Interior Design Guide

BrainZ Institute of Design
14
Interior Design Process
Design Fundamentals Theory
Rajesh Prabtani

BrainZ Institute of Design 2 | P a g e
The Design Process

The Design process is a series of steps that a designer takes when working on a project. The details
of each stage will differ depending on the type of design but the approach should always be the
same. It is vital to stick to the design process during a design as skipping a stage, completing stages
out of order or not using the design process at all will result in a lower quality outcome, an outcome
the client is not happy with or even worse no outcome at all.
The diagram below outlines the basic stages of the design process and below each stage is explained
in more detail.

1. Analyse The Brief:
Each design project will begin when a client delivers the designer with a brief. The brief will outline
what the client wants although as the client will likely have no design experience it is important for
the designer to carefully analyse all details given by the client and if necessary to make further
enquiries about the needs of the client. It may seem overly simple or just plain obvious but this is a
key satge in the design process as if you start out with the wrong idea of what you are being asked to
do then you will never be successful. On the other hand, a specific and detailed outline of the clients
needs based on the brief will allow for a smooth and successful completion of the design process.
2. Identify The Key Requirements:
Based on the analysis of the brief you must identify the most important parts of the brief and what is
required to achieve them, whether it is time, software, hardware, samples or something else. Ask
yourself, what requirements must I fulfil? For example when designing a poster for an event, the
simple act of including the time, date and venue are much more important than any aspect as a
poster without the necessary details is useless. It is therefore important to identify and prioritise the
key requirements of the brief.
3. Research Existing Design Solutions:
Research is important to identify possible design styles and ideas which may also suit the needs of
your client. These samples can be used when meeting with the client to identify the style of
image/design which they prefer. For students research will also help to familiarise yourself with
industry standard designs and the quality of design which is required.
4. Generate Ideas/Brainstorming:
Coming up with an idea for the design, a slogan for a campaign, an image for a poster, a name for a
website etc. can be difficult. However, by focussing on fulfilling the key requirements of the brief
and allowing your research to inspire you it is possible to generate original designs for your project.
Brainstorming is often used where a lack of ideas is a problem. Free writing is a type of
brainstorming which simply involves relaxing your mind and writing down any and all ideas you have
as quickly as possible without really thinking. Having your research around you can help when doing
this. It may seem very simple but generally people have numerous ideas but they tend to dismiss
them before writing them down, considering them down and allowing them to be developed into
viable design solutions.
5. Develop Ideas
It is good practice not to settle on simply one idea but rather to choose 2 or 3 of your best ideas and
develop them through simple sketches, drawings, colour scheme test pages and font style sheets.
These steps all help to develop your ideas and highlight which one has the most potential for
success. Sketching will also help to identify possible layouts/compositions that can be used.
6. Produce The Design
Once an idea has been selected and sufficiently developed it is time to begin producing/creating the
design. It is important to note that this is commonly the stage that overeager student designers
begin at and without stating the obvious this should never be done. Depending on the type of design
diffent softwares or materials will be used to create the design but regardless of the means of
production it is important that the previos stages are not forgotten and that the key requirements
are fulfilled.

7. Testing The Design
This is a quick and simple stage of the design process but one that is often overlooked. For printed
designs testing simply involves printing the design to ensure the resolution and colours are of good
quality, that no clipping of important details occur and that text is readable and without errors. For
website design this stage will involve checking that all features are functional, that links are working
and that page loading speeds are acceptable.
8. Place the design into the intended environment.
For printed designs this will involve plaing the poster/logo/sign/banner etc. in its intended position
and ensuring that text is readable from an acceptable distant, images are clear and that the colours
do not clash with or blend into their surroundings. For websites this will involve publishing the
website online and rechecking all features and functions. For other types of designs, such as
architecture or interior design, a programme such as Photoshop can be used to digitally place the
design into its intended environment.
9. Evaluate The Completed Design:
Before prenting your final design to the client it is vital that you evaluate it without bias. The easiest
way to do this is simply return to satge 2 where you identified the key requiremnts of the brief and
see if you have successfully fulfilled them. It may also be useful to get the opinion of others at this
stage if you fear you will be unable to objectively evaluate your own design.
10. Redesign:
This step is only necessary if, after evaluation, you feel you have not successfully met the key
requirements of the design brief. This stage involves returning to the beginning of the design process
and returning through each step correcting the errors which led to the key requirements not been
fulfilled.

Design Elements

Design Elements refer to the different types/categories of parts that can be used in the creation of
any given composition. These elements can be combined and arranged in a variety of ways to create
an endless variety of designs, both two and three dimensional. They may seem like obvious
categorisations but understanding them is important to enhancing your ability to utilise them in your
design projects. Understanding design elements is key to creating professional designs that are both
simple and stylish. Using the design elements correctly allows you to keep designs clear and minimal
without looking plain or boring; it's a fine line but it is along that line that the best designs rest. Here
the elements are outlined and explained, but how you use them is dependent of the principles of
design that you choose to use. So it is recommended that you follow up these notes by looking at
the principles of design.
Point:
A point is a single dot or mark that has position but is otherwise limited. It is a single entity in itself
and alone it can act as a focal point or a stopping point in a composition. For example a target or
dart board has a single point as its focus. Together a number of points can have a leading effect
where the eye naturally attempts to "connect the dots" to create a line or form. This is known as the
Gestalt grouping principle.

Line:
A line is essentially a series of connected points. There are characterised by their length, direction
and weight. Lines can be straight or wavy, long or short, heavy or soft, architectural or organic. As
such they can be utilised in a variety of ways in a composition. They can be used to create
perspective, outline a landscape, frame a composition etc.

Form/ Shape:
Shapes are essentially closed lines. Shapes can be two dimensional or three dimensional. The basic
two dimensional shapes are squares, rectangles and triangles with the related three dimensional
shapes being cubes, bricks (technical name is a rectangular prism) and pyramids. An infinite amount
of other shapes exist of course, whether they are fluid organic shapes or rigid abstract shapes.


Texture:
Texture is the appearance of a surface material. The main differentiation between textures is that it
is either rough or smooth. Textures suggest what a form/shape is made of and can be created using
points, line, shapes or colour. Unlike the other elements, texture is both a visual and tactile element.

Colour:
Colour is how the eye perceives reflected light. There are many different theories about colour
which are covered in more depth in the section on colour theory. What I will explain here are the
three main components of colour: hue, value and saturation.
Hue is where a colour is positioned on the colour wheel.
Value is the darkness or lightness of a colour.
Saturation is the intensity of a colour.

Design Principles

It is recommended that you read the notes on design elements before reading these notes as some
of the terms used here are explained in that section.
There are 5 basic concepts or theories in the area of design, collectively known as the principles of
design; they are Balance, Rhythm, Proportion, Dominance and Unity. They represent the basic rules
of how to arrange a composition and create a successful design. In order words they guide us in the
way we arrange the elements of design. Sometimes we look at an image or object and we find it
aesthetically pleasing or easy on the eye but we may not quite understand why. The reason is that
one or more of the principles of design are at work.
Balance:
Balance refers to the arrangements of design elements within a composition, how they relate to
each other and the overall composition. Elements can have different visual weights dependent on
their size, shape or colour and if positioned poorly they can unbalance a composition. There are two
types of balance - symmetrical and asymmetrical.
Symmetrical balance is where the weight of a composition is evenly distributed either side of the
centre point of the composition, usually horizontally or vertically (although radial symmetry is also
possible).
Asymmetrical balance is where the weight of a composition is not equally distributed (but is still
visually balanced). This is much harder to judge than symmetrical balance but can be more visually
interesting.

Symmetrical balance Asymmetrical balance
Rhythm:
Rhythm can create a sense of movement in a composition by repeating or alternating elements
(often but not always in a pattern). There are 3 main types of rhythm, each defined by their
suggested meaning or the feeling they evoke in the viewer.
Progressive rhythm shows a progression of lines or forms to create a sense of moving forward or up.
Flowing rhythm implies a more natural sense of movement in a composition through the use or
wavy lines or fluid forms usually or unequal size and length.
Regular rhythm is where the elements used are of the same or similar size, length and weight and
are positioned in a pattern (usually but not always).


Progressive rhythm Flowing rhythm Regular rhythm
Proportion:
Proportion is simply the comparative size of elements (usually shapes) relative to each other or the
overall composition. Proportion can be used in a composition to create a sense of distance or
demonstrate a size difference. Proportion can also be used to create or unhinge the balance in a
composition as their visual size and weight will automatically establish themselves in the
composition.

Square proportion Circular proportion

Dominance:
Dominance may seem similar to proportion but is actually more to do with the visual weight of an
element. The dominant part of a composition is the one that stands out the most or appears closest
to you. There are 3 stages of dominance: dominant, sub-dominant and subordinate.
Dominant is the primary object/area, the one with the most visual weight, usually appearing in the
foreground.
Sub-dominant refers to the secondary object/area, usually found in the middle ground of the
composition.
Subordinate objects/areas carry little visual weight and usually appear to recede into the
background of the composition.

Unity:
Unity refers to the relationship or connection between the various parts within a composition and
their relationship or connection to the composition as a whole. Unity can give a sense of entirety or
wholeness to the composition or equally break it up and create a sense of variety or disharmony. An
image with good unity will draw the viewer in and focus them around the one area or a few
connected areas and generally get the point across very quickly, so are therefore ideal for
advertising. Images/compositions without unity can be difficult to read or visually awkward.

