The Art And Elements Of Form In Interior Design
Interior design has seven key elements: space, lines, form, light, color, texture, and pattern. When a room is missing one of these elements, the space will feel unbalanced and incomplete.
Although each element is equally important, it’s most obvious when the form hasn’t been properly utilized. When it’s done right, the form of specific furniture pieces will harmonize with the form of the room as a whole. Understanding the basics of form is key to creating a home aesthetic.
To learn how to utilize form in interior design, we need to understand what form is and how it impacts a space.
What Is Form In Interior Design?
At its core, form refers to the shape of objects. The form of an object gives you an idea of its nature, and answers questions like: How does it function? What does it feel like?
Most interior designers split form into two subcategories: geometric and organic.
Geometric Forms
Geometric forms are man-made shapes with clearly defined boundaries. Geometric shapes are easy to describe, replicate, and measure.
Examples of common geometric forms include:
- circles
- squares
- rectangles
- triangles
- ovals
- arches
- points
- straight lines
Although many people associate geometric forms with harsh pointed corners and straight lines only, they also include smooth arcs and curving lines. The identifying characteristic of a geometric form is the regularity of each shape. Do the lines form a distinct shape? If the answer is yes, you’re looking at a geometric form.
Organic Forms
On the other end of the scale, we find organic forms. These shapes are irregular and unique, often inspired by the different lines and shapes you find in nature. Organic forms fall on a scale of amorphous (like a puddle or cloud) to precise (like a leaf or flower petal).
Examples of common organic forms include:
- leaves
- flower petals
- clouds
- rivers
- the line of a mountain range
- lakes
- bushes
You do not need specific tools to draw an organic form, because there is no accuracy you need to achieve! A crooked leaf is still a leaf, but a crooked square is no longer a square.
Finding The Balance Between Geometric And Organic Forms
In interior design, geometric forms provide clarity and organization, and organic forms add movement and softness. The perfect room design will combine both forms to create balance and harmony, or more of one kind to create a bold effect.
Creating A Balanced Room
A balanced room contains equal measures of geometric and organic forms. Combine angular furniture with soft and shapeless throw pillows, and lined wallpaper with an abstract painting. Create unity in the space with a consistent color palette.
Creating A Geometric Room
A room with primarily geometric forms will appear orderly and severe or busy and wild depending on your use of colors, patterns, and scale. For a more calm and structured appearance, use furniture with a lot of clean lines, neutral colors, and little to no patterns.
For a playful appearance, use several different patterns together with bright colors. Using many different shapes (such as a triangular end table, rectangular couch, and oval standing lamp) is a great way to add interest to the room.
Creating An Organic Room
For a calming or funky oasis, bring in more organic forms than geometric ones. For the few geometric forms, opt for curved lines where possible. Use natural materials, furniture with curved edges or rounded corners, and frameless seating options. The result is cozy, inviting, and incredibly stylish!
Celebrate Form In Interior Design With Designer’s Mark
By playing around with the amount of geometric and organic forms, you can create a completely unique effect for your home.
If you’re looking for interior design advice, you’re in the right place. Designer’s Mark has over 20 years of experience helping to furnish and decorate homes throughout South Florida.
Whether you want custom furniture, decor accessories, lighting, wallpaper, rugs, or hardware, we’ve got the right pieces for you. Contact us today at 561-961-4149 to schedule a consultation with our design consultants.