ASSIGNMENT 1 EXAMPLE

Below is one example of a detailed analysis of an elegant and sophisticated interior that you
will find helpful for your assignment.

INTERIOR BY JANE LOCKHART

ELEGANT AND SOPHISTICATED

ELEMENTS

SPACE

■■ The diagonally positioned columns and the open plan entrance into the space create
a feeling of grandeur.

■■ Rounded sides of the overall ceiling are used as a boundary to separate this dining
area from the rest of the house.

■■ The centre of the tray ceiling is painted in a dark colour to create depth and warmth
causing that part of the ceiling to recede visually.

■■ The columns and floor to ceiling curtains create height in the space.

THE VISUAL LANGUAGE OF DESIGN

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LINE

■■ The dining room is defined by very interesting perimeter lines of the floor and the
ceiling.

■■ Vertical line is found in the columns, wall edges and curtains.

■■ Diagonal line in the columns and the positioning of the chairs provide direction.

■■ The curved line in the ceiling detail above the columns and the tray ceiling create a
graceful elegant flow.

SHAPE

■■ The architectural structure of the walls and ceiling, three-dimensional finishing

detail to the architraves, mouldings and skirting boards are aesthetically pleasing,
elegant and sophisticated.

■■ The organic shape of the tray ceiling differs to the shape of the room creating visual
interest.

■■ There is geometric shape in the mirror detail.

■■ The square bases of the table lamps are contrasting with s-shaped legs of the
sideboard, round shapes of the columns, lamp shades and pendant crystal.

COLOUR

■■ The dark taupe colour (grey/brown) stands out beautifully next to crisp white trim
in the tray ceiling, it creates depth and makes this part of the ceiling to recede
visually.

■■ The similar effect is reached with the dark wood flooring.

■■ The overall colour scheme is ‘achromatic’ – without colour.

■■ The metallic beige sideboard and clear glass lamp bases blending with the beige
walls and give an illusion of weightlessness and more space.

TEXTURE

■■ The luxurious ceiling with its velvety texture evokes the desire to touch. It’s
contrasting with sleek shiny cold pendant and mirror surfaces.

■■ The metallic sideboard offers textural contrast to the smooth matte wall.

■■ Polished wooden furniture and flooring contrasting with glossy white columns.

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 ■■ The textured area rug creates soft movement absorbing the sound waves.

■■ Smooth elegant fabrics on the chairs give some warmth and inviting feel.

LIGHT

■■ Open plan, large doorways and a window allow plenty of natural light to flow in the
room.

■■ Metallic sideboard with its curved highly polished legs, wall mirror, silver dish on
the table, pendant base and crystals all have lots of reflective surfaces that enhance
the light.

■■ Artificial light presented by the pendant above the table highlights the elegance and
sophistication of the dining area.

■■ The spotlight and table lamps surrounding the wall mirror will help create an
intimate feel in the evening.

PATTERN

■■ The rectangle pieces of mirrored glass create a mosaic pattern in the mirror with a
check effect.

■■ I see a lovely patterned shadow on the table.

■■ The pattern in a rug replicates movement in the pattern on sideboard doors.

■■ A pattern is also founding the pendant crystals, lamps bases, curtain folds and tuft
of the chairs.

■■ Structural pattern is found in the architectural detail.

PRINCIPLES

BALANCE

Both asymmetrical and symmetrical balance are used in this design.

■■ The overall balance is asymmetrical or informal.

■■ Formal balance is displayed on the sideboard.

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RHYTHM

■■ Repetition is found in the columns and the colour scheme.

■■ Alternation is seen on the sideboard with the lamps and smaller decorative items
between them.

EMPHASIS

■■ The designer has used colour contrast to emphasis the ceiling detail along with the
vertical line in the columns and floor to ceiling curtains drawing your eyes up to it.

■■ When you are in the space the emphasis is on the sideboard.

PROPORTION AND SCALE

■■ Colour has been applied with 60% beige being the dominant colour.

■■ The size of the dining room is large and the proportion of the furniture suits the
scale of the room and the positioning of the furniture allows for space around
the table for serving.

■■ The room features a tall ceiling and the height of the buffet is helping to emphasise
it.

HARMONY

The designer has carefully selected items with common traits and characteristics to create
an elegant and sophisticated dining area. The design elements with commonality that have
contributed to this harmonious design are outlined as follows:

■■ Shape – Rectangle shapes have been used sideboard, mirror artwork, chairs and
pendant light.

■■ Colour – Similar beige colours have been used on the walls, curtains and chairs
with darker contrasting colour can be found on the floor, table, chairs and
both sideboards.

■■ Texture – Smooth reflective textures can be found in the sideboard, mirror artwork,
lamps.

■■ Line - Line has been used on the ceiling detail, columns and more subtly in the
curtains.

■■ Materials – Timber has been used on the floor, table, chairs and both sideboards.

THE VISUAL LANGUAGE OF DESIGN

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