Repetition in Interior Design (Principles of Design)

Repetition is one of those “obvious” principles that are commonly simple to identify within a space. Nevertheless, there is quite more science behind this concept other than its application. Yes, repetition is achieved through the constant representation of an item throughout a space; however, a question that may arise while applying this principle to our exterior and/or interior spaces could be if it’s actually needed to possess various copies of an object in order to achieve repetition through it. Surprisingly, the answer is no. At least to me, the term “repetition” can also be completely abstract and symbolic, since we can also achieve repetition through more specialized themes, different pieces of artwork related to each other, and pattern.

First of all, let’s explain what I mean by the sentence stating that repetition can be ‘symbolic’. As I mentioned earlier, repetition is the constant representation of objects or structures in a space, and as we all know, symbolism is also involved in this idea. Before even designing a space, we should already have a general style in mind, and we should also consider that there would be more specialized themes inside that fashion. For example, if your style is a French Country style, you will probably consider various fabrics inside of a color scheme composed by pastels. These fabrics would usually be telling a story on them, and the fun part about this is that you don’t have to get the same motif (story) on every pillow! Instead, you can pick several different motifs on these fabrics that could perhaps represent an even wider story in a view from your living room set. This is just one idea of the many ways you can utilize repetition in a more symbolic manner rather than through exact elements located next to each other.

On the other hand, artwork is also an excellent point when considering repetition. Different pieces of artwork related to each other might have a very repetitive effect on a space, and it can also create great focal points at the moment of putting a room together. Shape and form can definitely work together to achieve a sense of constancy throughout, and this can absolutely count towards the fulfillment of a space.

Now you have it! As any other principle, repetition can have a great impact on an interior when used creatively; my recommendation is to be as abstract and unique as we like when applying it to our own homes, while keeping an open mind when helping a friend or client get to that point of satisfaction of their design.