Residential Development 101: 6 Principles for Good Design

A well-designed establishment is visually attractive and adds value to your property. The principles for good design don’t only talk about how space would look like and how each element is organizing, but it also pertains to its effects on the environment. The different principles used in engineering and architecture serve as a guide to let you maximize the space well. 

These principles don’t only aim to beautify the overall structure, but it also focuses on functionality. An architect or an engineer can still accomplish a structure, but the finished product may not have the same polished appearance as when the principles of good design are used. Take a look at these principles that are commonly implemented in residential development. 

1. Balance

The principle of balance is that whatever you do on the right side must be done on the left side. The elements may not be the same. But it should create an illusion that no object is greater than the other. The focal points at home that one can easily notice aren’t overpowering.

Symmetrical is when the layout of elements is the same all throughout the space while asymmetrical uses different elements like displaying objects with varying color, shape, and size, but the sense of balance still achieve. An example of asymmetrical is if you have a large painting at the center of the wall, you can create balance by hanging small-sized paintings on its sides. 

For the exterior of the property, balance is quite complicated to achieve if there’s more than one occupancy in a single lot. With this, you need to hire a multi-unit builder, that can create a creative plan on how to ensure that the exterior design is still aesthetic.

2. Unity

This principle refers to the visual linking of the different elements. Unity will achieve when repetition and balance well incorporate. The use of horizontal lines creates a peaceful and calming illusion just by looking at the exterior and interior of your home. 

For example, you’ll achieve a sense of unity when two rooms located far away from each other are linking through the use of a thick beam. Aside from creating unity, it gives texture to the area, especially if the space is quite big. The use of thick beams is usually found in modern contemporary house designs.

3. Contrast

This principle is about the arrangement of different elements that create variations of different textures, color, shape, size, material type, etc. If the client requests the builder that they want the interior design to stand out, it’s where contrast is using. 

Through contrast, the area becomes livelier. Without it, space can be boring.  You can achieve contrast by making use of wallpapers, upholstery with design, printed curtains, accessories on the wall, and opting for flooring designs. 

4. Alignment

Alignment is considering as one of the essential principles of good design because it ensures that the different elements on the center space, right or left side are connecting with each other. When alignment isn’t incorporate well into the design, it may look like it’s cluttering or unfinished. In a house, alignment is seem through the stairs, pathways, or hallways.

5. Proportion

The proportion principle is specifically important on the exteriors of the home structure. Playing around different sizes can create more contrast. But be careful in the mix and match of different elements because it may lead to disproportion. For example, when it comes to the roof, its size should match the size of the structure. Don’t use a large roof to a small house. 

In proportion, larger elements are more important compare to smaller elements. It’s a combination of mathematics and art because for you to make a space look aesthetic, you have to measure dimensions to ensure that all elements go well with each other.

6. Pattern

The idea of the pattern principle is that it creates repetition throughout the whole design. It’s a combination of prints and shapes that are in regular and recurring patterns.  It doesn’t only talk about designs and prints, but it also pertains to the row of windows, doors, cabinets, and other fixtures at home. 

There should be uniformity of shapes, colors, and sizes. If different patterns are just thrown up in different places, they may look chaotic or disorganize.

Final Thoughts

The principles of good design include balance, unity, contrast, alignment, proportion, and pattern. When these principles will well incorporate in both the exterior or interior of residential development, the outcome will be much more pleasing to the eyes.