from one end of the room to the other. The curve of the chair leads our eyes to the fireplace and then to the three-seater sofa by the window.

The emphasis in this design are the two plants in the room (one on top of the coffee table and the other next to the single couch). The bright green leaves contrasts against the dark colours of the rest of the interior, and it makes it the first thing to catch people's eyes.

The furniture pieces are all well-portioned to the size of the space available, with no distinct difference in size. 

The dark colours with a splash of white/light colours create a harmonious design in terms of colour. The placement of furniture and the modest amount of empty space all create a sense of harmony in the design, and also creates a feeling of security.

Design Elements

A sense of airiness is achieved by the high ceilings and the wide space between the furniture.

The shape of the entire design is a balance of rigidness and softness. The rounded edges of the side table, lamps and rattan chair creates a contrast with the sharp edges of the trunk-like coffee table.

The colours used are soft and comforting. The different shades of blues and teals complement the browns of the furniture and the whites of the windows and ceiling. The green furniture also provide a splash of colour. The soft colours create a homely feel to the overall design, and it’s inviting to guests. The excess of white creates a somewhat calming environment, and also gives off a clean and crisp feel to the entire room. The warm colours of the furniture gives a homely feel to the entire design, making it inviting and comfortable.

The texture of the entire design is pleasant and calming.  The wooden texture is repeated through the space, in the side tables and the rattan chair, as well as the floor.

The wide space of the entire design accompanied by many windows let in natural light during the day. When night falls, the lamps provide a gracious amount of light for the right side of the room, while the left side is left without much artificial light. 

Design Principles

The right side of the room is clearly favoured, as shown by most of the furniture being placed towards that side. However, the entire space has a sense of balance because of the furniture placement. While one side is compacted with furniture, the other has a minimalist effect, with a simple hammock, plant and other little bits and pieces of furniture. One side of the design has furniture with solid edges, while the other has a curved hammock, which creates more balance in the entire design, and therefor an overall homely look.

The emphasis in this entire design is the ficus plant in the corner of the room. While it is not placed directly in the centre, the plant is the first thing to catch people’s eye because of its height in comparison to the rest of the furniture and because of the bright green leaves contrasting against the lighter colours of the wall.

With the light colours of the walls contrasting with the dark wooden floors, and the splashes of colour in the otherwise white furniture, it creates a sense of harmony in the entire design. There is nothing that looks out of place, and everything about the design fit in together perfectly.