University of Palestine

Faculty of Applied Engineering and Urban Planning

Dept. of Architecture
3nd Semester 2007 -2008

Introduction to Interior Design ( EAGD 3217 )

Lecture 4
STYLES OF INTERIOR DESIGN
Dr. Nihad Almughany
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
 CONTENTS
– 1- AIMS.
– 2- REVIEW OF LAST LECTURE ( HISTORY OF
INTERIOR DESIGN ).
– 3- STYLES OF INTERIOR DESIGN
• 3.1- CLASSICAL STYLE.
• 3.2- ART NOUVEAU.
• 3.3- ART DECO.
• 3.4- THE BAUHAUS.
• 3.5- MODERN ( INTERNATIONAL STYLE ).
• 3.6- POST MODERN.
• 3.7- TRADITIONAL ARABIC / ISLAMIC.
• 3.8- LOCALITY STYLES.
– 4- CONCLUSION.

Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction

to Interior Design- 2008
 1- AIMS
• This lecture aims to:
– Review of the last lecture ( History of Interior Design).
– Highlight the styles and theories of interior design.
– Learn about some famous names of interior designers
through the ages.

Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction

to Interior Design- 2008
2- REVIEW OF THE LAST LECTURE

• History of interior design.

– ANCIENT TIMES.
– THE RENAISSANCE
– THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION.
– ART NOUVEAUE.
– THE MODERN MOVEMENT

Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction

to Interior Design- 2008
3- STYLES OF INTERIOR DESIGN
• The styles of interior design are constantly changing as new ideas take
hold and new types of materials are developed to accentuate the
interior spaces.
• A number of basic design styles apply to everything from furniture to
interior and exterior design.
• In general, we can classify the interior design most significant styles
as follows:
– CLASSICAL STYLE.
– ART NOUVEAU.
– ART DECO.
– THE BAUHAUS.
– MODERN ( INTERNATIONAL STYLE ).
– POST MODERN.
– TRADITIONAL ARABIC / ISLAMIC.
– LOCALITY STYLES.
• In each of the mentioned styles there are many ideas and sub- styles.
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
3.1- CLASSICAL STYLE:
• Use of classic elements and
motifs in different interior
elements.
• Classic orders and
organization : symmetry,
proportion, styles,…etc.
• Classic colors : tend to use
natural / dark colors.
• Use of traditional materials or
modern materials in the shape
of traditional ones.
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
3.2- ART NOUVEAU
• A very decorative style with
many design ideas being taken
from nature and using new
materials of steel and glass.
• It was the main form of design
that broke the barrier and history
of the divide between decorative
arts and fine arts.
• Wall designs, lamps, furniture
and decorative elements.

Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction

to Interior Design- 2008
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
 3.3- ART DECO
• Art Deco style of interior design is a streamlined, geometric
style which often includes furniture pieces with curved fronts,
mirrors, clean lines, chrome hardware, and glass. This elegant
style began as a Modernist response in opposition to Art
Nouveau style which featured elaborate, flowing natural forms .
• Art Deco makes use of angular, balanced geometric shapes.
Renowned artists that helped to define Art Deco style include
Erte, Adolphe Mouron and Tamara de Lempicka.
• The atmosphere of pre-World War I Europe was a major
influence on this style which was a reaction to the societal and
industrial advances of the early 20th century. Paris was the hub
of Art Deco style. After a 1926 hurricane ravaged Miami,
Florida, architects designed whole city blocks in the Art Deco
style.
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
 3.4- THE BAUHAUS
• This style was based on
simplicity and the colors tended
to be neutral (white, grey etc) .
Any colors that were used tended
to be primary colors such as red
and used only in splashes.
• The main materials used were
glass, steel and thin layers of
concrete.
• Standardization and
prefabrication

Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction

to Interior Design- 2008
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
3.5- MODERN ( INTERNATIONAL STYLE)

• Avoid ornaments.
• Simplicity in design and
construction.
• Use of colors.
• Use of modern materials
and techniques.
• Free space.
• Complementarily
between architecture,
arts and industry.

Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction

to Interior Design- 2008
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
 3.6- THE POST MODERN
• Beginning in the 1960’s and lasting through today, the post-modern
movement took root as a response to modernist design.

• Another key theme in post-modern design is borrowing from the past

to create eclectic designs in architecture, furnishings, and interiors. Wit
and humor are also common elements in post-modern buildings and
homes. Post-modernists seek to create comfortable spaces for the
body, mind, and soul.

• Notable post-modern designers include Robert Venturi, Michael

Graves, Philip Johnson, and Robert A.M. Stern, Judy McKie ( furniture
designer) and others .

•Different styles such as classic modernism, deconstructivism, ..etc.

Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction

to Interior Design- 2008
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
 3.7- Traditional Arabic / Islamic Style

• Use of traditional Arabic

or Islamic features and
elements.
• Use of Arabesque
ornaments and
calligraphy.
• Privacy in interior
spaces.
• Handicrafts ( wood,
copper, etc.).

Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction

to Interior Design- 2008
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
3.8- LOCALITIES

• Styles related to a specific place, country,

culture , etc. . Such as:
– Italian
– Gulf
– African
– Chinese
– Moroccan
– ………
– ………
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008
4- CONCLUSION
- There are many interior design styles and ideas. Of the famous
styles are:
- Classical
- Art Nouveau
- Art Deco
- Bauhaus
- Modern
- Post Modern
- Traditional Arabic/ Islamic
- Locality styles: Italian, Gulf,…etc.
- A specific style is applied to different interior design aspects and
elements such as: arrangement of spaces, furniture, decoration
elements, lighting, curtains and others.
- The interior designer must choose the appropriate style depends on
the place, the users and other factors, and matches that to all
themes of the design.Dr Nihad Almughany- Introduction
to Interior Design- 2008