Interior
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Scale Drawing – Learning the Basics

Cristopher Centers

Scale drawing

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Scale drawings are created to allow you to plan the space and for others to know and understand your plan.  

Contractors that may be working under your instruction need plans to understand where and how you want items placed.  Clients will need to visualise the space and be confident that it’s going to work for them before committing to the proposed design and You as the designer, also need to be sure that your proposal is going to work.  How embarrassing would it be to order a £15000 bed only to find it doesn’t fit the space!

As mentioned elsewhere on this site there are online tools to help you with the planning, but you will still need to ensure that the measurements you use are correct.

What is scale drawing?

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A scale drawing is a drawing that shows an actual space with accurate sizes except they have
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Exterior
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Decorating 101 – Interior Design Basics

Cristopher Centers

If you weren’t born with the ability to imagine a room complete with furniture placement, wall hangings, and rug and accent choices, it is something you can develop and hone over time. Learn the basics of home decorating, including design principles, decorating styles, and answers to decorating challenges. 

Interior Design Compared With Interior Decorating

Interior design and interior decorating are often mistaken for the same thing, but the terms are not completely interchangeable. Interior design is a profession that requires specific schooling and formal training, including space planning, furniture design, and architecture. An interior decorator does not have that formal training and focuses on the aesthetics and the surface appearance of a space. Who you would hire depends on whether you have any structural work or space planning to be done or you need someone to plan the decor only.

Elements of Decor

Balance is another principle—distributing the visual weight

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Interior
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Texture – Learning the Basics

Cristopher Centers

Introduction to Texture in interior design

Texture is an element which can sometimes be overlooked when planning a scheme. It has the ability to add a powerful, and subtle dimension to any room. Texture refers to how the surface of an object feels; therefore, you are no longer confined to visual elements such as line and colour, now you can actually determine the way the space will feel too by using texture.

Just as you think about colour and pattern, also consider how you can mix textures in your room schemes. All surfaces have texture be they matt or shiny, coarse or fine, rough or smooth. If you are thinking of working with just one colour group it is particularly important to introduce different textures. Neutrals are ever popular, as they are so easy to live with and co-ordinate with other colours  well, but they can be rather dull unless

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Interior
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Line – Learning the Basics

Cristopher Centers

Introduction to Line in Interior Design

• Horizontal Lines: Weighty, secure, restful, stabilizing.

Horizontal lines suggest a solid, harmonious relationship with the Earth; this gives a stabilizing, peaceful harmonious effect to window treatments for example. When found in a connecting architectural detail such as mouldings, horizontal lines provide a smooth transition between rooms or areas. If they lead to a focal point, they help to emphasize it.

Too many horizontal lines in an interior may become boring and lack visual interest. Horizontal lines make a room appear wider or longer.
• Vertical Lines: Lofty, solid, formal, imposing, restrained. 

Vertical lines lift the eye upward and make windows, and sometimes, entire interiors, appear taller or higher. They have the ability to lift the mind and the spirit as well. As such, vertical lines are purposeful tools for architects and designers of churches and public buildings because they inspire

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Interior
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Pattern – Learning the Basics

Cristopher Centers

Introduction to Pattern in Interior Design
Just as you think about colour, line and texture, also consider how you can mix pattern in your room schemes. 

Patterns are exciting to use and can lift a scheme from the ordinary to the spectacular!  Pattern can be difficult to manage successfully – but there are some ‘rules’ that can be followed until you become confident enough to break them!

The most common patterns we use in interior design schemes are:

Stripes – Geometric – Floral/Organic – Motif – Animal

Complex Patterns

That use several colours and diagonal, criss-crossing lines are busy for your eye. They can liven up a large area, but it may be overwhelming for a small room – They can however look great in a larger space when they’re allowed to dominate. 

Vertical Line

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Vertical Lines add height to a short room, or add more height to a

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Design
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Visual Design Basics | Usability.gov

Cristopher Centers

Visual design focuses on the aesthetics of a site and its related materials by strategically implementing images, colors, fonts, and other elements.  A successful visual design does not take away from the content on the page or function.  Instead, it enhances it by engaging users and helping to build trust and interest in the brand.

Basic Elements of Visual Design

The basic elements that combine to create visual designs include the following:

  • Lines connect two points and can be used to help define shapes, make divisions, and create textures.  All lines, if they’re straight, have a length, width, and direction.
  • Shapes are self-contained areas.  To define the area, the graphic artist uses lines, differences in value, color, and/or texture.  Every object is composed of shapes.
  • Color palette choices and combinations are used to differentiate items, create depth, add emphasis, and/or help organize information.  Color theory examines how various choices psychologically
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