If you’re looking to get started in the interior design business, you are curious about what this creative field involves. Like any other form of art, interior design is based on several principles that guide the creation of a functional and aesthetically pleasing room. However, these principles are not hard and fast rules.
In this blog, we will discuss 7 principles of interior design that every beginning in this field should know, as we explore the different types of interior design courses available in India. Read on to find out all about these 7 principles and how they’re essential in a PG Interior Designing course.
Types of Interior Design Courses
Before we dive into the principles of interior design, let’s take a look at the different types of interior design courses that you can pursue at design institutes in Bangalore or other cities of India. There are various levels of interior design courses to cater to different needs and preferences, among which the common are:
- Diploma in Interior Design: These short-term courses cover the basics of interior design and prepare you for entry-level jobs or further studies in the field.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design: These full-time undergraduate courses cover the theoretical and practical aspects of interior design and prepare you for professional practice or higher studies.
- Master’s Degree in Interior Design: Also known as PG Interior Designing, these full-time postgraduate courses cover advanced and specialised aspects of interior design and prepare you for research or teaching careers, or leadership roles.
In the table below, you can find the highlights of these interior design courses in Bangalore or elsewhere.
| Course Name | Diploma in Interior Design | Bachelor’s in Interior Design | Master’s in Interior Design |
| Duration | 6 months – 2 years | 4 years | 2 years |
| Eligibility Criteria | 10th or 12th pass from a recognised board | 12th pass from a recognised board | Bachelor’s degree in interior design or related fields |
7 Principles of Interior Design
Let us now take a look at the 7 principles of interior design that you must know:
Balance
Balance is the distribution of visual weight in a room. There are three types of balance:
- Symmetrical
- Asymmetrical
- Radial.
Symmetrical balance is achieved when the elements on either side of a central axis are identical or mirror each other. This creates a formal and elegant look, but can also be boring and predictable if overdone.
Asymmetrical balance is achieved when the elements on either side of a central axis are different but still create a sense of equilibrium. This creates a more dynamic and casual look, but can also be challenging and complex to achieve.
Radial balance is achieved when the elements are arranged around a central point or focus. This creates a sense of movement and energy, but can also be overwhelming and chaotic if overdone. Radial balance is often used in circular or curved spaces, such as domes, arches or staircases in PG Interior Designing courses.
Harmony
Harmony is the unity and cohesion among the elements in a room. It can be achieved by using similar or complementary colours, shapes, textures, patterns, styles or themes throughout a room, creating a sense of order and consistency. Harmony can also be achieved by using contrast or variety to create interest and focal points, but without disrupting the overall harmony of the space.
Rhythm
Rhythm is the repetition and variation of elements in a room. It can be achieved by using gradation or progression of elements that change in size, colour, shape or direction gradually or abruptly, or simply by repetition of the elements which may include:
- Patterns
- Colours
- Shapes
- Textures
- Lines.
Proportion and Scale
Proportion is the relative size and ratio of elements in a room. It creates a sense of balance and harmony among the objects and elements in the space. Proportion can be achieved by using the golden ratio – a mathematical formula (approximately 1:1.618, where the smaller part is about 62% of the larger part) that defines the ideal proportion between two parts of a whole. The golden ratio can be found in nature, art and architecture.
Scale refers to the absolute size of elements in a room – creating a sense of relation and comparison between the objects and elements. It can be achieved by using appropriate sizes of furniture, accessories, artwork or lighting that suit the size of the room and the human scale. Scale can also be achieved by using contrast or exaggeration to create drama or illusion, as you’ll learn in a PG Interior Designing course.
Emphasis
Emphasis is the creation of focal points or centres of interest in a room. It creates a sense of hierarchy and importance among the elements in the space. Emphasis can be achieved by using contrast, colour, shape, texture, pattern or placement to draw attention to certain elements or areas in the room. It can also be achieved by using isolation or grouping to separate or combine certain elements or areas in the room.
Contrast
Contrast is the difference between elements in a room, which creates a sense of diversity and excitement. It can be achieved by using opposite or complementary elements, such as:
- Light and dark values
- Warm and cool colours
- Organic and geometric shapes
- Rough and smooth textures.
A PG Interior Designing course can help you create contrast in your interior design projects to create mood and atmosphere in a room.
Details
Details are the finishing touches that reflect your taste, style or intended theme and complete the look and feel of a room. They create a sense of personality and character in the space. Details can be achieved by using:
- Accessories
- Artwork
- Lighting
- Plants,
- Flowers
- Personal items
- Quality materials, craftsmanship or techniques.
A PG Interior Designing course can help you add details to your interior design projects, enhancing their beauty and functionality.
Conclusion
Interior design is not only a creative field with the potential for great career opportunities but also a form of artistic expression that is based on several principles like any other art form. Some of these principles, like the ones mentioned above, form the backbone of any interior design project, and hence it is important to get them right to have any kind of success in your design career. Thankfully, interior design courses like the PG Interior Designing program exist, to drill these principles into your projects through practicals, internships, etc.
Thus, if you want to become adept at leveraging these principles to make the most out of your interior design projects, check out the courses on offer at LISAA School of Design today!
FAQs
- Which jobs can I get with a Bachelor’s in Interior Design?
Some of the job roles you can get with the Bachelor’s in Interior Design at LISAA School of Design are those of a colour designer, interior designer, packaging designer, interior designer, product designer, set designer, etc.
- Will I also be able to have a career in product design with the help of a Bachelor’s in Interior Design from LISAA School of Design?
Yes, the Bachelor’s in Interior Design at LISAA School of Design trains Interior Designers and product Designers capable of entering diverse sectors of the industry.
- Does LISAA School of Design offer a PG interior design program?
Yes, LISAA School of Design offers a 2-year Masters / PG Diploma in Interior Design & Business Management.
- Which jobs can I get with a PG Diploma in Interior Design & Business Management?
Some of the job roles you can get after graduating with a PG Diploma in Interior Design and Business Management are those of Design Manager, Construction Manager, Project Manager, Event Manager, etc.
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