UNIT 2 THEORY

INTERIOR DECORATION
OBJECTIVES OF DESIGN
ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
PRINCIPLE OF DESIGN,

What is the difference between Interior Design and Interior Decoration?

Although the terms are used synonymously, “Interior Design” and “Interior Decorating”
signify different professions. The main difference is in the actual training of the professionals
doing the designing or decorating.
“DECORATING” is defined as adding ornamentation to an existing object or space.
“DESIGNING” is creating or constructing new objects or space.
“INTERIOR DECORATION” is an art of decorating a given space with some creative effect. Its
primary object is the composition of a beautiful and functional space, by use of the
“Principles and Elements” of design extensively. Interior design creates a beautiful
environment, in which we live.
“INTERIOR DECORATORS” are concerned only with the look or appearance of a building or
space. The basis of the profession is that these individuals can only change the aesthetics of
a room. They can change the walls, the floors and add decorative elements to the room. The
one thing they cannot do is remove or alter any standing structure. For example, a load
bearing wall cannot be removed by an interior decorator or moved to another area.
“INTERIOR DESIGNER’S” on the other hand have experience in WORKING WITH
ARCHITECTURE. This means that they can alter the load bearing wall used in the previous
example. In addition, they are focused on anything within a given area of space. The interior
designer handles FURNITURE, ACCESSORIES, LIGHTING and even EXTERIOR ELEMENTS like
windows and doors. An interior decorator doesn’t work with those exterior features of the
building.
A good way of looking at thing at things is that an interior designer can change the
architecture of a building while the interior decorator is only concerned with the interior
Design. The designer can also change the roof of the building to add skylights or add exposed
wood beams, but since these are architectural elements, an interior decorator cannot do the
same thing.
Another difference between the two professions is that interior designers often specialize in
one specific area while decorators work in all areas. A designer might focus on only
commercial or retail space or handle only the exterior of a building. A decorator will work in
all areas within a given building or space.

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JYOTI
ASSIST. LECTURER
IHM KURUKSHETRA
 UNIT 2 THEORY
INTERIOR DECORATION
OBJECTIVES OF DESIGN
ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
PRINCIPLE OF DESIGN,

What is design? Mention different types of designs and how design is classified?
Design is to create an arrangement of parts to give order and tangible expression to an idea.
Interior Design is the orderly arrangement of Lines, Forms, Colours, Texture, etc. to create
beauty in interiors.
Design can be of different types:
 STRUCTURAL DESIGN: It denotes the structure and construction of an object. All
objects have a structural design, which is a combination of size, shape, form, colour and
Texture. For an object to be truly beautiful and still useful good structural design requires the
following:
 It must suit its purpose or be functional
 It must have a good proportion
 It must be suited to the material from which it is made
 It must be simple in outline
 DECORATIVE DESIGN: it is the surface enrichment of structural design. It enhances an
object. Any Line, Colour or materials that have been applied on a structural design for the
purpose of enrichment constitute a decorative design.
The following requires to be fulfilled for a good decorative design:
 The decoration should be used in moderation
 It should be placed at structural point and should strengthen the shape of the object.
 There should be enough background space to give simplicity.
 The decoration should be suitable for the material which it is used.
 The background suit the pattern.
 NATURALISTIC DESIGN: These are designs based on natural things, like animals, birds,
trees and flowers. Among the factors that contribute to a natural effect is the use of natural
materials.
 STYLIZED DESIGN: A stylized design conforms to a particular style, as of representation
or treatment in art; conventionalize. These designs do not look like pictures of natural
objects. Usually the lines are simplified, while sometimes they are distracted. Stylized alone
does not ensure high quality in design, however, stylized designs are likely to be superior to

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JYOTI
ASSIST. LECTURER
IHM KURUKSHETRA
 UNIT 2 THEORY
INTERIOR DECORATION
OBJECTIVES OF DESIGN
ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
PRINCIPLE OF DESIGN,

the naturalistic patterns and sometimes may be of a combination of stylized and geometric
design.

 GEOMETRIC DESIGN: These designs are based on pure forms of Circles, Triangles, and
Rectangles although endless variations and combinations of them are used they include
stripes, dots and checks.
 MODERN and OBSTRUCT: Abstract art uses a visual language of Form, colour, and Line
to create a composition which may exist with a degree of independence from visual
reference in the world. Modern designees make good application of the advancing a
recessive qualities of colour.

