Interior design is an art and science of improving the interior of a structure to create a more aesthetically pleasing and healthier environment for those using the room. An interior designer is a person who studies, plans, coordinates and oversees such improvement projects. An interior designer has to work with architects, interior designers, furnaces, plumbers, roofers, and many others in order to complete the project.
The term interior decorator can be used to describe a person that works in the field of construction or building construction. It can also apply to a person who works in the field of designing interiors for commercial or residential uses. A person can specialize as an interior decorator if they study the various fields that encompass interior design. Some of the areas a person can focus their studies in include but are not limited to landscaping, architecture, psychology, applied arts, or computer science.
Design is one of the most important aspects of space planning. Space planning is concerned with the layout of a room or area and the way that it will function. Interior design deals with aesthetics; the visual aspects of a space that person designs. Interior design takes into consideration both the practical and aesthetic value of the furnishings, materials, and accessories that are used. Furnishings include but are not limited to rugs, blinds, cabinets, tables, desks, chairs, shelving and much more.
An important aspect of interior design involves identifying, conceptualizing, and then researching spaces that people inhabit. Identifying spaces can be done through the use of different styles, furniture, colors, textures, linens, and other things that humans need to live comfortable. Some important factors interior designers have to take into account include but are not limited to horizontal lines, vertical lines, and patterns. When dealing with spaces that contain materials that are not easily changed such as wood, ceramic, fabric, plastic, and so on interior designers must be able to know what to do in order to make changes without causing too much of a mess.
Another part of aesthetics involves research. An interior designer must be able to conduct proper research in order to determine the best solutions for spaces. Interior designers can consult with architects and landscape planners in order to help them properly design spaces. Interior designers also have to work closely with home owners and home building contractors in order to get the best designs possible.
Lighting is an important part of the modern day home. In the past, many homes featured candle stick lighting. Candle lighting was actually designed for indoor purposes. Nowadays however many interior designers encourage homeowners to go with lighting that utilizes more natural sources such as light bulbs and fluorescent lights. Other types of lighting that are used in modern homes include but are not limited to track lighting, recessed lighting, skylights, and even blinds. Each of these different sources of light provide different aesthetic qualities that must be considered by a modern interior designer.