Interior Design - Module 1 (Notes)
Interior Design - Module 1 (Notes)
Interior Design - Module 1 (Notes)
INTERIOR DESIGN
MODULE 1
DIFFERENT TYPES OF
INTERIOR SPACES
MODERN
Modern is a broad design term that typically refers to a home
with clean, crisp lines, a simple colour palette and the use of
materials that can include metal, glass and steel.
Modern design employs a sense of simplicity in every element,
including furniture. A word that’s commonly used to describe
modern style is sleek, and there is not a lot of clutter or
accessories involved with a modern style.
CONTEMPORARY
Modern and contemporary are two
styles frequently used interchangeably.
Contemporary is different from modern
because it describes design based on
the here and now.
The primary difference separating
modern and contemporary design style
is that modern is a strict interpretation of
design that started in the 20th century.
Contemporary on the other hand, is
more fluid and can represent a sense of
currency with less adherence to one
particular style. For example,
contemporary style may include curving
lines, whereas modern design does not.
You can refer to modern vs
contemporary article for more
information.
MINIMALIST
The minimalist concept is one that’s popular here in Australia. It takes
notions of modern design and simplifies them further.
Colour palettes are neutral and airy; furnishings are simple and
streamlined, and nothing is excessive or flamboyant in accessories or
décor.
Minimalism is ultimately defined by a sense of functionality and ultra-
clean lines.
INDUSTRIAL
Industrial style as the name implies, draws inspiration from a warehouse or
an urban loft.
There’s a sense of unfinished rawness in many of the elements, and it’s not
uncommon to see exposed brick, ductwork and wood. An iconic home
with an industrial design theme would be a renovated loft from a former
industrial building.
Think high ceilings, old timber and dangling metal light fixtures with sparse
functional furniture. There may possibly be one or two pieces of abstract art
or photography to add a dash of colour to an otherwise neutral colour
scheme derived from the primary materials of wood and metals.
MID-CENTURY MODERN
Mid-century modern is a throwback to the design style of the mid-
1900s—primarily the 1950s and 60s. There’s a retro nostalgia present in
Mid-Century Modern Design, and also some elements of minimalism.
Functionality or “fussy-free” was the main theme for Mid-century design.
It emphasis on pared-down forms, natural or organic shapes such as
“egg-shaped” chair, easy-to-use contemporary designs and simple
fabrications. It easily complements any interior and also helps with
seamless transition from interior to exterior.
SCANDINAVIAN
Scandanavian design pays homage to the simplicity of life demonstrated in Nordic
countries. Scandinavian furniture design often feels like a work of art, although it is
simple and understated. There’s functionality in the furniture along with some
interesting lines, many of which have a sculptural influence.
Other common characteristics include all-white colour palettes and the
incorporation of natural elements like form-pressed wood, bright plastics, and
enameled aluminum, steel and wide plank flooring. If there are pops of colour it
often comes from the use of art, natural fibre throws or furs, or a single piece of
furniture.
Spacious, natural lighting, less accessories and functional furniture characterizes
Scandinavian designs.
TRADITIONAL
Traditional design style offers classic details, sumptuous furnishings, and an
abundance of accessories. It is rooted in European sensibilities.
Traditional homes often feature dark, finished wood, rich colour palettes, and a
variety of textures and curved lines. Furnishings have elaborate and ornate
details and fabrics, like velvet, silk and brocade, which may include a variety of
patterns and textures.
There’s depth, layering and dimensionality within most traditional designs.
TRANSITIONAL
Transitional is a very popular style because it borrows from both traditional and
modern design to facilitate a space that’s not “too much,” in terms of one style
or another. There’s a sense of balance that’s appealing and unexpected.
A transitional design may incorporate modern materials, such as steel and glass,
and then unite them with plush furnishings.
Transitional design also includes relatively neutral colour palettes, creating a
calming and relaxed space that manages to feel both stylish and sleek, as well
as warm and inviting.
