Introduction to Interior Design

Definition of Interior Design

Interior design is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment.

These solutions are functional, enhance the quality of life and culture of the occupants, and are aesthetically attractive.

Designs are created in response to and coordinated with the building shell, and acknowledge the physical location and social context of the project. Designs must adhere to code and regulatory requirements, and encourage the principles of environmental sustainability.

The interior design process follows a systematic and coordinated methodology, including research, analysis and integration of knowledge into the creative process, whereby the needs and resources of the client are satisfied to produce an interior space that fulfills the project goals. Interior design includes a scope of services performed by a professional design practitioner, qualified by means of education, experience, and examination, to protect and enhance the life, health, safety and welfare of the public.

Interior Design elements and principles

Design elements and principles describe fundamental ideas about the practice of good visual design that are assumed to be the basis of all intentional visual design strategies.

The elements form the 'vocabulary’ of the design, while the principles constitute the broader structural aspects of its composition.

Awareness of the elements and principles in design is the first step in creating successful visual compositions.

These principles, which may overlap, are used in all visual design fields, including graphic design, industrial design, architecture and fine art.

Design is the organized arrangement of one or more elements and principles (e.g. line color or texture) for a purpose.

The principles of design are as varied as attitudes regarding modern design. They differ both between the schools of thought that influence design, and between individual practicing designers.

Elements of designDesign elements are the basic units of a visual image. These elements include:The 3 F's Form follows function is known as the 3 f's of Design. Form refers to what something looks like, and function refers to how it works.

Space Space is the area provided for a particular purpose. It may have two dimensions (length and width), such as a floor, or it may have three dimensions (length, width, and height). Space includes the background, foreground and middle ground. Space refers to the distances or areas around, between or within components of a piece. There are two types of space: positive and negative space. Positive space refers to the space of a shape representing the subject matter. Negative space refers to the space around and between the subject matter.

Line Line is the basic element that refers to the continuous movement of a point along a

surface, such as by a pencil or brush. The edges of shapes and forms also create lines. It is the basic component of a shape drawn on paper. Lines and curves are the basic building blocks of two dimensional shapes like a house's plan. Every line has length, thickness, and direction. There are curved, horizontal, vertical, diagonal, zigzag, wavy, parallel, dash, and dotted lines.

Color Color is seen either by the way light reflects off a surface, or in colored light sources. Color and particularly contrasting color is also used to draw the attention to a particular part of the image. There are primary colors, secondary colors, and tertiary colors. Complementary colors are colors that are opposite to each other on the color wheel. Complementary colors are used to create contrast. Analogous colors are colors that are found side by side on the color wheel. These can be used to create color harmony. Monochromatic colors are tints and shades of one color. Warm colors are a group of colors that consist of reds, yellows, and oranges. Cool colors are group of colors that consist of purples, greens, and blues.

Shape A shape is defined as an area that stands out from the space next to or around it due to a defined or implied boundary, or because of differences of value, color, or texture. Shapes can also show perspective by overlapping. They can be geometric or organic. Shapes in house decor and interior design can be used to add interest, style, theme to a design like a door. Shape in interior design depends on the function of the object like a kitchen cabinet door. Natural shapes forming patterns on wood or stone may help increase visual appeal in interior design. In a landscape, natural shapes, such as trees contrast with geometric such as houses.

Texture Texture is perceived surface quality. In art, there are two types of texture: tactile and implied. Tactile texture (real texture) is the way the surface of an object actually feels. Examples of this include sandpaper, cotton balls, tree bark, puppy fur, etc. Implied texture is the way the surface of an object looks like it feels. The texture may look rough, fizzy, gritty, but cannot actually be felt. This type of texture is used by artists when drawing or painting.

Form Form is any three dimensional object. Form can be measured, from top to bottom (height), side to side (width), and from back to front (depth). Form is also defined by light and dark. There are two types of form, geometric (man-made) and natural (organic form). Form may be created by the combining of two or more shapes. It may be enhanced by tone, texture and color. It can be illustrated or constructed.

Value Value is an element of art that refers to the relationship between light and dark on a surface or object and also helps with Form. It gives objects depth and perception. Value is also referred to as tone.

Interior design process

Whatever the type and scale of a project, a professional interior designer has a process of work involving various stages or research, design and negotiation.

Winning a project Designers get work a number of ways. Better known practices may be asked, along with several other companies, to pitch for a job having been given an outline of what the client wants from a scheme. There is usually no fee involved at this stage and there is no guarantee of winning the work. Some interior design projects will be open to competition. These will usually be for publicly-funded interior schemes. When a designer or design practice becomes more established they might get work through recommendation or word of mouth, but most will still have to pitch for jobs occasionally. Once a job is won, a fee must be negotiated with the client (fee negotiation being a much-underestimated skill) which will depend on the size and scope of the job as well as the design team's experience.

The briefThe success of an interior design scheme will depend not only upon on the skills and creativity of the designer in question, but their ability to answer the brief set by a client. A good brief will be as detailed and project-specific as possible. It will outline the client's requirements and aspirations and set down a budget for works and, crucially, the time scale in which the project must be realized.

