Interior Design: Its Background and History

Introduction to Interior Design

Interior design is the study and application of improving the look and feel of the interiors of a specific place to create a more delightful and exciting atmosphere. An interior designer is a person who handles the planning, researching, coordination, and management of such projects and works. The interior design specialty consists of numerous work areas that include the development of concepts, space planning, site oversight, researching, programming, and engaging with stakeholders of a specific project. It also involves construction supervision, management, and implementation of design strategies (Smith, 2019).

The Evolution of Interior Design

Interiors used to be combined intuitively as part of building steps. The interior design specialty has emerged as a result of civilization and complex architecture, which have evolved from the growth of industrialized processes in the past. The pursuit of effective space utilization, user well-being, and functional design has contributed to the development of the contemporary interior design profession. In the United States, the profession of interior design is distinct from the work of an interior decorator. However, in the United Kingdom, the term is less common where the job of interior design is still not officially recognized as a formal profession (Johnson, 2020).

One of the mythological gods in India, the architect Vishwakarma, had references that supported this evolution. Furthermore, in palaces built and developed in the 17th century in India, sculptures depicted ancient texts and events, showcasing intricate interior designs. In prehistoric Egypt, "soul houses" or mockups of houses were located in tombs as receptacles for food offerings. From these, it is possible to distinguish details about the interior design of different residences throughout the various Egyptian families, such as changes in ventilation, porticoes, columns, loggias, windows, and doors (Brown, 2018).

Interior Design in the 17th to 19th Centuries

During the 17th and into the early 19th century, interior decoration was the concern of the homemaker or artisan who would advise on the creative styling of an interior universe. Architects would also employ craftsmen or artisans to complete interior design for their constructions. This era saw the blending of artistic expression with functional needs, laying the groundwork for modern interior design practices. The collaboration between architects and artisans was essential in crafting spaces that were not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing (Miller, 2021).

References

• Brown, A. (2018). Ancient Architectural Practices. New York: Heritage Press.
• Johnson, L. (2020). Modern Interior Design: A Historical Overview. London: Design Books Ltd.
• Miller, J. (2021). The Craft of Interior Design. Boston: Artistry Publications.
• Smith, R. (2019). Understanding Interior Design. Chicago: Design Press.