Elements of Design

Stools: Canadel - Sioux Center Furniture Mart; Cabinets: Verhoef Custom Woodworking

At first glance this kitchen is lovely, I am drawn to many features in it! But instead of passing by, I am going to walk you through what is happening in this space so you can process what exactly you may be drawn to as well. 

Design is the result of the use of elements and principles of design to guide every step of the process.

The elements of design are:

• The basics: line, form, pattern, light, color, texture, space

• The principles: emphasis, balance, contrast, rhythm, scale & proportion, and harmony & unity

The principles are how the elements are used to work together to create something that is aesthetically pleasing. 

In this kitchen, I added emphasis to the island with the scale of the island posts, which are a stunning feature in the space. I created a sense of rhythm by selecting pendant fixtures that had a similar form as the posts to create a sense of unity in the space. Contrast is seen in the leather upholstery of the counter stools, which is repeated in the stain color on the breakfast nook table (this color tone is used in the space just behind the camera lens as well to create a great balance in the space).

The colors selected for this space are a part of the color palette used throughout the home, which again creates unity and harmony.  The beautiful form of the handmade backsplash tiles adds a soft, yet important, pattern in the space that just so happens to cast a sparkling light as you move through the space. 

There are more elements and principles of design at work in this space but this gives you a glimpse of what is happening in design. When you come across a space that you are drawn to, process what elements in the space are speaking to you and how they are being used through principles of design to catch your eye!