Design Elements

In the world of applied and decorative arts, understanding design elements is akin to mastering the alphabet of creativity. These fundamental components are the building blocks that breathe life into every masterpiece, whether it’s a meticulously crafted piece of furniture, a captivating textile pattern, or a stunning glasswork creation. Delving into design elements in Encyclopedia Design means embarking on a journey through the intricacies of form, colour, line, texture, and space. With insights tailored to enthusiasts and artisans alike, we unravel how these elements harmonize to create timeless works of art. From the bold lines of Art Nouveau to the minimalistic elegance of mid-century modern, our exploration of design elements serves as a compass for navigating the rich tapestry of applied and decorative arts across the past 250 years. Join us as we decode the language of design, providing you with the keys to unlock the beauty and ingenuity behind each creation.

Houndstooth Pattern feature image

Houndstooth, originating as “Shepherd’s Check” in Scottish Lowlands, evolved into a symbol of haute couture, thriving in modern design while preserving its timeless allure.Read More →

Festoon published by Robert Sayer

Festoons, symbolic of abundance and festivity, have graced art and design for centuries. Their enduring appeal continues to inspire contemporary creations.Read More →

Mid Century Coffee Table by Paolo Buffa

Paolo Buffa, influential mid-century Italian designer, is known for his fusion of traditional and modern aesthetics. Trained at Milan’s Polytechnic Institute and mentored by Gio Ponti, his acclaimed works now define the era and remain popular among collectors.
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Christopher Knight Home Countryside High Back Spindle Dining Chair

The Christopher Knight Home Countryside Chair, inspired by Michael Thonet’s iconic Chair No. 14, features high back and spindle detailing for modern dining spaces.Read More →

blue sky ocean

Colour Blue has always been my favourite colour. I am in good company as blue is among the most well-liked colours. It is the leastRead More →

Monogram featured image

A monogram is a single symbol made up of one or more letters. Every aspect of an individual’s taste and fancy can be accommodated with a monogram. Monograms differ significantly, and there are of a great variety of design.  There are so many different types and combinations of the same letters that no two persons with the same initials need to have the same monogram. Read More →

Chevron Pattern

The chevron, a V-shaped symbol found on ancient artifacts, has been used since the Neolithic age, not just for decorative purposes but as part of the proto-writing system. Its modern usage spans heraldry, surface decoration, and design motifs.Read More →

The poster has established itself as an integral part of modern marketing and has acquired the status of a typical Swiss quality product just like the one it was intended to sell. A good example is the poster designed in 1952 by Herbert Leupin (1916–1999) for the Pelikan fountain pen company. Showing an eponymous bird with a pen in its beak and a wing ink, it’s done with very little text. The message is simple: the bird is a brand name. Anyone looking to buy a fountain pen.Read More →

These posters by Robin Weissenborn are not new, they were designed in 2015 and awarded in an international poster competition. The graphic designer, who was studying at the prestigious Bauhaus university at the time, designed a series of posters using experimental typography and cool distorted perspectives.

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