Unity Disharmony
Colours,Colour Theory and Colour Schemes

PRIMARY, SECONDARY AND COMPLEMENTARY COLOURS
When presenting a design or an idea your choice of colours is very important. Many surveys have
been carried out on the general public to find out what people like. The findings suggest that very
young children like bright, vibrant colours (reds, yellows and oranges etc...) whilst older people like
more gentle or sophisticated colours and tones such as shades of blue. It is very important for a
designer to understand the way colours are put together/created as this may help in the selection of
the right colour scheme for a particular age group. Next time you pass a poster look closely at the
colours - the designer has considered them very carefully.
Primary Colours - These are colours that cannot be created through the mixing of other colours.
They are colours in their own right. The three primary colours can be seen below RED - YELLOW -
BLUE.
Primary colours can be mixed together to produce SECONDARY COLOURS. The table below shows
the combination required to produce secondary colours.
YELLOW + BLUE = GREEN
BLUE + RED = PURPLE
RED + YELLOW = ORANGE

The colour wheel can be seen below and this can be used to help remember primary and secondary
colours. The secondary colours are in between the primary colours - for example - between red and
blue is purple. Quite simply, mixing the primary colours of red and blue paint together will produce
the secondary colour purple.

Colour Wheel
An important rule of the colour wheel is that colours opposite to each other on the colour wheel
usually work well together as a colour scheme. These are known as COMPLEMENTARY COLOURS.
Complimentary colours are often used together in graphic design as they tend to give the
image/graphic a sense of balance and are visually more aesthetic.
COLOURS AND FEELINGS, EMOTIONS AND ATMOSPHERE
Designers have a large range of colours at their disposal and most are well aware that certain colours
are associated with feelings and emotions. The diagram below show a number of popular colours
and the feelings/emotions to which they are associated. Designers, companies and manufacturers
use colours cleverly to promote a certain feeling about their products.
Colours also have an effect on your visitors before they begin to read the content of your web site or
printed design. Thus, it is very important for you to consider your target audience, the psychology of
color, and the corporate image you wish to project BEFORE you complete your design.
When colour is used correctly, it can add impact and clarity to your message and highlight important
points. Alternatively When colour is used incorrectly, it can compromise your message and confuse
your target audience.
Colour can work for your web site and printed materials in various ways:
Colour emphasizes, highlights, and leads the eye to important points or links.
Colour identifies recurring themes (i.e. titles and subtitles are usually the same colors).
Conversely, colour can differentiate, such as different colors in pie charts and bar graphs.
Colour symbolizes and triggers emotions and associations.
The interpretation of a colour depends on culture, profession, and personal preference. In general,
the colours red, orange, and yellow are "exciting" colours and the colors purple, blue, and green are
"calming" colours.
Interpretation of colour is not always a matter of personal preference. For example, in Western
cultures the colour white symbolizes purity; however, in China the colour white symbolizes death.


Colour Meanings
To summarise, it is very important to consider your target audience, the psychology of colour, and
the image you wish to project before you construct your web-site, printed materials, and logo.
Graphic Design Colour Schemes:
A colour scheme is a combination of colours that, when put together, compliment or contrast one
another in an aesthetically pleasing way. Colour schemes are used by artists, graphic designers and
interior designers to create visually appealing imagery. Colour schemes can be put together at
random, but most professionals choose colours based on their relationship to each other in the
colour wheel. The colour scheme types explained here are monochromatic, primary, secondary,
complimentary, analogous, triadic, warm and cool.
Monochromatic colour scheme: A monochromatic colour scheme is made up of just one main
colour, but features a number of shades of that one colour. A simple example of this would be a
colour scheme of blue, dark blue and light blue, as seen below. Monochromatic colour schemes
could also feature the base colour, shades of that colour, and white and black.

Monochromatic colour scheme

Primary Colour Scheme: This is another basic type of colour scheme where the basic primary colours
of red, yellow and blue are used. A primary colour scheme can be made up of any shade of each
primary colour but works best when the shades match evenly. In other words don't mix a bright red
with a muted blue and yellow.


Primary colour scheme

Secondary Colour Scheme: This is a type of colour scheme where the secondary colours of purple,
green and orange are used. A secondary colour scheme can be made up of any shade of each
secondary colour but works best when the shades match evenly. In other words don't mix a bright
purple with a muted green and orange.

Secondary colour scheme

Complimentary Colour Scheme: This colour scheme involves matching a pimary colour with the
secondary colour opposite to it on the colour wheel. For example, a colour scheme based on shades
of yellow and purple would comprise a complimentary colour scheme, as seen below. Other
complimentary colour pairs are blue with orange and red with green.

Complimentary colour scheme

Analogous Colour Scheme: An analogous colour scheme is created by pairing colours that appear
side by side on the colour wheel. For example, an analogous colour scheme may include purple, blue
and green. More subtle combinations may also be created by matching mixed colour tone
combinations such as blue-purple, blue and blue-green, as seen below.

Analogous colour scheme

Triadic Colour Scheme: A triadic colour scheme is made up of three colours spaced evenly apart
from each other on the colour wheel. The primary colour scheme made up of the primary colours--
red, yellow and blue is an example of this. These colours are all an equal distance from each other on
the colour wheel, and form a triangle on the colour wheel when connected to each other. To
produce a different triadic colour scheme, move the triangle until it points to different colours on
the colour wheel such as yellow, red-purple and blue-green.

Triadic colour scheme

Warm Colour Scheme: The colour wheel is divided into two halves, warm colours and cool colours.
The warm colours include reds, oranges and yellows, includiong all variations of these colours. The
warm colours are associated with action, passion, love, rage, danger and heat.

Warm colour scheme

Cool Colour Scheme: The cool colours are found on the opposite side of the colour wheel, and these
colours include all blues, greens and purples. Cool colours are associated with coolness, peace, calm,
depression, sadness, sky and water.

Cool colour scheme

Phases of Interior Design
Interior design services create interior settings to accommodate a clients intended use of a
particular space. The interior design process closely parallels the building design process in
that it encompasses identifying and solving problems for the (interior) built environment.
Heres a brief outline of the real phases an interior design project moves through so you
know what to expect before you begin, and feel comfortable with the process.
Phase I Programming
The Programming Phase is like a first date, but without the butterflies. This is where we get
to know you and your desires for your new space, that is. Well ask you a number of
relevant questions, inventory your existing furnishings, photograph your space, and discuss
your project budget and timeline.
If needed, we will meet with your architect, and any other consultants involved, before
beginning the next phase Design Development.
Phase II Design Development
Design Development is the courtship. We are so excited we cant contain ourselves. The
creative ideas are flowing and we cant wait to share them with you. We want to call you
every day, but we dont (I promise).
We develop new space plans, furniture plans, and color palettes, as well as select your new
interior finishes such as paint, wallcovering, flooring, ceiling and window treatments,
moldings, cabinetry and countertops. This is also the phase when any custom-designed
pieces or treatments would be sketched for your review.
After we finish sourcing your job we meet with you to review the plans and finish selections
and make any refinements needed.
Then we finalize your design drawings and meet with you once more before starting the
final detailing of your plans and ordering your furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
Phase III Construction Documents and Administration
Our time together is increasing. Were getting really serious now and want to be exclusive,
so to speak. Were having intimate, detailed conversationsabout that edge detail on
your countertops!
During the Construction Documentation phase its all about the details. We detail out all of
your drawings so your contractor knows exactly what our design intent is and has accurate
drawings to price out your job.
After you receive several contractor bids and their proposed timelines, we assist you in
reviewing each to ensure accuracy and fair pricing.
We also draft and submit purchase orders for all of your equipment, interior finishes, and
furnishings so items are received and ready to install before construction begins.

Phase IV Construction/Installation
Were engaged and were starting to build something new together. This phase is filled with
excitement, surprises, and a few I-Never-Knew-It-Could-BeLike This exclamations,
sprinkled with a Ohhh- Maybe-We Should Re-Visit The Budget moment.
Designers (most) live for the Construction Phase! We get to see our ideas come to life and
that smile on your face. We stop by the job site frequently to oversee the sub-contractors
and ensure work is progressing on schedule and as planned. We meet with you weekly to
address any of your concerns.
Following construction, we coordinate the delivery and installation of your new furnishings,
accessories and artwork. Its like Christmas morning all over again!
Phase V Project Completion
The Big Day arrived and now were sitting back, albeit a little tired, and saying WOW, what
an experience to have some many great people helping us fulfill your dream. And
thenyou get to live it.
Before we conclude our time together, we do a final walk-through with you and prepare a
list of any remaining small items needing attention. We also discuss the care and
maintenance of all your new finishes, furnishings and equipment so you can enjoy them for
many years and maintain their new appearance.
As we drive away, we are content knowing our collaboration has laid the foundation for you
to live and work in a personalized space you never want to leave.

Interior Design Process

The Design process is a series of steps that a designer takes when working on a project. The
details of each stage will differ depending on the type of design but the approach will always
be similar. It is vital to stick to the process during a design as skipping a stage, completing
stages out of order of not using the process at all will result in a lower quality outcome, an
outcome the client is not happy with or even worse no outcome at all.
A Step by Step guide to completing an Interior Deign Project using the stages of the interior
design process is presented here; a process specific to completing interior design projects
will help you complete your project to the highest standard possible. The steps of the
interior design process are outlined below, they are not definitive but they are the
recommended stages in order to achieve as successful outcome.

