Interior Design – What Does It Involve?

Interior Design is the science and art of improving the interior of a whole building to create a more aesthetically pleasing and healthier environment for those who use the space. An interior designer is a person who plans, studies, coordinates, and successfully completes such improvement projects. A successful interior designer has a vision that represents the best of their technical skill, creative thinking, aesthetic sense, and interpersonal skills. Interior designers plan, analyze, evaluate, select, and fabricate new interior spaces based on their client’s specifications and budget. They then make improvements to existing spaces by adding furniture, equipment, and accessories.

The first step in creating a functional interior design is planning. This includes studying the current structure, analyzing occupant habits, understanding current and future trends in home design, and determining which features will be most desirable. Next, the interior designer needs to research and create a list of resources that they will need to successfully complete the project. They should collect floor plans, sketches, photos, blueprints, and engineering drawings of the rooms and spaces that need to be improved. Once these documents are gathered, the interior decorator should develop a concept or theme for improving the room.

Functional interior designs often include maximizing available lighting, maximizing natural light, installing the right skirting boards, creating the ideal placement of doors, windows, skylights, vents, ceiling fans, wall sconces, etc. In order to create functional interiors, interior designers may also decide whether they will need to bring in additional equipment to help with the renovation, including sewing machines, bakelite ovens, carpet-ed cabinets, electricians, etc. Additionally, different furniture pieces may need to be added or removed from specific rooms or spaces.

When it comes to creativity and concepts, the interior design process begins with the idea. From there, the interior decorator will begin to develop and create the actual design. This usually includes the selection of colors and materials for the room. The creative process also includes the coordination of furnishings, accessories, textures, materials, lighting, textures, ceiling ideas, cabinet ideas, rugs, blinds, wall stickers, etc.

Another important factor to remember is that eco-friendly and energy-efficient interiors are becoming more popular today. A well-designed home “gets green” and is more environmentally responsible. Therefore, an interior designer must have an in-depth knowledge of sustainable building techniques and methods. Green designs can include energy efficient appliances, low-VOC paints and window treatments, recycled materials and building materials, passive solar design, and others. An environmental designer can also assist with the implementation of sustainable building techniques.

Interior designers must also have creative skills. Interior design encompasses many aspects of design, including planning, color schemes, textures, materials, lighting, visual relationships and functional spaces. Interior designers work in a variety of environments including residential, business, public, industrial, and nonprofit organizations. In addition, many interior designers receive additional education and certification throughout their career.