Write short notes in Objective of Interior Design.

Interior Designing is the design of space inside homes and buildings such as choice of decor
and furnishings. Interior Design is a planning of Space and Equipment in particular area.
OBJECTIVE OF INTERIOR DESIGN: The objectives of interior design are to achieve the
following:
 BEAUTY: Well-designed and pleading objects achieve this. The basic factors, which are
screen to give beauty to a particular item, are line, form, color, texture, design or pattern,
light and space. In using these elements to create beauty, one should keep in mind the
principles of proportion, balance, emphasis, rhythm and harmony, which may help create
beauty. Observing develops the ability to judge appearances.
Expressiveness: When an area is decorated or furnished, there is usually some definite idea
or theme that is followed .whether an area is large or small, the arrangements, decorations
and furnishings lend expression to the room. There are various themes that can be followed:
1. Formal theme: here the arrangement is such that there are symmetrical features,
formal balance, large spaces and so bar colors in a room. It usually expresses dignity and
strength.
2. 2. Informal theme: this expresses friendliness, hospitality and intimate charm. This is
done by bright, warm colours, and simple, comfortable furniture.

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JYOTI
ASSIST. LECTURER
IHM KURUKSHETRA
 UNIT 2 THEORY
INTERIOR DECORATION
OBJECTIVES OF DESIGN
ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
PRINCIPLE OF DESIGN,

3. Naturalness: simplicity is the essence here. The furniture is not highly polished; the
natural effect is attained b the use of natural materials and direct treatment or application of
inexpensive materials or primitive colours.
4. Functionalism: The area should give maximum service, comfort and pleasure.
Traditional styles, which function their own way, may not be suitable for today. Every face of
area planning and furnishing should be based on function. For example, rooms are divided
and arranged, depending on what will best serve the guest. While reading a chair and a lamp
could be functional
5. Use: Use of any material is a solid foundation for good planning use is a central
concept in planning and furnishing. For example, space should be carefully planned
according to activity.
6. Individuality: The personality of the individual is always expressed in a home because
an interest of the owner provides the inspiration of decorating and furnishing. If the outlook
of the individual or group is formal the group or individual will select simple things for
furnishing and decorating.
7. Resources:
a. Human resources: they are important when used in the object of economy. Time is
the limited resource which cannot serve, increase or store. There are some times –
consuming tasks in the bill; for these tasks use of time is important. The hotelier has to plan
the activity according on time available has to see how to utilize limited time for caring out
different activities.
b. Other resources: they comprise of material cost and are as important as human
resources because while furnishing a rom, a person has to make use of these resources and
also the economy of these resources. The cost of material should not be more which can
over burden the budget allocated for the furnishing of the room.

 What are the elements of art in interior design?

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN:-

These are primarily the visual components used in creating a design on a composition.
The elements that are basic to all visual designs are line, form, colour and texture. Three

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JYOTI
ASSIST. LECTURER
IHM KURUKSHETRA
 UNIT 2 THEORY
INTERIOR DECORATION
OBJECTIVES OF DESIGN
ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
PRINCIPLE OF DESIGN,

additional elements- patterns, light and space- help to complete it. Each of these basic
elements is a well-defined and dissimilar feature of every design. However, the effect of each
element is considered only in connection with the other elements and the unit is judged as a
whole. These elements, if used according to the principles of design, can ensure a certain
degree of beauty in the final product.

Line: - This is very important element in planning and furnishing. It is the, most basic design
element. Before the artist begins to paint, he or she must establish the directions of the lines
of a painting on the canvas or paper. The artist combines horizontal, vertical, diagonal, and
curved lines until the effect is pleasing to the eye. Likewise, the architect and the interior
decorator must organize and combine lines positive emotional significance, depending upon
their direction and their quality. In any interior, a combination of the four types of lines
listed above is generally seen, each having their own influences. Certain associations may be
made between man and the lines based on the positions his body takes in different actions.

Vertical lines: - ( ) When standing, a human being is perceived as attentive and ready to act.
Hence, vertical lines suggest steadfastness, steadiness, or an upward aim. These lines are
masculine in effect severe, strong, direct, disciplined, and militaristic. They create a feeling of
height, in hotels, the vertical lines of doorways; pillars, columns, draperies, and furniture
give the necessary strength and height to rooms.