FRENCH COUNTRY
Warm, earthy colours are indicative of a French Country design style, as are
worn and ornamental wooden furnishing. The style has an overarching
farmhouse inspiration.
French Country design may include soft and warm tones of red, yellow or gold
and natural materials like stone and brick. French Country design can include
collections of ornate porcelain dishes and heavy linens and bed coverings.
BOHEMIAN
Bohemian is a popular style for home design and fashion. It reflects a carefree
lifestyle with little rules, except to follow your hearts desire.
Bohemian homes may include vintage furniture and light fixtures, globally
inspired textiles and rugs, displays of collections, and items found in widely
varied sources including flea markets and during one’s travels.
It’s not uncommon to spot floor pillows and comfortable seating spaces when
incorporating the bohemian style. This eclectic style can incorporate an ultra-
glam chandelier paired with a well-worn rug and a mid-century chair. Within
the Bohemian style, there’s a laissez-faire attitude where anything goes as long
as you love it.
RUSTIC
Rustic design is drawn from natural inspiration, using raw and often unfinished
elements including wood and stone.
Rustic design may incorporate accessories from the outdoors with warmth
emulating from the design and architectural details that may include features
like vaulted ceilings adorned with wood beams or reclaimed wood floors.
Many designs now integrate rustic design with more modern furnishings and
accessories.
IMPORTANCE AND
ROLE OF INTERIOR
SPACES
Interior Design was just a pompous expression for a certain sensitivity
and good taste in decorating a space. Something like choosing the
right fabrics or colors to use.
The Arts & Crafts movement existed under its specific name in the United
Kingdom and the United States, and these two strands are often distinguished
from each other by their respective attitudes towards industrialization: in Britain,
Arts & Crafts artists and designers tended to be either negative or ambivalent
towards the role of the machine in the creative process, while Americans tended
to embrace the machine more readily.
The practitioners of the movement strongly believed that the connection forged
between the artist and his work through handcraft was the key to producing both
human fulfillment and beautiful items that would be useful on an everyday basis;
as a result, Arts & Crafts artists are largely associated with the vast range of the
decorative arts and architecture as opposed to the "high" arts of painting and
sculpture.
The Arts & Crafts aesthetic varied greatly depending on the media and location
involved, but it was influenced most prominently by both the imagery of nature
and the forms of medieval art, particularly the gothic style, which enjoyed a
revival in Europe and North America during the mid-19th century.
One major objective of Art Nouveau was to break down the traditional
distinction between fine arts (especially painting and sculpture) and
applied arts. It was most widely used in interior design, graphic arts,
furniture, glass art, textiles, ceramics, jewellery and metal work.
Cabinets are often made in the shape of miniature
palazzo, often incorporating doors, windows, columns
and other architectural details as decorative elements.
Cabinets at that period usually contain a lot of drawers
and compartments – visible and hidden.
Minimalist interior design is very similar to modern interior design and involves
using the bare essentials to create a simple and uncluttered space. It's characterized
by simplicity, clean lines, and a monochromatic palette with colour used as an
accent.
Northern Region Interior
Design
Traditional décor elements can
include book collections,
chandeliers, sophisticated vases, and
floral arrangements. Ornate rugs,
built-in cabinets, and framed art are
also popular. Options for traditional
interiors are so varied that it's
important to balance elements
together.
Southern Region Interior Design
Whether channeling beach or
inland-influenced decor, the style of
Southern decorating incorporates a
medley of traditional, formal
elements with comfortable, yet
stylish, pieces. Wherever your home
may be, utilize a blend of colors,
fabrics, furniture styles and
accessories for a little bit of
Southern Living.
Western Region Interior Design
Western style decoration usually
uses wood, rock, leather, and metal
in abundance. The fireplace and
mantle are prerequisites for a
western style living room interior.
Decorate with artwork on oil,
vintage photos, paintings, and
Western artifacts.