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 design
Design 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 brief
The 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.

Research
The 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 design
The 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.

Specification
Sourcing 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.

Completion
Interior 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.

Lighting
A 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 Planning
A 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 Surfaces
A 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.
Storage
With function in mind, a designer should create as many storage spaces as
possible, including using tables with drawers, hinged ottomans and storage
benches.
Streamline
A 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.
Residential
Residential 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.

Commercial
Commercial 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 Design

Some 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.
Accessibility
Some 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.

Budget
Some 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.