1. Analyse The Brief:
Each design project will begin when a client delivers the designer with a brief. The brief will
outline what the client wants although as the client will likely have no design experience it is
important for the designer to carefully analyse all details given by the client and if necessary
to make further enquiries about the needs of the client. The success of an interior design
scheme will depend not only upon on the skills and creativity of the designer, but their
ability to answer the brief set by the client. A good brief will be as detailed and project-
specific as possible. It will outline the client's requirements and aspirations, set down a
budget for works and the time scale in which the project must be realised.
2. Identify The Key Requirements:
Based on the analysis of the brief you must identify the most important parts. Ask yourself,
what requirements must I fulfil? It is therefore important to identify and prioritise the key
requirements of the brief. If the brief is not as detailed as you would like it may be a good
idea to meet with the client and ask them some questions in order to discover their exact
requirements, the style of design that would suit them, the spaces that their way of living
will require etc.
3. Create an accommodation list:
An accommodation list is a list of spaces/areas (as opposed to rooms) that will
accommodate the activities of the client. If the brief is for the interior design of an entire
house or office then the list may include activities such as living, dining, receiving, sleeping
etc. While for a single space brief the list may include activities such as seating, storage,
playing etc. Designing a space by rooms can be very restricitive and therefore designing to
meet the needs of the client is a more direct and accurate approach.
4. Draw Relationship Diagrams:
Relationship diagrams follow on from the accommodation list and, as the name suggests,
they diagramatically present the relationship between the selected spaces. During this
process it is important to consider factors such as light, noise, function etc. The function of
each space will have an effect on where it is positioned within a building or, on a smaller
scale, the function of an object/furniture piece will have an effect on where it is positioned
within a space. To give just a single example of the multiple factors of relationships that are
associated with an object, a desk will be best positioned near a socket (to allow a computer
to be plugged), where it gets good natural/artificial light, away from nearby noise (so as not
to distract from work), facing out a window or toward objects of interest (for inspiration)
and of course where there is room to sit comfortably at it. This seemingly simple example
demonstrates the wide variety of factors which can effect the decision making process when
positioning spaces or objects within spaces.
5. Research Existing Designs:
Research is important to identify possible design styles and ideas which may also suit the
needs of your client. These samples can be used when meeting with the client to identify
the style of design which they prefer. For students research will also help to familiarise
yourself with industry standard designs and the quality of design which is required. See the
section on Interior Design Styles as a starting point.

6. Create a Concept Design:
With the increase in design technology in recent years design concept designs can just as
easily refer to 2D or 3D digital graphics as it can to traditional perspective drawings or floor
plans. What remains consistently important is that your designs successfully display your
ideas in a way that the client can understand and visualise. As well as the aforementioned
perspectives it can also be useful to create 'mood' boards to help present the style and
colour schme of your design concept. A mood board is a type of poster design that may
consist of images, text, colours or textures samples of objects to communicate ideas to the
client.
7. Obtain Client Feedback:
As an interior design project cannot be easily edited, like digital designs can, it is vital to get
feedback from the client before proceeding with the implementation stage. Clients are
often uncertain about what they really want so it is important to present your design
concept in a positive manner and highlight the positive features of the design to the client.
The reason for this is that an indecisive client may result in numerous design solutions being
presented without any real progress being made. This stage can be a real sticking point in
the design process and can result in wasted time and resources so remember that you are
the designer and it is up to you to guide the client in their decision making, that is why they
hired you after all!
8. Implement The Design:
This is the fun part. Realising your design concept and seeing it come to life. This stage may
require sub sections of its own depending on the size of the project. However it is
impossible to say exactly how as the number of variables is almost unlimited but what is
important is to plan this stage extensively before you begin by preparing and clearing the
space, ordering materials in advance and having them at hand on the day as well as hiring
the staff required to get the project completed on time and within budget.
9. Evaluate The Design:
Reflecting on a completed design is important in order to ensure you learn from experience
and identify the successful parts of the design to allow you to replicate them in future
design projects as well as identifying the parts of the design that did not go well in order to
avoid or solve them in future designs.It may also be useful to get the opinion of others at
this stage if you fear you will be unable to objectively evaluate your own design. As well as
the design itself it is just as important to reflect on your process and ask yourself some
questions such as, did I meet the requiremnets set out in brief? Did I keep to the budget?
Did I complete the project on time? If the answer to any of these question is 'No' then you
you need to assess your design process and identifying flaws in it or areas where you can be
more efficient.

Interior Design Styles
At the start of any interior design project, you wonder what style should I choose? what style do I
like? what style will look good in that space? what style will I feel comfortable with? Whether you're
decorating a single room or a whole house, a bungalow or a mansion the style will change
dependant on the existing space and what is appropriate for it.
The following list of interior design styles is not a definitive list but rather a selection of some of the
most common or popular interior design styles, more styles exist and more are being created all the
time. You should use this list to gain a basic understanding of common interior design styles and
what is involved in each of them, how they differ and how to create them.
Modern | Contemporary | Mimalist | Classic | Art Deco | Retro
Urban | Country | Rococo | Georgian | Victorian

Modern Style Interior Design:

The creation of the modern interior design style is credited to a group of European designers that
started the Bauhaus School of Design in Germany in 1919. The Bauhaus philosophy is that form and
function should combine in all designs. Modern Style design is clean-lined and focuses first and
foremost on function and avoids the excessive accessories and decorative elements seen in many
other styles. Some people feel the modern design is too simple, harsh or cold, however when well
planned it can promote a sense of calmness and simplicity to your home.
The modern style is ideal for appartments and small spaces as it maximizes space and create the
impression that a room is larger than it actually is. Minimal textures and bold geometric forms,
neutral colours accented with a single bold colour along with polished finishes and asymmetrical
balance are key identifying features of modern style interiors.
To Recap, the main characteristics of the modern interior design style are...
Clean lined design
Function before form.
Avoids excessise accessories and decorations
Minimal use of textures
Asymmetrical balance in furniture and layout

Contemporary Style Interior Design:

The terms modern interior design and contemporary interior design are often used
interchangeably, however there is a difference between the two. Contemporary interior
design can only mean trendy looks that are in style at any current moment, while modern
interior design refers to the specific geometrical, clean-lined style called modern. The fact
that the modern style may also be a part of a current look or trend adds to the confusion
between modern and contemporary.
Contemporary interiors are comfortable and welcoming without being cluttered and dark
and is a style that is equally appropriate for offices and stores, lofts and homes. A
contemporary style home can be a quiet and comfortable retreat. The key identifying
feature of a contemporary style interior design is line. Line can be used through the use of
bold colour blocks, high ceilings, "square" edged furniture, linear wooden floors, floor mats,
bare windows and geometric shapes in wall art and sculpture. The bare space, on walls,
between pieces of furniture, and above in upper areas also become just as important as the
areas filled with objects. Each piece stands out as individual and unique.
Smooth, clean, geometric shapes are essential for contemporary style furniture pieces with
upholstered furniture usually in black, white, or another neutral tone.These pieces should
be simple and uncluttered, without curves or decoration. Sofas, chairs, and ottomans
usually have exposed legs with Beds and chairs usually having no trims or tassels. In
conclusion, with contemporary interiors, less is more. Go basic, bare, bold, and structural
with bespoke, unique and individual furniture.

To Recap, the main characteristics of the contemporary interior design style are...
Refers to in style or trendy looks.
Basic, bare but bold.
Negative space as important as objects
Smooth, clean and geometric shapes essential.
Bespoke and unique furniture.

Mimimalist Style Interior Design:

Minimalist architecture became popular in the late 1980s in London and New York, where
designers worked to achieve simplicity, using white elements, cold white or blue lighting,
large spaces with minimum objects and furniture. The concept of minimalist design is to
strip everything down to its essential quality and achieve simplicity. Minimalism simplifies
living spaces to reveal the essential quality of buildings and conveys simplicity in attitudes
toward life. It is inspired from the Japanese traditional design and the concept of Zen
philosophy.
The idea is not completely without ornamentation, but everyhting is as reduced down to a
stage where you cannot remove anything further to improve the design, or without
disimproving it. The basic geometric forms, elements without decoration, simple materials
and the repetitions of structures can represent a sense of order and essential quality. The
movement of natural light in minimalist buildings reveals simple and clean spaces. In order
to successfully implement a minimalist style storage is key in order to allow the space to
remain minimal while still retaining the essential objects you use within that space.
Minimalist kitchens are an excellent example of this, where clever use of space and hidden
storage is regularly used.
To Recap, the main characteristics of the minimalist interior design style are...
Cool colours and white or blue lighting.
Large open spaces with minimum furniture, essentials only.
Reduced to ideal quantity.
Storage is key to maintaining minimalism.
Natural light used as a feature.

