ELEMENTS OF DESIGNElements of design are “tools”. Just like the

carpenter has a hammer and saw, the designer has the

elements. There are 4 elements of

design: Line, FORM, Color, & Texture.

Form is 3-Dimensional…

It describes the shape and structure of solid objects.

It contains mass and volume.

Line is one dimensional: length

Shape is two-dimensional: length and width

Form is three-dimensional: length, width, and depth

Realistic Form: it looks like the real thing

Abstract Form: alters a recognizable object to be more contemporary

Geometric Form: uses geometric figures

to create an object

Free Form: random, untraditional

with a sense of freedom

There are 4 different types of form…A chair is

shown here, illustrating

all 4 types of form.

The sphere form is derived from the curved line, and therefore communicates

the same feelings and emotions: soft, feminine, gracefulness, playfulness,

and zest.

The curved lines of the cylinder, cone, or sphere create

3-dimensional forms for interior

furnishings.

The cube form is based on a combination of

horizontal and vertical lines, and therefore

may express the feelings and emotions of those lines: the of

horizontal lines or the formality, dignity, and strength of the vertical

lines.

The straight vertical or horizontal lines of

the cube or rectangular form translate into 3-

dimensional home furnishings.

The horizontal and diagonal lines used to create the pyramid form

The pyramid is based on horizontal and diagonal lines,

so conveys the same emotions and feelings associated

with those lines, including the

activity, interest, and motion of the

diagonal lines.

Interior decorating items develop out of the pyramid and cone forms, with their curved, straight, and diagonal lines.

Guidelines for using Form…Form follows function.

The function of the object must be the first consideration, and the

form is of secondary importance.

The diagonal form of this bookcase, along with the colorful stains, are attractive and

interesting. The function, however, has been ignored. The books would always be falling

over without vertical side supports.

The curved lines create a globe-type form for this vase. Although colorful, the opening at the top is

not of an ample size for the flower stems. This vase, therefore, is only useful as a knickknack.

Guidelines for using Form…Related forms are more agreeable than

unrelated forms. A room is more pleasing if the form of the

dominant piece is repeated in minor pieces and accessories within a room.

The curved lines and forms of the headboard

are repeated in the nightstand and dresser, the chandelier, the tied-back curtains, the table

lamps, and the pattern in the rug.

1._________ 2. __________

3. __________ 4. __________

There are 4 different types of form. The table lamps above represent those types. Label

each accordingly.

The consumer needs a pitcher for serving water at the family dinner table. Adults and children need to be able to use this. In the space below, describe the pros and cons of each choice and decide which of the two pitchers is the

best design, considering the guideline… “FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION”.

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Identify the predominant

shape/form in this room. In the space below the picture, explain how the

furnishings in this room comply with

the guideline… “RELATED FORMS

ARE MORE AGREEABLE THAN

UNRELATED FORMS”.

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• Preparing individuals for life and work

• Strengthening families

• Empowering communities

Created by Barbara L. Swarthout, Family & Consumer Sciences teacher at Elkhorn High School