Interior design is a creative and technical profession that requires the ability to translate client goals into a finished interior environment. Successful interior designers read blueprints, understand inspection regulations and building codes, and follow a specific process to achieve design solutions.
Students who wish to pursue a career in interior design should consider enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program or an associates degree program. In addition, candidates should find a mentor/sponsor who will review their work experience and approve their internship hours.
Aesthetics
While it is important for interior designers to focus on functionalities, aesthetics should not be ignored. This is because a space can be exhilarating or depressing, cheerful or serene, all depending on how it is designed. Aesthetics are the visual attributes of a room and include the color, shape, and arrangement of furniture. It is also vital to consider the lighting and the overall look of the space. Aesthetics also include the use of plants as they add a pop of color and elevate the overall feel of the space.
The most important element in creating an aesthetic interior design is balance. This can be achieved by balancing the different elements in the room and by using asymmetrical balance. Choosing the right color scheme can also have an effect on the visual balance of a space, as it has the ability to create different emotions. For example, warm colors are associated with feelings of love and warmth, while cool colors can represent power and authority.
In addition to these elements, the interior designer must also consider how all of the elements fit together and relate to each other. A room that is too busy can be visually unappealing, while one that is too plain may be bland and lacking in character. It is also important to pay attention to the scale of all elements, as it is critical for achieving harmony and balance.
Function
In interior design, the adage “form follows function” is generally accepted as a critical guiding principle. It was originally coined by famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s mentor Louis Sullivan, who believed that the form of these engineering marvels should reflect what went on inside them. Interior designers take this concept further by ensuring that the spaces they design are both beautiful and functional.
For example, you can buy a number of gorgeous accent pieces to add to your home, but if those items do not serve a purpose, they may end up becoming nothing more than clutter. It is essential that the interior design process always begins with a clear understanding of what the space will be used for on a regular basis.
This understanding of function allows designers to create a more efficient layout that maximizes the spaces while allowing for proper movement and complying with airflow, heat, extraction, electrical, and plumbing regulations. In addition to arranging the interior of a structure, designers also act as project managers throughout project procurement by providing detailed specifications and delivery instructions to contractors and tradespeople.
In order to establish a successful career in the field of interior design, it is important that a designer has a well-curated portfolio. This will not only showcase the designer’s creativity and attention to detail, but it will also provide evidence of their ability to meet a client’s unique needs.
Safety
In most states, interior design is not considered a licensed profession like medicine or aviation. This is despite the fact that many of the duties of an interior designer overlap with those of a licensed architect. In fact, architects spend more time and money on education, training and licensing than any other occupation.
It is important to note that even in states where interior design does not require licensure, there are still laws in place that protect consumers. For example, furniture compliance with fire and safety codes is something that designers must keep in mind when creating a space. In addition, they must also comply with Americans With Disabilities Act standards when designing public spaces.
One of the reasons that many consumers confuse interior designers with interior decorators is because both professions have similar educational requirements. However, the difference lies in their scope of work and responsibilities. An interior designer is much more involved in the planning and coordination of a project. This includes determining what products are best suited for the space and how they will function together. This is different from an interior decorator who simply decorates and reorganizes a room.
There are other responsibilities that set interior designers apart from interior decorators, including the ability to stamp and seal construction documents. This is a process that allows a qualified designer to vouch for the accuracy of construction plans and drawings and is usually only available to those with licensing privileges.
Sustainability
Sustainability in interior design refers to the use of environmentally friendly building materials. This includes choosing sustainable flooring and wall surface materials that minimise environmental impact, as well as incorporating energy efficiency technologies and biophilic design elements to promote human health and wellbeing.
Sustainable interior designers also consider the health + safety of occupants by opting for non-toxic, low VOC finishes, carpeting and paints. This extends to the use of recycled materials, sourcing locally-produced furniture and utilising wood from fast-growing sources like bamboo. Additionally, by utilising the theory of Biophilic Design and providing occupants with natural light, indoor air quality, sound control measures and temperature regulation, sustainable interior designs improve occupant health + satisfaction.
A big part of sustainability in interior design involves reducing energy consumption through efficient lighting, heating, cooling and appliances. This reduces the overall carbon footprint of a space and helps reduce operational expenses. It also involves reducing waste by considering the life cycle of all materials used in a project, beginning with their extraction, manufacture, transportation, installation and final disposal. In addition, economic sustainability is achieved by reducing material costs, promoting adaptive reuse and evaluating return on investment. This can be done through a variety of methods, including conducting life cycle cost analysis, prioritizing energy efficiency, selecting durable + low-maintenance materials, and exploring local sourcing options.