Horizontal lines: - ( ) When a human being lies down, he or she is perceived as resting or
sleeping. Therefore, the horizontal line naturally suggests rest, response, or steadiness.
These lines give solidity and a down- to earth feeling. They suggest tranquillity, serenity, and
relaxation. They help to break the effect to the vertical lines carrying one’s eyes upward. In
hotels, the horizontal lines of tables, sofas and other furniture complement the severely
vertical lines in other parts of an area.

Diagonal lines: - ( ) When running or, moving things, the human body is often in a diagonal
position and therefore diagonal lines suggest movement and activity. These are lines of
action, disturbing the discipline of straight lines and the solidity of horizontal lines. Forward-
slanting lines suggest ‘push’ and backward- slanting lines ‘pull’. Diagonal lines are also

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JYOTI
ASSIST. LECTURER
IHM KURUKSHETRA
 UNIT 2 THEORY
INTERIOR DECORATION
OBJECTIVES OF DESIGN
ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
PRINCIPLE OF DESIGN,

suggestive of sophistication and refinement, and hence arouse interest. In hotels diagonal
lines appear in staircases and sometimes in curtains, draperies, and wall paper.

Curved Lines: - ( ) In relaxation, the body takes the curved position. Hence, curved lines
indicate flexibility and grace. These lines are feminine in effect, graceful, suitable, carefree,
youthful and joyous. In hotels, curved lines may form a transition between the abrupt joining
of vertical and horizontal lines, such as those formed by tied back curtains, arches, and the
graceful curves of furniture.

Form: - The term “form” is applied to three dimensional areas and objects, whereas “shape”
may refer to a two- dimensional one. Hence, we can have a triangular shape and a pyramidal
form or a cuboidal form with a square shape. Without the beauty of form, good texture,
colour, or decoration can be of no use. However, a particular chair is not well designed
unless it accommodates itself to the human form. The form of an object should thus suit its
function.

Texture: - The word texture refers to the tactile quality of the surface of any objects or area.
It refers to the surface quality- how something feels when we touch it and how. It behaves
when light strikes it. Two basic categories of texture are tactile and visual.

Texture plays a very important part in interiors because it affects the quality
and quantity of light reflected by the surface. Some terms used to describe textures are
following: - glossy, dull, fine, flexible, rough, uneven, velvety, etc.

Colour: - The appeal of colour is universal. Colour is the impression received by the brain
from certain stimulations of the retina in the eye. Its perception occurs because objects
reflect or transmit light that enters the eye. Light rays that vary in wavelength and rates of
vibration produce different sensations and appear as different colours. Daylight although it
appears as ‘white” light is actually composed or violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange,
and red colours of light.

Patterns: - This refers to any sort of surface enrichment and applies to both two- dimensional
and three-dimensional objects. A large room can support more patterns than small one.
Patterns used may be naturalistic, stylized, geometric, or abstract. Generally patterns should
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JYOTI
ASSIST. LECTURER
IHM KURUKSHETRA
 UNIT 2 THEORY
INTERIOR DECORATION
OBJECTIVES OF DESIGN
ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
PRINCIPLE OF DESIGN,

cover just about a quarter of the total surface area. If walls and carpets are plain, then
draperies and upholstery may be patterned.

Light: - when light strikes an object, it may be reflected, absorbed, or allowed to pass
through; light has a functional as well as an aesthetic effect. Light may be dull or sharp,
bright or diffused. The ways light is used interiors has a definite emotional effect on the
minds of the occupants of a space.

 Bright light energizes us and has a tendency to foster either hard work or energetic
play.
 Subdued light makes us feel relaxed, but if too subdues, may put us to sleep.
 Too brilliant light often causes us to look away in physical and emotional distress.
 Warm-coloured light seems cheerful and welcoming.
 Cool- coloured light seems cheerful and welcoming.
 Cool-coloured light is often more restful.

Space: - This is among the most important element of interior design. The organization of
space is basic to architecture and interior decoration. Unless a space is thoughtfully planned,
nothing else will seem quite right. Almost any space, if sensitively handled, can be made
effective, live able, and even and dramatic. A sense of the beauty of a space makes us want
large undecorated walls and floors can be bound together by other elements without
disturbing its effect. The appreciation of good spacing is the reason we may use the
minimum amount of furniture and concentrate them in groups so that we can have empty,
silent spaces in the rooms.

 What are the principles of Interior Design?

See the notes of unit-3.

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JYOTI
ASSIST. LECTURER
IHM KURUKSHETRA