Journal Entry:
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” -Plato
What does this statement mean?
What do you consider beautiful in home decorating?
Do you have the same taste as your Parents or
Guardians?
Describe your tastes in home decorating.
Minimum 7 sentences
Elements of Design
www.FamilyConsumerSciences.com
I. Space
A. Definition: Three-dimensional area which may
be filled or left vacant
B. Functions of Space:
1. Divides an area
2. Changes the apparent size and quantity of an area
C. Space and Feelings
1. Gives a feeling of privacy- small, exclusive areas
2. Gives a feeling of being trapped or crampedcluttered areas or an area with little room to move
3. Gives a feeling of freedom or loneliness-large open
areas
4. Gives a feeling of awe- Gothic Cathedrals
5. Shows movement- city buildings
II. Line
A. Definition: A narrow, one-dimensional from
which appears to have length but not width.
Lines are either curved or straight.
B. Functions of Lines
1. Indicates Direction
a. Vertical lines-point up and down; adding length or height to
a room
b. Horizontal lines- point side to side; adding width to a room
c. Diagonal lines- adds size to a room
d. Zigzag lines- adds interest to a room
C. Lines and Feelings
1. Vertical lines- action (walking position)
2. Horizontal lines- rest (sleep position)
3. Diagonal or zigzag lines- Excitement or
movement
C. Line: contributes to character and
feeling of a design
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Vertical Line
Horizontal Line
Diagonal Line
Curved Line
Zig Zag
III. Form
A. Definition: The shape of solid objects that fill
space. The form of an object should be
appropriate for the object’s function.
B. Functions of Form:
1. Provides stability- large and heavy objects,
or objects positioned correctly
2. Provide instability- objects with smaller size
proportions on bottom, or incorrectly positioned
objects
3. Create harmony- form can provide
complimentary styles, objects look like they
belong together
B. Shape & Form
Shape: 2 dimensional and declares a boundary
Form: 3-D it takes on weight
IV. Mass
A. Definition: refers to the amount of objects
in a given space
B. Feelings and Mass
1. Gives a feeling of sparseness
2. Gives a feeling of density
V. Texture
A. Definition: refers to the surface of objects
such as smooth or rough. Texture can be
touched or imagined.
B. Effects and Feelings of Texture
a. Soft and plush carpet- sense of comfort
b. Rough material- a feeling of ruggedness and
stability
c. Velvet material- a feeling of luxury
d. Glass, metal or stone- a feeling of coolness
VI. Pattern: the arrangement of
designs, motifs, or results from
prominent texture
VII. Light: Natural and Artificial
VIII. Color
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