Classic Style Interior Design:

Classical interior design is based on order, symmetry and balance which relates to the ideals
of the Greek and Roman empires. A primary element in classical style is the use of a focal
point around which visual balance is achieved, for example a feature fireplace flanked on
either side by matching armchairs with an ornate mirror above. The colour palette common
to classical interior design style is often inspired by nature. A variety of yellows, blues,
greens, browns as well as softer, muted hues like terracottas, grays and pinks are commonly
used. When accenting with whites, choose off-white if you want to stay in keeping with a
more authentic classical colour palette. Choose bright white if you want a slightly more
contemporary feel instead.
Fabrics used in classical interior design style tend to be elegant without being overly ornate
or attention grabbing. Cotton, canvas and velvet are some commonly used in classic
interiors. Natural flooring of wood, stone or marble works best in the classically styled
environment as they relate well to the natural colour schemes used.
The key identifying fetaure of the classic style is symmetry with each side of the room
mirrored on either side of a central focal point. Columns are also a feature of classic design,
realting back to greek and roman architcture, and as such vertical, tone-on-tone stripes on
the walls or curtains can represent this. The use of classical ornamentation can also be used
to identify a room as being of the classical style.
To Recap, the main characteristics of the classic interior design style are...
Order, symmetry and balance are key.
Room ordered around a focal point, such as the fireplace.
Natural colours and materials.
Elegant fabrics.

Art Deco Style Interior Design:

The Art Deco style was developed following World War I, to offer people a new style for a new era.
The excitement and optimism of post-war Europe and America formed the basis for this glamorous
and elegant style of design. Art Deco furniture is streamlined in design. It was modern and sleek for
the time while still remaining comfortable. Many designs of furniture used industrial materials such
as bent chrome base that gives the piece a rocking effect. Wood pieces are highly lacquered in black,
with woods used including exotic Brazilian rosewood, ebony, birds-eye maple, and light maple
veneers. Upholstery is typically of velour, making the rigid structural form more comfortable.
Because Art Deco interiors were relatively minimalist for the time, colours are used sparingly. Most
colour schemes include black, combined with another colour such as green, red or white while
accent colours are usually chrome and/or gold. Pale blue or dove grey were also commonly used to
provide a softening effect against the harsh black.
Art Deco lighting is extensive including ceiling lights, floor lamps, table lamps and wall lamps. Floor
lamps include tall torchieres in wrought iron or chrome with hand blown glass shades. Some are also
of black wrought iron. Table lamps of bright nickel with white, clear, frosted, or colourful glass
shades are common. Wall lamps can be bronze, aluminum, steel, or silver plated base metal with
opaque white or colourful glass shades. All this lighting is warm, usually orange or yellow in colour.
Surfaces in the Art Deco style are generally sleek and clean, lacking any texture in order to contrast
the more decorative and ornate objects and furniture within the space. Mirrors made of nickel,
chrome, or silver are decorated with motifs of deer, peacocks, roses, and geometric shapes. Bronze
sculptures are sleek covered with coloured or pearl beads. Desk sets of pen and pencil on a base are
streamlined in design. Door handles and candlesticks molded of nickel, chrome, or silver have
woodsy or chevron shapes. Frosted glass or black and white marble are used for vases. Inlay is
common and adds colour and design. Cameo glass vases show under layers of colour exposed by
etching away top layers of white or clear glass. All these decorative and slightly over the top objects
were a show of renewed wealth and prosperity after the harsh rationing endured during the war.
To Recap, the main characteristics of the art deco interior design style are...
Glamorous and elegant style.
Industrial metals and lacquered wood.
Black as a main or background colour.
Numerous light sources used.
Bold, colourful patterns.
Intentionally, overly decorative.
Retro Style Interior Design:


Every few decades, old designs seems to make a comeback, but with a modern twist. This is
referred to as the Retro style, and is an eclectic mix of old styles and new forms, or new
forms with old materials and finishes. The post war fifties and psychedelic sixties saw a
move towards brighter and bolder colours most likely as a backlash to doom and gloom of
the war torn forties. Nowadays Retro interior designs can be described as taking a little bit
of these features and bringing them back into the present in order to create a new style of
interior design that is both modern and fun.
As there is so much to choose from past styles, what you decide to include will ultimately be
your own interpretation of the past, and will therefore be entirely unique and individual.
During each of the past few decades there have been different materials, shapes, colours,
artifacts, and gadgets that have left a lasting impression on all of us, some of which may be
signifigant in the memories from our childhood and may therefore be more suited for your
personal Retro style. Nowadays, anything from the 50's, 60's or even the 70's is fashionable
again. However, because there are so many different ways to go about incorporating a
Retro interior style into your home, it can be difficult to recognize it when you see it. The
key identifying feature can therfore only be described as an old style with a modern twist.
To Recap, the main characteristics of the retro interior design style are...
Reimagined existing designs.
Eclectic mix of materials.
Classic objects used.
Can be difficult to recognise.

Urban Style Interior Design:

Urban interiors feature nontraditional home materials and design features, often including
objects that are more traditionally used in an industrial sense. The Urban style sees the use
of galvanized steel, concrete floors, metal siding, exposed beams and unfinished surfaces to
create a distinctly modern, bohemian look. Often random, non functional (in household
terms) objects are included in Urban interiors to create an outdoor or industrial
atmosphere. In more upscale urban interiors, however, the look is far more polished, with
bespoke fixtures, sophisticated finishes and clever small space solutions, such as open floor
plans that allow for multifunctional rooms.
This alludes to the central function of urban interiors which is to create space, sometimes in
surprising ways. Combination living/working spaces have become traditional in inner cities
and industrial areas, often referred to as studio apartments. Renovated warehouses might
feature a concrete floor for large scale artwork or production and an upper loft for a living
space. Industrial building converted into highrise apartments, upscale condominiums and
mixed-use buildings are other innovations to urban living spaces and rather that fighting the
existing industrial feature within these spaces Urban interior design embraces them.
To Recap, the main characteristics of the urban interior design style are...
Use of industrial materials.
Exposed structural materials used as a feature.
Unique (non functional) objects used as features.
Aims to create open space.
Often seen in converted buildings.

Country Style Interior Design:

Country style interior design is cosy bearing the resemblance of cottage style. There are
many various culturally different country style designs that have the features of the time
and style that was traditional to those countries. Thus you may find such country style types
as French country, English country, American country, Italian country or Tuscan, and
Modern country. Each type of country style has taken characteristic features of the culture it
was used in. English country is relaxed and comfortable incorporating many floral patterns
as well as stripes and plaids. Natural light wood, such as oak, is used througout the English
country styles. Open space is not considered important in the country style with large
furniture pieces often dominating a space with the walls often decorated with a varity of
pictures, utensils or other objects.
French country style is characterized by deep and bright colours - aubergine, lavender,
yellow, azure blue. colours are built into floral and animal patterns. The furniture is robust
and basic. Italian country style, also known as Tuscan is warm and rustic. It incorporates
such colours as ochre, terracotta, golden yellow, and green. The flooring and fireplaces are
made of natural stone. Unfinished wooden pieces and textured walls accentuate the rustic
feel. American country style has its main feature in simplicity. The furniture can be stained,
painted or unfinished. Modern country style has an updated look. Incorporating modern art,
furniture or lighting into the traditional design makes it more up to date but still cozy and
lived-in.
To Recap, the main characteristics of the country interior design style are...
Cosy and comfortable but sometimes cluttered.
Traditional to the context, e.g. French Country, American Country etc.
Natural and floral patterns used with plaids and stripes.
Robust, bulky furniture.
Rough finishes on materials.

Rococo Style Interior Design:

The Rococo style of interior design is flamboyant and rich with intricate and ornate features.
Rococo style peaked during 1700 and 1780 in western Europe and the name Rococo means
'rocaille' in French, which is appropriate as the Rococo's ornate asymmetry was inspired by
natural curves of trees, shells, clouds and flowers. Gold plasterwork is one of the key
features of Rococo decorating style with lavishly decorated walls and ceilings featuring the
contrast of pastels and gold. The use of mirrors was also a feature of Rococo Interiors and
they were usually had intricately-shaped, gilded frames.
Rococo furniture is made of mahogany wood or gilded and upholstered in leather, brocade
or velour. It also has carved and sinuous silhouettes that compliment the wall and ceiling
finishing, which strengthened the ornate theme. Rococo was known for such colours as
yellow, pink, ivory and gold, azure blue and cream. The combination of pastels and gold is a
signature mark of this style. Rococo style favoured curved lines so previously used
asymmetrical square lines and forms were replaced with circular, oval, spiral and natural
forms, even rooms were designed in oval shape or arranged to avoid square form.
To Recap, the main characteristics of the rococo interior design style are...
Flamboyant and rich.
Lots of intricate, ornate, decorative features.
Gold painted plasterwork contrasting with pastel wall colours.
Multiple ornate mirrors commonly used.
Expensive materials used in furniture, e.g. teak and mahogany.
Curves, spirals and ovals are dominant.

Georgian Style Interior Design:

Early Georgian style was the tail-end of Queen Anne design, and this gradually became more
severe in its lines and architectural detail. The style was copied from Ancient Greece and
Rome, however a lot of Chinese design showed through in the interior. Chinese motifs like
peonies and chrysanthemums were found in the fabric and Chinese porcelain and motif
table lamps were common. colour schemes were pale and subtle cream, dusky rose, sage,
pea green, powder blue. Florals were also found, and in more grander houses, gold and
murals were the preferred wall coverings. Upholstery and curtains often had matching
fabric.
The Georgian interior design style is characterized by delicate furniture with elaborately
carved cabriole legs, ball-and-claw feet, broken pediments, ornate carvings, piercing and
gilding. Fabrics were luxurious, with colours and patterns kept subtle. A royal style extended
into common houses with cabriole legs and claw feet on chairs and baths creating an almost
throne-like feel. Mahogany slowly replaced walnut as the wood of choice. The fireplace was
the heart of the room and was often fully outfitted with cast iron, carved pillars and
medallions, and an opulent fire screen.
To Recap, the main characteristics of the georgian interior design style are...
Copied from Ancient Greece and Rome but with Chinese influences.
Decorative pocelain and luxurious fabrics as features.
Motifs like peonies and chrysanthemums used.
Colour schemes were pale and subtle.
Cabriole legs and claw feet on chairs and baths.
Fireplace at the heart of the room.

