Emphasis in interior design can be used to draw one’s eyes in a specific direction or to a particular detail. For example, if you are working with a room that has a low ceiling vertical stripes can be introduced so as to make the room appear taller. Vertical stripes will draw the eyes upwards and as a result create vertical emphasis or also known as stress in a design. Alternatively, the use of horizontal stripes would create horizontal tension or emphasis and draw the eyes around the room. Believe about wooden mouldings such as picture rails and dado rails which are often introduced into a scheme to break up huge wall spaces. These kind of details although frequently subtle can have a significant impact on your design.

Another factor to think about when planning an interior design scheme is that of contrast as with out it any scheme would be bland and boring. By consciously picking contrasting elements such as plain and patterned textures or by combining modern styling with antique furnishings, the details will frequently complement each other thereby intensifying prominent characteristics of your design. Choosing contrasting details is the same as selecting contrasting colours and they key to success is obtaining the balance correct. Symmetrical balance in interior design occurs when 1 side of a scheme is the same as the other side but in reverse. Symmetrical balance is usually seen in classical interiors which due to its a lot more formal styling relies heavily on proportion, symmetry and balance. Whilst such a scheme would obviously be well balanced, it can be deemed safe and as a result somewhat boring.

Asymmetrical balance is the opposite of the above. In this type of scheme objects on either side of the room would be different in proportion, size and layout. This type of scheme creates the impression of activity and movement and frequently comes across as being informal and a lot more individual in style. Since asymmetrical schemes do not follow strict guidelines they provide a lot more flexibility but by doing so make it harder to attain visual balance.

Radial balance occurs when a scheme is arranged around a central point or focus but is less common in interior design. Such schemes usually focus on setting on a round table or floral arrangements. Radial balance suggests movement by way of the circular arrangements and symmetry is utilized t attain overall balance. This sort of scheme is much more individual and can consequently cross any number of interior styles.

There are several elements to think about when planning a scheme and it can be straightforward to get things wrong which is why people employ interior designers. It is critical to take the time as a result to plan a scheme carefully so that you can visualise the end result and achieve balance in your design.