How to create rhythm in interior design – the 5 rules to remember

An important interior design principle used by designers to make a space feel more harmonious, rhythm in interior design is all about establishing a sense of movement in a room.

Rhythm is an interior design rule that can be employed in a number of different ways, from the patterns you use, to the shapes and levels created through different furniture, lighting and accessories, and it is essential for ensuring a space doesn't feel flat or lifeless.

Designed to be used in conjunction with other techniques such as repetition, balance and symmetry, rhythm should help to visually guide you around a room – so, let us guide you through how best you can achieve this.

What is rhythm in interior design?

'Rhythm is a useful tool to create a dynamic feel in an interior by keeping the eye travelling around the space. Without it, a room falls flat. In the same way you might tap your fingers to the beat of music, the use of other design principles such as repetition, emphasis, contrast and proportion, allows for movement and flow by directing the eye to key elements,' says Cathrine Dal, founder of Cat Dal Interiors in London.

Cathrine Dal

Copenhagen born, Cathrine Dal, is the founder of London-based interior design studio, Cat Dal Interiors, who have a design ethos rooted in Scandinavian design.

How to create rhythm in interior design

'Rhythm can bring a great sense of movement and flow and that can be achieved in various ways. For example, by using elements of different sizes and proportions, or by introducing elements that create a sense of movement, such as wall art with a sense of motion, or a particular light arrangement that adds visual interest,' says Bethany Prince, associate interior designer at London-based design firm, SHH. 

For guaranteed decorating success, read on to explore the 5 foundations for how best to create rhythm in interior design.

Bethany Prince

Bethany Prince has worked at London-based interior design practice, SHH for the last four years. Now an associate interior designer, Prince has past experience at March & White and OSG Architecture.

1. Repetition is key

Repetition and rhythm go hand in hand. Repeating key design elements in a space, whether that be through a tonal color palette, curtains and couches that share the same print pattern, or matching light fixtures, will help to establish a sense of cohesion and uniformity, which is important when creating rhythm.

As California-based interior designer, Jen Dallas explains, 'using rhythm is a subliminal way to keep the viewer’s eyes appreciating the space. This is achieved through repetition of shapes, color, tone or texture. Using rhythm greatly influences how we perceive a space and if it is aesthetically pleasing to us. It unifies the interior space.'

Jen Dallas

Jen Dallas is a California based interior designer, whose studio has its very own line of textiles tiles, rugs and lighting.

2. Marry together a mix of shapes

Uniting a collection of different shapes will help to add eye-catching visual interest and character to a space, and this is mainly achieved through the furniture, lighting and accessories you choose for a room. 

From a stand-out curvaceous sofa with a sweeping silhouette – one of the most popular sofa trends this year, to asymmetrically decorating your walls with frames, artwork, mirrors and ornaments of all different styles and shapes, the transitions created through a use of mixed shapes will help to create a designated path that the eye can follow around a room.

3. Create contrast

NYC-based interior designer, Artem Kropovinsky says, 'contrast, which is achieved by contrasting two different design elements, can also create a sense of rhythm in interior design. For instance, placing a soft, plush rug next to sleek, contemporary furniture will create a striking contrast.'

The most successful interior designs will find the perfect balance between creating elements of cohesion and contrast in a scheme. Too much contrast can make a design feel over-powering and disjointed, whereas having too many elements that are matching or having a space that feels overly ordered, will not feel relaxing or balanced, either.

Using accent colors is a great way to create contrast. For example, if you've chosen a green color palette for your sofa and curtains, bring in a beautiful accent through a vibrant piece of orange artwork, or a pretty pink rug – look to the color wheel for further insight on how to create winning color combinations in the home.

Using contrasting design elements will establish a sense of disruption in a space; creating important focal points and areas of striking visual interest that will help guide your eye around a room.

Artem Kropovinsky

Founder of NYC-based interior design firm, Arsight, Artem Kropovinsky has a decade of extensive global design experience, connecting a cohesive, collaborative team of passionate professionals, and working on projects in the U.S. and worldwide. 

4. Prioritize pattern

From a stunning striped runner that leads you through a hallway, to the same print used across curtains, cushions and furniture in a living room, decorating with pattern is a great way to create rhythm in interior design. 

Without color or pattern, a room can feel flat and one-dimensional, the right use of pattern can bring a space to life, enriching it with beautiful color, depth, shape and texture.

5. Establish different levels 

Along with creating repetition and smooth transitions in a space, creating rhythm in interior design also focuses on graduation and progression. 

As Artem Kropovinsky explains, 'another technique for creating rhythm is progression, which is the gradual alteration of a design element. For instance, a room's color scheme might change gradually but significantly as one shade gives way to another.'

From colors that go light to dark, to a set of stairs, these different levels can easily lead the eye through a space, therefore, creating rhythm.

You can also create levels and a sense of rhythm on a smaller scale, such as by styling a shelf with a collection of different shaped and sized objects. Interior designer, Alison Wilkinson, shares her top tips for shelf styling below.

'When styling an open bookcase, keep the color palette limited for a sleek, curated end result. Too many colors and textures can look overwhelming and cluttered, but incorporate various shapes and sizes of objects to keep things visually interesting. If you have a favorite or signature color, start collecting pottery or art in that color scheme. Grouping smaller objects together can give them visual strength that they often cannot achieve on their own.'

Alison Wilkinson

Alison Wilkinson is a registered architect with over ten years of experience in design and construction. Founder of Wilk Design Workshop, Wilkinson has experience working on a variety of projects, from luxury retail stores and innovative green skyscrapers to residential remodels.

FAQs

When creating rhythm in interior design, think about how you can use repeated design elements – punctuated by stylish elements of contrast, to tell a story. 

You want to feel fully immersed in a design as soon as your step into a room, and by establishing a sense of rhythm and flow, you will be guided through each chapter of the design with ease.