Victorian Style Interior Design:

The Victorian style originated during the Victorian era and is often described as opulent and
luxurious. Victorian style is the near opposite to minimalism, it is based on an excessive
amount of ornate and flamboyant decorations, accessories, the more you have on display
the better. But Victorian style also includes features in order to avoid clutter. The exessive
decorative furniture and ornamnet are contrasted by plain floor and wall surfaces.
The Victorian Style uses deep hues, pastels and neutral colours contrast the rich textures
against the bright shades in upholstery and wall coverings. Exotic materials and heavy
woods became available during Victorian era and were used extensively in the furniture of
the time but today you can find pieces of Victorian style furniture in cheaper materials. This
has seen a recent revival in the style with a type of modern victorian style emerging.
To Recap, the main characteristics of the victorian interior design style are...
Opulent and luxurious with excessive decorations.
Walls and floors kept plain to contrast decorative features.
Decorative but uncluttered.
Deep hues of pastel and neutral colours.
Exotic woods used in furniture.

Interior Design Drawing

Interior designers develop their ideas from relationship diagrams into floor plans and then into
perspective drawings to show clients. With 2D floor plans it can be difficult to visualise how they will
look in reality so perspective drawings are ideal as they represent three-dimensional images on a
two-dimensional picture plane.
According to Leonardo da Vinci there are three aspects to perspective. The first has to do with how
the size of objects seems to diminish according to distance. The second, is the manner in which
colors appear to change the farther away they are from the eye. The third defines how objects
should to be finished less carefully (blur) the farther away they are.
There are numerous different techniques used to achieve perspective in drawings, of which, the
main ones are listed below
One Point Perspective | Two Point Perspective | Oblique | Isometric | Axonometric

One point perspective drawing:

One point perspective is so named because it uses a single vanishing point to draw an object. In one
point perspective, perspective is created by showing the front and one side of an object with all the
horizontal lines joining a single vanishing point. If more than two surfaces of an object need to be
shown two point perspective can be used.
In one point perspective, the front and back planes of the box always remain parallel to the picture
plane. Only their scale changes as they recede into the distance. To create a template of a room for a
one point perspective, follows these steps...
First, using a pencil and a ruler, lightly make an X by connecting the right top corner to the left bottom
corner of your paper and by connecting the top left corner to the bottom right. Where these lines
intersect will be your point that all depth lines will 'move' toward.
Next, lightly make a rectangle on the X, be sure to make the vertical lines and horizontal lines of the
rectangle parallel to the sides of the paper. This will represent the back wall of the room.
To assist in gauging depth for items in the room, draw a line diagonally from either bottom corner of
the rectangle to the opposite front corner of the page.
To create lines for floor boards or floor tiles you can lightly draw lines from equally spaced points at
the bottom of the page straight to the centre point.


Two point perspective drawing:

Two point perspective, as the name suggects, uses two vanishing points toward which all
perspective lines (non vertical) are drawn. When an object is drawn in this way it is even
more realistic than drawn with a single vanishing point. To achieve the effect follow these
steps...
First mark two vanishing points on the paper (closer to the edges will allow for larger
drawings) and faintly draw a line between them, we will call this is called the horizon line
Next draw a vertical line above, through or beneath the horizon line (depending on the angle
and position of the drawing you want) and in the centre between the vanishing points, this
represents one side/edge of the object you are drawing
Now draw faint lines from the ends of the vertical line to the vanishing points, these are the
perspective lines.
Next draw two more vertical lines either side of your original vertical and between the
perspectives lines to represent the othe edges of the object. This creates two sides of the
object.
Next draw faint guidelines from the ends of these new lines to either vanishing point which
will create the top of the object. It will now look like a cube in perspective.
For more detail continue to add lines remembering they always move toward the vanishing
points

Oblique drawing:

Oblique drawing is a crude '3D' drawing method but it is the easiest to master. Oblique is not really a
'3D' system but a 2 dimensional view of an object with 'forced depth'. When using oblique the side
of the object you are looking at is drawn flat. The side views are drawn in at a 45 degree angle.
Standard practice is to 'foreshorten' the side views to provide a more convincing view of an object.
To foreshorten the side views, the objects side measurements are halved. For example, if the sides
are 50 mm long, but they will be drawn in at 25 mm long.

Isometric drawing:

Isometric projection is another form of graphical projection use for the visual representation of
three-dimensional objects in two dimensions. The term isometric comes from the Greek for "equal
measure", reflecting that the scale along each axis of the projection is the same In any isometric
representation, all measurements are to scale, no matter how far close or how far in the distance
they are in view. In an isometric perspective, you have a 3D view where, no matter where you are in
that space, the object scaling retains its value and doesn't change. Isometric projection can be
visualized by considering the view of a cubical room from an upper corner, looking towards the
opposite lower corner. The x-axis is diagonally down and right, the y-axis is diagonally down and left,
and the z-axis is straight up. Depth is also shown by height on the image. Lines drawn along the axes
are at 120 degrees to one another (diagonal lines will therefore be at 30 degrees to the horizontal
and at 60 degrees to the vertical).

Axonometric drawing:

Axonometric or planometric as it is sometimes known is a method of drawing a plan view
with a third dimension. It is used by interior designers, architects and landscape gardeners.
Axonometric works by drawing a plan view at a 45 degree angle with the depth added
vertically. All lengths are drawn as their true lengths unlike when you use oblique. This gives
the impression that you are viewing the objects from above. One advantage of axonometric
is that circles drawn on the top faces of objects can be drawn as a normal circle.

Interior Materials & Finishes

Materials and finishes are those things that you see as part of a design project. Choosing the
right ones will mean the difference between an ordinary look and one that is unique and
stylish. Some examples of Interior Design materials and finishes include:
Painting Finishes | Floor Materials | Fabrics and Fibres

Interior Design Painting Techniques and Finishes:
Faux painting with its eloquent styles and numerous techniques can transform the entire ambience
of a space. As the name suggests, faux painting techniques are made to resemble something else.
Faux finishes have many benefits, which even a good wallpaper, panelling, or application of an
elegant paint can't match. The major benefit of a faux painting is its versatility of use. Faux painting
last longer than any wallpaper and unlike wallpapers, faux painted walls have no seams and it won't
ever peel off. Every home has some wall that just doesn't look good, and one or more walls have
holes, cracks and depressions at places that these paint techniques can improve, hiding these
imperfections and adding style and uniqueness at the same. The condition and the nature of the
surface will determine which technique to use. If the wall is rough and old the use of the rag rolling
technique will make any imperfection in the wall disappear.

Chalkboard Paint is a type of paint which dries to a finish
resembling that of a chalkboard. Once chalkboard paint has
been applied to a surface, it can be used just like a regular
chalkboard. For people feeling creative this paint can also be
made at home. One of the advantages of homemade
chalkboard paint is that it allows people to create their own
colours. With homemade chalkboard paint a layer of primer
should be applied to the surface beforehand. For every 250
ml (approx) of paint, two tablespoons of powdered tile grout
can be added before the mixture is thoroughly stirred and
then applied.

Colour Washing is a popular technique in faux painting using
paint thinned out with glaze to create a wash of colour over
walls. Colour washing is an easy to create form of faux
finishing as there is no set outcome it is hard to go wrong.
Colour washing can be done in any colour of paint and is
generally applied with a soft cloth or sponge over a solid paint
color, using long circular motions, as if you were washing the
wall (hence the name), to blend the glaze colors together.
Continue this wiping technique until the entire surface is
covered.


Dry-Brushing is a painting technique in which a paint brush
that is relatively dry, but still holds paint, is used. The
resulting brush strokes have a characteristic scratchy or linear
look that adds depth and texture to the wall surfaces in
contrast to the more common smooth appearance that
washes or blended paint commonly have. The technique is
often used as part of a colour layering decorative process and
in model painting to apply highlights to miniatures.

Crackle Effect painting is a technique used to age a surface so
that it looks older or antique in style. It can be used on walls,
or on furniture or porcelain to give them an antique
appearance. When used on walls it is often used alongside
other paint techniques such as colour washing to enhance the
worn look. First you apply the base coat of paint, the colour
that you want to show through the cracks. After it has dried,
apply two coats of crackle glaze. The last coat should be
applied in vertical strokes if it is a wall, or should go with the
wood grain if on wooden furniture. On top of this apply the
final coat, this should be a flat interior paint, not glossy. The
colour is once again your choice.

Ragging or ragrolling is a decorative painting technique
created by rolling a point covered rag over the still moist
surface to leave a random and unique patterned effect which
can replicate the appearance of marble or crushed velvet. The
subtle and rich finish achieved mimics that associated with
the most expensive wallcoverings. Firstly Apply your base
paint colour to the walls and allow it to dry. Next cover a rag
completely with the paint of your secondary colour,
squeezing out any excess paint. Finally squeeze the rag into a
rough ball and dab and roll the rag ball over the wall to create
the desired textured pattern.

