Scale and Proportion: The Holy Grail of Interior Design
Scale and proportion are the most important elements in achieving a great design that reflects balance and harmony. In her book, The Art of Space , interior designer and published author Mary Cook explains the seven fundamentals that create great design and spatial harmony. Objective: What are the goals of the design? What impression is to be communicated upon entering the room or viewing the piece of furniture for the first time? Function and livability: What is the purpose of the space and its contents? Great design must not only look great, but it must live great. Scale and proportion: Scale is the size of the items in the room, and proportion is their relationship to the space and to each other. Together, they add grace, balance, and harmony to a room. Light and lighting: Light evokes mood and emotion, generates interest, and creates emphasis, impact, and drama. Color: Color can add formality and sophistication or create a relaxed, casual atmosphere. It can help balan...