Many people think that interior designers only emphasize on how to make the home interior attractive. Interior decorating is different from interior designing. Although there are some aspects that they overlap each other. Interior designers focus more on planning, functional design, and the effective use of space. They work closely with architects, engineers, contractors, and of course, homeowners so that they may be able to create something from nothing. Interior designers are well rounded individuals who are knowledgeable in most aspects in the field of construction and design. They can help design and renovate interiors, from floor plans to wallpaper designs and more. They are able to apply their knowledge in every aspect of the construction and design projects to ensure that the space where people will live, work, and/or study will be conducive as well as attractive.
Development of interior designers
Interior has been part pf the building construction process in the past years. The profession of interior design is a result of the development of society as well as architecture that resulted to the development of industrial processes. The emergence of interior designers is another answer to the development of the effective use of space, well-being of the occupants, and functionality. These distinguishes interior designers from interior decorators. Historically, architects also function as interior designers in many countries. There have been documents that architects also function as interior designers, especially in ancient India. This is also true in ancient Egypt wherein the interior design greatly depends on the structure of the houses. In the 17th up to the early 19th centuries, interior decoration was the concern of homemaker, which are actually hired upholsterer or craftsman who recommends artistic styles based on the structure.
Starting mid 19th century, interior design services have become popular in the West. In both America and Europe, middle class grew as well as their economy. Since the quality of living of middle class people is also improving, their interior also needs retouching to display wealth in the changes in their new status. Interior designing became popular in the mid century to 1914, and the role has been adapted by independent, amateur designers. This brought the emergence of professional interior design in the mid 20th century.
The key figure in making theories in interior design popular among middle class was Owen Jones. He was able to decorate the huge Crystal Palace for the Great Exhibition. It was also him who arranged the exhibits so that it will be successful. It is believed that his most significant contribution to the field of design was “The Grammar of Ornament” (1856) wherein it contains the 37 key principles of interior design and decoration.
Candace Wheeler was one of the first woman interior designer in America and helped to encourage a new style of American design. She was the one responsible in the development of art courses for women in various cities in America. Candace Wheeler was considered national authority in home design. Another pioneer female interior designer was Elsie De Wolfe. Her designs focus more on light and fresh colors and delicate Chinoiserie furnishings. These opposed the Victorian interior design style as it emphasizes on heavy, red drapes and upholstery. Practicality was her forte. She removed the clutter that is commonly found in the Victorian design style so that more guests can be entertained and that the flow will not be obstructed.
After World War 2, interior design has become more prominent and as such the establishment of interior design schools has been required. Together with this is the publication of textbooks and reference materials that will be used by students in interior design schools.
Modern Interior Designers
Interior designers nowadays are more knowledgeable in projects which include the basic layout of the spaces as well as those of technical such as window and door structure and positioning, lighting, and acoustics. With the growing requirements needed to erect houses and other infrastructures, interior designers should be skilled and knowledgeable in creating an interior that is safe, functional and should likewise stick to the regulations and requirements mandated by the local and national standards.
With the continuous growth of the profession, there are various fields in interior design that designers may find interesting and want to pursue with: residential design, commercial design, hospitality design, healthcare design, and many others. These specializations are also results to the constant evolution of the society and the environment.