Focal Point

• One or two focal points should be selected in a room before decorating begins. While many people opt for a natural focal point like a fireplace, a focal point can be any large element in the room which draws the eye's attention. The focal point prevents the room from becoming too busy since all additional elements in the room should draw the eye to it.

Proportion

• Proportion deals with the size of objects in relation to the other objects in the room, as well as the room itself, according to the Creative Home Web site. A large piece such as a piano or an overstuffed sofa would look disproportionate in a small room.

Balance

• There are two types of visual balance---symmetrical and asymmetrical. For example, a table in a room has two identical candlesticks placed on it, one on each end. This is symmetrical balance; the two candlesticks are a mirror image to one another. Asymmetrical balance is achieved when two dissimilar objects are used to balance one another visually. Using the same table example one of the accessories might still be a candlestick, but the other might be an object such as a thin vase. They both have similar visual weights but are not mirror images of one another. However, their size and placement balances the space.

Contrast

• Contrast provides the "jazz" in the room. While the furniture should be all the same style, the accessories can introduce different patterns or colors with a unifying element such as the same color being featured on a number of different items throughout the room.

Rhythm

• This refers to the visual repetition in a room. While the room needs contrast to keep the look exciting, it also requires similar elements to be repeated throughout. This is accomplished by using the same shapes or patterns in various places in the room. For example, the shape of spherical lights hanging from the ceiling can be echoed in similarly shaped candle holders, sculptures or even round shapes painted on the walls.

Harmony

• Harmony is achieved when all of the elements of interior decorating are pulled together in a unified way. Pieces should fit the scale of the room, provide visual interest through contrast without forgetting the room's rhythm and the accessories should be in balance wherever they are placed.