Scale Vs. Proportion (Principles of Design)

Interior design can become a relatively complicated subject when referring to the many guidelines that professionals in the field have to consider within every project they decide to develop. Nevertheless, there are many concepts inside this specialty that can (and should) be contemplated by all homeowners willing to make their spaces functional without the aid of a designer. We believe that everyone has the right to posses the benefits of an appealing and efficient home, and for that we have brought an introduction of a brief review of the principles of design to our blog. 

First of all, let’s clarify that the principles of design are those considerations inside this science that signify the most abstract points to be deliberated when designing a space. Yes, interior design is a science, and in addition to numbers and variables, we also have principles and elements to be combined and applied to every project inside our profession. Let’s first focus on the principles of design according to projects developed under the supervision and guidance of designer, current project manager and owner at 911 Home Design & Construction, LLC, Diego Serrano, starting with the two most interchangeable (and hence, confusing) of them all:

Scale and Proportion
 

By 911 Home Design & Construction, LLC

Scale: There are several aspects of a room that need to be taken into consideration in order to have an adequate sense of scale in the space. Factors such as the height of the room and other objects in the area affect the location of these last ones in order to achieve a feel of comfort and normality throughout. As we can see on this kitchen, we have selected a type of lighting able to signify the height of the room, while still providing users with adequate illumination. The cabinets and countertops are at their standard size, depth and height, and since this is an open space without being surrounded by the four walls around the house, we have added a window large enough to give more of the natural and fitting look that as designers we always strive for. 

Proportion: This principle can actually be utilized in more than one manner, one of them being as offering a focal point through disproportional concepts in a room. Yes, disproportion is also a characteristic that we sometimes forget to take advantage of when talking about interior design, since it sounds like “bad” design. However, emphasis can be achieved in several ways, and, usually in more modern and rustic styles, this last concept is highly popular. 

Do we really need such a largely scaled mirror? Probably not. Does it look astonishing? We would have to say yes! 

By designers Octavio and Diego Serrano

In other words, scale is the comparison of objects to the room they are currently located in, while proportion is the accommodation of these items into the space according to their relative size and the reasoning behind this. Although we describe them as “compatible”, we still need to primarily focus on these differences between them in order to achieve equilibrium within an interior. 

(Wanting to know more? We’ll be talking about symmetrical and asymmetrical balance next! Make sure to follow us on Facebook for updates).