What is the purpose of the principles of design?

Question:

What is the purpose of the principles of design?

I need to know what the purpose of the principles of design are for my interior design class. Please help!!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

was this exactly how the question was put to your class?

the principles of design are generally tried and tested ways of achieving consistant results in your work. only when you know and understand why each of these rules exist can you learn to bend the rules and form a style of your own. But you will eventually come to realise that even something you designed in your "signature style", only works because your style has come through an understanding of these principles.

So in short, you need to understand them, if you want other to understand your own work.