Sponging adds the look of texture and depth to walls by
dabbing or rolling a natural sea sponge to dab or roll onto the
wall in a r andom pattern, leaving a thin coat of glaze on the
surface of the under coat of paint. Always choose a base coat
and glaze colour that are close in tone as too much contrast
will result in a splotchy, spotted look which you obviously will
not want. Also don't forget to wear plastic or rubber gloves,
as you'll get the glaze all over your hands. Tip: Use the
corners of the sponge to gently dab the paint into the corners
of the wall or ceiling.


Striae is a striped effect that can help make ceilings look
higher and rooms look larger. It can be done in any colour,
using two tones of the same colour or a single colour
alongside an off-white colour. You will require a specialist
stria brush to achieve this effect. Firstly paint the desired
undercoat colour on the wall, giving it two coats, applying the
second only after the first has dried. Next pour latex glaze
into a mixing bucket and add the darker shade of paint with a
ratio of five parts glaze to one part paint ensuring to mix the
paint thoroughly. Now paint the darker shade on in vertical
strokes if you are painting vertical striae or horizontally for
horizontal striae. Finally, while the paint is still wet, put the
striae brush flat against the wall and pull down the paint in a
single motion, from the ceiling to the floor. As the paint is still
wet, you will need to wipe off the striae brush between each
run.

Interior Design Floor coverings:
Floor covering is a term to generically describe any finish material applied over a floor structure to
provide a walking surface. Materials almost always classified as floor covering include carpet, area
rugs, linoleum, vinyl flooring, wood flooring, ceramic tile, stone, terrazzo, and various seamless
chemical floor coatings. The choice of material for floor covering is affected by factors such as cost,
endurance, noise insulation, comfort and cleaning effort. Some types of flooring must not be
installed below ground level, and laminate or hardwood should be avoided where moisture or
condensation is present in the air.
Natural Wood is wear-resistant, long-lasting, provides a warm
natural look which may darken with age but can be refinished
or retouched as your needs change. However it is vulnerable
to water, damp and moisture while softer woods, such as
pine, may dent easily and are difficult to repair. When putting
down a wood floor be aware that it may shrink and expand,
creating gaps or warping so it is advisable to remove skirting
boards first and leave room for expansion or shrinking that
can be covered by the skirting boards afterwards. To keep
wooden floors at their best place mats at entrances to catch
dirt and put protective pads on the bottoms of chair and table
legs to prevent scratches when moving furniture.

Engineered Wood is artificially manufactured but still consists
almost entirely of real wood. It shrinks and expands less than
solid wood and is designed for quicker installation time often
using the 'tongue and groove' approach. It generally comes
prefinished so the stain and protective finishes are already
completed and will be more consistent and resistant to wear
and tear than natural wood. As with natural wood though, it
is recommended that you place mats at entrances to catch
dirt and put protective pads on the bottoms of chair and table
legs to prevent scratches when moving furniture around the
room.

Linoleum, commonly called lino, is an artificial material but is
made of natural raw materials. It it usually made to mimic
other materials such as tiles to offer a more afforable solution
to a customer's needs. It is more durable than vinyl and unlike
vinyl its colour penetrates through the entire material. As it is
a softer material it is easier to cut which is good for DIY
installations. This soft nature means it needs to be resealed
on an annual basis and it cannot be left wet. Therefore to
keep it at its best clean up all spills immediately and only
damp-mop when needed using clean, warm water.

Tiles are a durable, hard wearing, long lasting, water and stain
resistant material. As a sensually cold material they are best
suited to kitchens or bathrooms. Tiles are also a very
commonly used material and therefore there is high demand
for them which means they can be obtained at a relatively
low cost and selected from a wide range of colours, textures,
and shapes. On the flip side grout lines and textured tiles can
be hard to clean and low-quality tiles are liable to chip while
fragile items dropped on high quality tiles will probably break.
Tip: Always keep some spare tiles after installations as if a tile
gets chipped it is easier to replace one rather than try to
repair one.

Carpet is a soft, quiet and warm underfoot and is best used in
bedrooms and living spaces. Carpet is the easiest and most
cost-effective floor covering to replace and upgrade which is
just as well as most carpet types are not very durable and will
age, wear and stain more easily than any other floor covering
(although there are stain-resistant fibres available). The
warmth, comfort and texture that a carpet brings to a space
cannot be achieved by other floor coverings even is wood, tile
or stone covered floors carpet mats are often used to add
some of these qualities to the space. To keep a carpet at its
best it is recommended that you clean any spills immediately,
vacuum regularly and use a deep-cleaning hot water
extraction cleaning system every 18 months.

Stone is the most durable of all floor materials (Some
varieties, such as marble and limestone, actually absorb stains
and dirt). It is a timeless and classic design choice which can
add a beautiful and natural aesthetic to a space. Although it
has a higher cost than many flooring materials it will outlast
them all, especially if sealed. Sealing the floor essentially
involves painting it with a protective glue based coating which
prevents dust from the stone rising and reduces the natural
be slippiness of some glossy stones. Despite its hard wearing
nature avoid cleaners that are abrasive or contain vinegar,
lemon juice, or harsh chemicals as they can stain the stone.

Interior Design Fabrics and Fibres
Natural fabrics are made of natural supplements and can be expensive to purchase. However, as its
name suggests natural fabric is more durable, soft, luxurious and resilient. Some of the common
used natural fibres used to make fabric are linen, cotton, silk, hemp, jute, wool, horsehair, cashmere,
mohair and camelhair. Artificial fibres are obtained from different engineered processes or
alterations of existing natural fibres. The market of artificial fibres has widened due to modern
techniques. Some of the popular artificial fibres used to create fabrics are acetate, rayon, triacetate
and modified rayon, some of which are also explained below. Synthetic fibre is again man-made
fibre that is used to improve the quality of natural and artificial fibres. Some of the improved
synthetic fibres are acrylic, nylon and polyester.


Linen is a natural fibre derived from the flax plant which
provides tough yarn that is slight glossy and smooth in
appearance. The fabric made from linen fibre is moth
resistant and hard wearing. It can be easily washable and is
also strong when wet. Linen tends to crease quite easily yet it
makes a good choice for homeowners when it comes to a
fabric for curtains. The collective term "linens" is still often
used generically to describe a class of woven and even knitted
bed, bath, table and kitchen textiles. The name linens is
retained because traditionally, linen was used for many of
these items.

Silk is also a natural fibre and it is obtained from the cocoon
of the silkworm moth. Silk is prized for its fragility and luxury
and can be very expensive. Silk is popular among the luxury
items due to its unique texture and lustrous appearance. It
requires frequent dry cleaning and hand washing is strictly
prohibited for silk. It also gets creased and can be damaged if
exposed in sunlight. Thus silk must be carefully handled. Silk's
absorbency makes it comfortable to wear in warm weather.
Its low conductivity keeps warm air close to the skin during
cold weather. It is often used for clothing such as shirts, ties,
blouses, formal dresses, high fashion clothes, lingerie,
pyjamas, robes, dress suits and sun dresses.

Wool is another natural fibre, it is fleeced from sheep and
further processed through various refinements. Wool comes
in natural colours but it can be dyed any other colour. It is
considered to be a good insulator and is used in clothing in
colder areas to protect against cold winds. In addition to
clothing, wool has been used for blankets, horse rugs, saddle
cloths, carpeting, felt, wool insulation and upholstery. Wool is
used to absorb odours and noise in heavy machinery and
stereo speakers. Wool is very versatile and can be blended
with synthetics to create an improved fabric.

Cotton is obtained from the plant of the same name and is a
very strong and tough fabric. Cotton is preferred by
homeowners for its numerous properties as it is durable,
economical and airy. These properties also serve it well as a
commonly used clothing fabric, although it can shrink when
wet. Cotton is used to make a number of textile products
which include highly absorbent bath towels and robes, denim
for blue jeans and corduroy, bed sheets, socks, underwear,
and most T-shirts are made from cotton. Cotton is also widely
used for decorative fabrics as it doesn't fade away easily.


Rayon is produced from processed wood pulp and is valued
for its hardness, strength and high absorbency although it
does lose its strength when wet and can shrink more than
cotton. It is also more prone to burning and can rapidly catch
fire. Some major rayon fibre uses include blouses, dresses,
jackets, lingerie, linings, scarves, suits, neckties, hats, socks,
bedspreads, bedsheets, blankets, window treatments,
upholstery, slipcovers, medical surgery products, non-woven
products, tire cord, feminine hygiene products, diapers and
towels. Rayon is widely used because it is economical and has
excellent drapery properties and is a common substitute for a
variety of natural fibres.

Acetate, also known as Cellulose acetate fibre, is also
obtained from wood pulp but is low in absorbency and
strength. As a very valuable manufactured fibre that is low in
cost and the properties of acetate have promoted it as the
'beauty fibre' as satins, brocades, and taffetas to accentuate
lustre, body, drape and beauty. It is moth resistant and is
therefore widely used for drapery. After rayon, acetate is
common substitute for a variety of natural fibres as it is
versatile and inexpensive. It is further used in the making of
satins and other fibres.

Acrylic is made from the polymerization of free radicals and is
lightweight, soft and warm. Acrylic doesn't crease easily, is
shrink resistant and highly resilient. This fibre is also moth
resistant but is sensitive when exposed to sunlight. Acrylic can
also be made to mimic other fibres, such as cotton, when
spun on short staple equipment. Its fibres are very resilient
compared to other synthetics and natural fibres. Some acrylic
is used in clothing as a less expensive alternative to cashmere,
due to the similar feeling of the materials. Some acrylic
fabrics may also fuzz easily. Acrylic takes dying and colouring
well, is washable, and is generally hypoallergenic. Uses
include socks, hats, gloves, scarves, sweaters, home
furnishing fabrics, and awnings.

