Principle Five

Ok. So the last principle of design is Rhythm. This element can be
implemented in all sorts of ways, from furniture, to accessories, to even structure. Three techniques are used to utilize this principle of getting the eye to move through the interior of a space.

One option is through Repetition or Alternation. If you incorporate pieces, shapes or colors that repeat or alternate, your eye will follow it.

For example:

These hanging lanterns in the hallway are used in repetition to give the eye something to follow as it travels down into the living area and out the emphasized bay window.

Another option is through Progression or Gradation, meaning elements or pieces of the room gradually go from small to large, large to small or in other words, stair step in order of size.

These nesting tables are a simple example.

The last option to create rhythm is simply through the use of line to create a Transition - something like crown molding that joins or unites one room with another. Or it could even be stripes, or lovely horizontal paneling.

I really like this room because rhythm is really

subtle but is still recognizably present. Repetition is in the windows and draperies (They go all the way to the ceiling and are not tied back! Whoo! That has nothing to do with this principle, but I just have a certain...thing... for draperies hung properly. If you haven't noticed). Gradation is found in the coffee table. Horizontal line can be seen between the French doors and the transoms above that connect this space the with its neighbor just outside of the picture frame.