ResearchThe type of research and preparation an interior designer embarks upon prior to designing a scheme will differ from project to project. In the case of designing a commercial environment, like a shop, bar or restaurant, for example, they must research the client's brand inside and out, and understand its customer base. Some investigation into the clients' competition and their interiors is also important. Interior designers will also often spend time observing how a client uses their existing space in order to understand where they should position functional parts of their design such as lighting, doors or electric outlets.

Creative designThe creative design stage is likely to begin with the designer creating sketches or visuals which will be used to communicate their initial ideas and concepts to a client. When the client is satisfied with the plans the design team will often move on to technical drawings or plans (usually done using AutoCAD software), which a builder or fit-out company can use to start the construction process. 3D modelling and rendering software (such as Rhino and 3ds Max) is also used to help bring a project to life.

In commercial projects, a building regulations application will have to be made, which involves a professional (either a licensed consultant or a council employee) looking over the technical drawings to ensure they satisfy health, safety and efficiency requirements. Bigger building projects will require actual planning permission from the relevant local authority.

Adjustments to the designs are likely to be made along the way as briefs can alter (clients have been known to change their minds) halfway through a project. This will also have an impact on the budget and could impact on the proposed completion date.

Building a team Depending on the type, range and scale of a project, an interior designer will need to work with various specialists. These can range from lighting consultants, mechanical and engineering consultants, electricians and engineers through to environmental consultants and fit-out companies. Most interior designers and architects will be keen to assemble their own team of experts – usually trusted firms that they've worked with before.

SpecificationSourcing the right materials, furniture and furnishings for a scheme is a significant part of an interior designer's job. An interior designer working on luxury residential projects is likely to access one of a number of select retailers and distributors who specialize in supplying items for professional interior design projects. In all cases, a designer should be given a furniture and furnishings budget.

CompletionInterior designers will want to see a project through right to the end. There will be finishing touches to make and probably some styling to be done, possibly more for a residential project, in order to realise a scheme's full potential.

Interior Design themes

A decorating theme centers on a topic, event or particular subject. Themes often are used to decorate children's rooms, such as a fairy tale princess theme, an astronaut or space theme, a sports theme or Disney movie theme. The difference between a theme and a style in decorating is a theme adheres to a cultural concept. A style is characterized by specific time periods and elements.

Types

In contemporary terms, theme decorating takes on a broader sense. Themes can be a part of a style. In a country-style kitchen, for example, the theme may be apples.

Decorative themes may be more pervasive, though. An "under the sea" theme in a bathroom may include blue walls, ceiling and floor tile, fish shaped soap and a shower curtain with fish and mermaids on it, wallpaper border shaped like sea waves and driftwood shaped towel bars.

Function of Interior Space

In interior design, form should follow function. It's the job of an interior designer to create an extremely usable space and then make it beautiful. Experienced designers know a variety of tricks to enhance the practical function of a space without limiting its visual allure.

LightingA good interior designer knows that lighting is the key to the function and safety of all spaces. Lighting may be hidden under cabinets, recessed or come from a genuine work of art like a Tiffany or Waterford lamp.

Floor PlanningA designer starts with a good floor plan to ensure that logical pathways between entrances and exits are kept clear. Appropriate space must be left for all anticipated activities.

Work SurfacesA well-designed interior should provide as many work surfaces as is reasonable. Some may be obvious: table tops, for instance, while others may be more subtle, like fold-down laptop desks or tables with extendable leaves.

StorageWith function in mind, a designer should create as many storage spaces as possible, including using tables with drawers, hinged ottomans and storage benches.

StreamlineA floor plan maximized for function can appear crowded. A designer will add decorative appeal with quality furnishings, flooring and a sedate wall color, while avoiding multiple accessories or excessive wall decor.

Types of interior space design

There are several types of interior design, including, but not limited to residential, commercial, accessible design and green design. These types can be defined by what is being designed or by the designer's personal approach, focus or interests. Choosing a designer who works with the type of design you prefer can help you build a positive relationship and create a space that meets not only your needs, but your hopes as well. Moreover, working with the right type of designer for your space can help you stay within budget.

ResidentialResidential interior design is focused on living spaces. These designers work to create livable and comfortable apartments, houses or rooms. Concerns such as storage, family life and functionality should all come into play when working with a residential designer. Fabrics, materials and finishes should be chosen to fit into your lifestyle.

CommercialCommercial interior design is focused on business spaces, including offices, lobbies and restaurants. Flow of traffic, integration of business equipment, and customer comfort should all be taken into account by a commercial interior designer. Commercial designers are also more comfortable handling larger scale spaces and creating a unified appearance in multiple commercial spaces.

Green and Environmental DesignSome designers have chosen to focus on environmentally friendly design and materials. This type of design can be residential or commercial, and some designers are comfortable working with both types of design. Some green designers can assist you in sourcing resources for eco-friendly lighting, plumbing options and air filtration. If an environmentally friendly space is your priority, this is the type of design best suited to your needs.

AccessibilitySome interior designers have chosen to focus on creating spaces that can be used and enjoyed by people with varying abilities and needs. Concerns for this type of interior design include kitchen or bath functionality, allowing ample access for wheelchairs and mobility devices and making spaces work for everyone in a family or workplace.

BudgetSome designers focus specifically on creating low cost spaces. This type of design might even strive to use what you already own to rework your home or office without substantial costs. Consider a budget-conscious designer if you are looking for a consultation instead of full service design, if you prefer a do it yourself approach or simply need to keep your costs well in check.