Polyester is a byproduct of petroleum, it is considered to be
very strong and can be hand washed. Other characteristic of
this synthetic fibre are that it is shrink resistant, moth
resistant, crease resistant and it retains its shape well.
Polyester is often mixed with natural fibres in order to create
more improved fibres which are extremely strong and
durable for use in furnishing and upholstery. Fabric balls
knitted from polyester thread or yarn are used extensively
from shirts and pants to jackets and hats, bed sheets,
blankets and computer mouse mats. Industrial polyester
fibres, yarns and ropes are used in tyre reinforcements,
fabrics for conveyor belts, safety belts, coated fabrics and
plastic reinforcements with high-energy absorption.


Nylon (Polyamide) is formed with tar, coal and petroleum.
Nylon, nicknamed as it was created by scientists from new
york and london, is tough, resilient fibre with high elasticity.
Nylon is non-shrinkable, crease resistant and easily washable.
Nylon is valued for all these characteristics and has proved to
be the most durable synthetic fibre available. Nylon fibres are
used in many applications, including fabrics, bridal veils,
carpets, musical strings, and rope. Nylon was intended to be a
synthetic replacement for silk and it was substituted for many
different products after silk became scarce during World War
II. It replaced silk in military applications such as parachutes
and flak vests, and was used in many types of vehicle tires.
Of course, this is by no means an exhaustive list of Interior Design materials and finishes as there are
many more materials and finishes out there, so go explore!

Interior Design Room layout Tips
It would be impossible to cover all aspects of room layout in Interior Design right here, it would take
a full course in the subject and a library of good books to fully explain all the theories, techniques
and approaches involved. What we can do is look at the basics of room layout focussing on the
function of the room and the activities that take place there in order to meet the needs of the
potential user, a beginner's guide to interior design room layout if you will. As each room/space
functions differently and involves different activities we have created a separate section for each
space, although there will be some overlap with generally accepted rules appearing on a number of
occasions.
Kitchen | Living Room | Dining Room | Bedroom | Bathroom | Home Office

Kitchen:

The kitchen is normally one of the most used rooms in a house and an efficient kitchen can be key to
having a happy life. But what makes an efficient kitchen? You start with the work triangle. The
kitchen work triangle is one of the most researched and applied ergonomic principles around and is
the centerpiece of most kitchen layouts. The three points in the trinagle are the Refrigerator, the
sink and the oven.The idea of the kitchen work triangle are to position these three work points the
most efficient distance apart with minimal traffic through the work zone between them.
If you place these too far away from each other you waste a lot of steps while preparing food while if
they are too close to each other you create cramped kitchen workspace which is uncomfortable to
use.The rules to the work triangle are...
Each leg of the triangle should be between 4ft and 9ft
The total of all three legs should be at least 12ft and no more than 26ft
Nothing, such as cabinets, presses, storage units or islands, should intersect a leg of the work triangle
Household traffic, such as pathways between rooms, should not flow through the work triangle
Aside from the kitchen work triangle the other key consideration when designing a kitchen is
storage. More than any other household space the kitchen requires a large amount of storage space
and depending on the style of the design how you use/create space for storage will have a large
bearing on how the space is laid out. Workspace, such as countertops is also an important factor to
consider in kitchen design and it is directly related to storage space as it is usually floor cabinets
which provide the countertop workspace that we use. So while placing all the cabinets and units
together on one wall would provide excellent storage there would be little or no worktop space.

Living Room:

The living room is another much used room and how it is laid out will depend on what type of
person you are or people you are designing for. For example will the television be the focal point of
the room? or will it be the fireplace? If it is a family then perhaps they all like to sit together in the
evenings and watch T.V. or perhaps if it is a couple then maybe they would like to cosy up in front of
the fire? These are the types of questions that need to be asked and answered when laying out a
living room space. The space needs to be personal to the people using it so it requires a people
specific approach.
I will break this approach down into two simple stages. First choose a suitable focal point and second
break the space into sub sections based around a specific activity. So first things first, the focal point,
what is a focal point? A focal point is a space or an object around which other spaces or objects are
orientated. So if it was a television, for example, the seating will face towards it so people can watch
it while seated, simple! Other suggested focal points are...
a fireplace, preferably ornate or bespoke
a window with interesting/scenic views
a sound system for music lovers
large doorways into other interesting spaces/outdoor spaces
a piece of art like a paiting or sculpture
a coffee table to sit around and chat
Secondly consider creating activity specific sub sections or 'mini spaces' within the living
room/space. Whether designing fpr yourself or others always try to imagine the activities that are
most likely to take place in that room and create a space to accomodate it. These may be things
like...
a group of chairs around a coffee table to create a discussion space
two armchairs either side of a fireplace for a couple to relax and chat
a single armchair beside a lamp where one could relax and read a book
a sofa in front of the TV where a a group can sit and watch a movie
a collection of bean bags on a large floor rug where kids could play

Dining Room:

The traditional idea of the formal dining room is changing with modern lifestyles. The dining room is
no longer the rarely used special occassion space it once was and it is becoming more and more
popular for people to throw diner parties at home for friends and family. As lifestyle trends go, open
plan living has been one of the biggest departures from the norm in recent times. In smaller homes
and apartments it is common for the dining space to become part of the open living area and
kitchen-dining or living-dining spaces are even more common than the traditional stand alone dining
room.
In any open plan area you have to decide how to use and divide the space for different functions.
Done in the right way, it can be a very sociable way to live because when you haven't got walls,
you're free to style your open space in any way you like. It then becomes 'your' space as opposed to
just 'a' space. In an opne plan kitchen-dining or living-dining space keep the following factors in
mind.
Ventilation -fit a decent extractor to fan avoid smells drfiting from the kitchen space
Noise - maximize soft furnishings and minimize hard surfaces to reduce noise levels. Also it's
often wise to partition areas to create quiet zones.
Storage - with fewer walls there's less storage space. Think laterally and use every available
opportunity for storage to maximize storage while still retaining the minimalist look. Co-
ordinating the colour of the furniture and the walls will unite the room making it look more
spacious.
Pathways - position furniture in a way that creates obvious paths from one space to another.
In terms of the physical dining table itself, a round table works best for informal dinners, as there's
no head of the table. But if you'll usually seat more than 6, avoid large circular tables as they will
take up too much space and it becomes difficult to converse across the table. Similarly, square tables
really only work for four people. In the end the traditional rectangular dining table is best. Whatever
shape you do choose, be sure to check that there's enough space to pull out the chairs and to move
around it comfortably. If space is very limited consider a corner table or a small table that fits into a
bay window or other recess.

Bedroom:

Of all the rooms in the house your bedroom is yours and your comfort should be the primary
concern, after all we spend on approximately one third of our lives in bed! With this in mind we
begin with the bed. The bed head should be placed against a wall, allowing for access from both
sides. Don't forget to plan for bedside tables too, these should have room for reading lamps, books
and magazines, and other comforts. The position of the bed also depends on the shape of the room
and where the windows are, if possible position the bed where it will get direct sunshine in the
mornings (to help you wake) but where it gets no direct sunshine in the evenings (to allow you to
sleep). Of course if this is not possible an alarm clock and some black out blinds will solve both those
issues! It is nice, though, to work with the natural cycle of things if possible.
It is also worth mentioning that just because you're in your bedroom doesn't mean you're going to
sleep. What many people want from their bedrooms is somewhere that they can go, shut the door,
sit down or lie in bed and just generally enjoy a space that's calm, comfortable and private. You may
want to be able to see the sky, trees or any view out of the window.
Next you need to plan where to put your storage units for clothes as after all the bedroom is where
we get dressed and undressed every day.Firstly ensure that wardrobe doors and drawers can be
easily opened without hitting the bed or other furniture. Where storage space is limited consider
open shelving and beds with integrated storage. Mirrors and plain, light colours will also help to
make smaller spaces feel more spacious.


Bathroom:

The current trend with bathrooms has been toward larger, more luxurious bathrooms
where we can relax, pamper and feel revatalised. The first part of creating a distinctive
bathroom is to find a focal point for your bathroom as you would with a living room.
Freestanding tubs from antique claw foot tubs to new bathtubs in sculptural shapes provide
great focal points as do large ornate mirrors over the sink.
If you have the space, define different zones in your layout. You can create defined areas for
bathing, dressing, grooming or lounging. The following are a few of the minimum
measurements to keep in mind as you brainstorm your layout...
Leave a minimum of 12 inches (30 cm) between a bathtub or shower and the other fixtures
like toilets or sinks
In bathroom terms larger, free standing, plumbed-in pieces are referred to as fixtures while
taps, shower heads, handles, etc. are referred to as fittings
A toilet needs a minimum of 4 feet, 6 inches from the wall it's mounted against to the
opposite wall and a minimum side to side measurement of 30 inches (76 cm)
A minimum of 6 feet (1.8 m) of counter space is necessary to accommodate 2 sinks. Also
make sure to allow at least 28 inches (71 cm) centered at each sink for a person to stand
comfortably and have plenty of elbow room.
To take off the cold edge, that the ceramic tiles, fixtures and fittings can create furnish your
bathroom for relaxation by dressing the windows and filling the bathroom with candles and
unique trinkets (without cluttering)

Home Office:

Whether you need a full time office to run your business or an efficient corner to pay bills,
answer emails and lay out the family schedules, the Home Office design will help you boost
your creativity and productivity. Finding a working area within your home can be difficult,
but whether you need a full-time office, hobby workshop or a bill-paying spot, a dedicated
space makes life so much easier. If you're working from home consider converting a loft,
garage or basement room but, on a smaller scale, you might give up a spare bedroom, or
create some space within the bedroom, hall or landing.
Locating the office in a dedicated room, such as a spare bedroom or attic, gives you the
luxury of privacy and being able to shut the door on your work at the end of the day. You
won't have to worry about furniture blending in to an existing scheme, so can take your pick
from the wide variety of styles and designs available. A good tip is to position the desk so
that direct sunlight doesn't fall on to the computer screen as that will be an immediate
annoyance.
Whatever the nature of your work you're bound to need a desk, chair, and storage, plus a
computer and printer. Ideally, you'll require an area of around 180 x 70cm to work in, plus
room for a chair, but space-saving solutions such as corner and hideaway desks make it
perfectly possible to do your job in a far smaller space. Whatever your budget the one thing
you shouldn't skimp on is a good office chair, as you'll likely be spending a great deal of time
at your desk. Finally, remember to keep the home in your Home Office Design. Extend your
personality into your unique home office, after all it is 'your' office and it is all about creating
a space that you are comfortable working in.

Design Presentation Boards / Mood Boards

These notes outline and explain interior design Presentation Boards Layout tips and
techniques and how to create eye catching Presentation Boards. Presentation Boards are
used by interior designers but also by architects, graphic designers and concept artists in
order to present their ideas, drawings and designs to clients, co-workers or their boss. Lets
look at the key points to consider when planning your presentation board.
Content | Consistency | Titles and Lables | Layout | Weighting | Framing | Testing
Presentation Board Content:

example of an high quality presentation board
Conceptually speaking, there is no reason to make a beautiful presentation board of bad
content. Content is Key. A presentation is an opportunity to show your commitment to
finish through the level of precision with which you present your ideas.
It is usually effective to help a viewer get quickly oriented to the presentation by providing a
large summary image, such as a central image of the main characters like in movie posters
or a rendering of some kind of overview perspective like in architectural presentation
boards.This should be positioned at the first point of visual focus, which should be about the
same as the beginning of the reading order.

Consistency in your Presentation Boards:

example of consistency in presentation boards

In most situations an interior designer will be required to present numerous presentation
boards detailing a variety of aspects of the design proposal. For example he/she may
present mood boards, materials boards, colour scheme boards, technical specifications, 3D
drawings or computer rendering etc. It is of vital importancew that despite containging
different content that these boards are still consistent in their appearance so it is obvious
they are part of the same project. This consistency can be achieved using some or all of the
following things...
Presentation Boards should all be the same size and orientation (landscape/portrait)
Common colour scheme
Same font size, colour and style for titles and lables
Same Layout/ Grid patern of content
Consistent style and size of images
Common Logo/Insignia on each board

Presentation Board Titles and Labels:

This is a very simple and straight forward measure which will enhance your presentation. Sometimes
we are so enveloped in our own project that we forget the viewer will know little or nothing about it.
The viewer therefore needs some help and direction in understanding the content of your
presentation board/image/website. Titles and labels will quickly and easily introduce the viewer to
the message you are trying to get across. The title block in the design drawings should have the
Project name, Drawing/sheet title, Scale and Designer's name.
Grid Layout in Presentation Boards:

Decide on the orientation and the size of the sheet and have a grid system to you layout, this will aid
the flow of the story that you are trying to tell through the presentation board and will make it
easier for the viewer to 'read' it.


Clear, simple alignment of compositional elements is usually a good thing. you should contradict this
only for very good reasons. For example, complex content or data is often represented in tables in
order to simply it. Tables are simply horizontal and vertical alignment of data. In the same way your
content can be simplified and enhanced in a clear vertical or horizontal presentation.

Left to Right or Center Outward reading order in Presentation Boards
Either is fine, it depends on the content that is being presented. Choose a format which best suits
your content. Center outward layout is generally best used where there is a central theme or
concept around which the rest of the content is based. However, it is important to be clear about
which approach you are taking.

In general, left-to-right reading order implies a left-justified composition where content is arranged
in some sort of order/chronology, and similarly, a centre-outward reading order implies growth or
development of ideas from the centre outwards.


Top -> Down reading order in Presentation Boards
Roughly speaking, this should be a given, although a certain amount of reading upward and
downward from powerful drawings in the middle (like a set of house plans) can make good sense.
Unless this is the case, avoid straying from this simple rule.

Is the composition weighting neutral, or a little heavier toward the bottom?
Presentations which have a center-of-visual-gravity a bit below mid-height tend to be more aesthetic
than those with other weightings. The use of a "footer" can also enhance your presentation. A footer
is an area along the bottom of your image or presentation which includes some minor data, such as
your name and class for a presentation board or secondary links for a website. The footer will be a
darker colour than the rest of the image/board and is used to weigh down the presentation and stop
the eye of the viewer from straying of the page/board/screen.
Framing images in your Presentation Board:
Don't stick drawings or images directly to a presentation board. Instead, mount them on a different
colour card or sheet to frame them. Similarly in graphic or web design it is better to have a border or
frame around the content to keep the viewer focussed on your image.
For physical presentation boards you can also lift the image from the board by using some foam
mounting board. When using the foam board, cut it to the exact size of the image, don't frame using
foam board. This will give the mounted image a greater sense of importance and add subtle levels to
the presentation board which will enhance the overall aesthetic.

Stand back from the Presentation Board:
Finally, stand back from your image/board/screen and view it from the distance it is likely to
be viewed. When viewed from a full range of reasonable viewing positions, do all the
drawings read clearly? is the text readable? Does the whole presentation hang well
together? If so, great. If not, make any necessary changes.

Interior Design Career Information

Interior Design Career Information:
Starting an interior design career can be a dream come true, but that doesn't mean you may
not feel some anxiety about beginning this new phase of your life. Knowing what to expect
in the industry can help minimize stress.While all this is good news for aspiring interior
designers, students should prepare themselves to face a competitive job market. Getting
the right interior design education and experience will give you an advantage.
Interior Design Career Paths:
If you find the variety, flexibility and creativity of an interior design job appealing, you'll be
happy to know that this is no one-size-fits-all career. You can customize your interior design
career to fit your interests and working style. Here are some things to consider.
Self Employment vs. Design Firms
Many interior designers are self-employed or do contract work on top of their jobs at design
firms. When deciding where you want to work, you must evaluate the risks and rewards for
yourself.
Work Hours - If you are self-employed or work for a small firm, you are more likely to work
flexible hours as you adjust your schedule around your clients' needs and deadlines. If you
start your interior design career in a large design firm, you will probably have more
predictable hours.
Environment - Large design firms may have the resources for a more comfortable work
environment and state-of-the-art equipment. They also have established connections with
related firms and specialists. This can be an important consideration for anyone starting an
interior design career.
Clients - If you are self-employed, you may have more say in which jobs you take; however,
you are responsible for finding your own clients and connections.
As your interior design career progresses, you may discover a preference for one type of
interior design over another. You can specialize in designing for corporate settings,
restaurants, hotels, and hospitals or other health care facilities, or you may decide to focus
on residential design. You may even narrow your focus further to kitchens or bathrooms, for
example. If you like choosing colors and fabrics, but would rather not handle the nitty-gritty
details, such as safety codes, you may want to be an interior decorator rather than an
interior designer. Although many people use the terms interchangeably, interior decorating
is less technical than interior design.
Whether you prefer sticking to one interior design style that fits you perfectly, or you want
to switch things up now and then, an interior design career gives you many options. Choose
from types of interior design, such as residential, modern or Feng Shui interior design.

Here are some of the most popular types of interior design...
Bathroom Design - Help your clients get the bathrooms of their dreams with designs that
are elegant and restful as well as functional.
Corporate Interior Design - Design ergonomic and efficient work spaces that will project the
right image for a company.
Exhibit Design - Create exhibits for clients ranging from art galleries to zoos, or help
companies design exhibits for tradeshows and showrooms.
Feng Shui Interior Design - Use the principles of Feng Shui to get the energy flowing and
create balance in an environment.
Green Interior Design - Develope expertise in designing spaces using products and methods
that are environmentally friendly.
Health Care Interior Design - Help make health care centers such as hospitals, cancer
centers, drug treatment centers, nursing homes, social services providers, doctors' offices,
dental offices, etc. more efficient and welcoming through interior design.
Hotel Interior Design - Create inviting spaces for the hotel industry while considering several
important factors such as: comfort, function, aesthetic appeal, concept and budget.
Japanese and Asian Interior Design - Bring the graceful, uncluttered aesthetic of Japanese
and Asian interior design to clients in any geographic location.
Kitchen Design - Give your clients the kitchen they've always wanted. Develop expertise on
appliances and efficient kitchen design.
Modern Interior Design - Incorporate the sleek look and practical principles of modern
design into your work.
Residential Interior Design - Work with clients to improve the form and function of their
living spaces, while helping them define and reflect their personal style.
Restaurant Interior Design - Develop design concepts that will contribute to positive
customer experiences and the success of restaurant businesses.
Set Design - Use your design skills to work in film, television or theater.
Zen Interior Design - Create beautiful interior spaces using the minimalist style of Zen
interior design.

Interior Design Guide

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