Interior Designing: Transforming Spaces

Human beings from ancient times and across all cultures have worked on a variety of experiences which are classified as "Aesthetic”. Activities linked to perception of external objects, not necessarily functional objects. For instance, paintings or objects of art, which have no immediate or direct value for survival, but nevertheless accrue great value within the human society and culture across the globe. Even the early humans used to draw figures on the walls of the caves that they lived in. Once the human population started to settle down the concept of building permanent structures to save themselves from the elements came into existence and almost from the same time the idea to decorate the interiors where humans lived seem to be in practice.

Though the birth of Interior designing is considered to have started back to the Ancient Egyptians, with their mud huts decorated both outside and inside with murals, sculptures, skins of animals and vases. Gold ornaments that were used to decorate the houses have been founds dating back to those times. The Romans and Greeks houses had ornaments made of ivory and silver. Not just the decoration but the Romans also favored comfort combined with attractiveness to decorate their abodes.

During the medieval era with wars being fought all across Europe the interiors became more simplistic, muted colors, minimal decorations became the norm of the households. In Europe during the 12th century a new style of interiors evolved which focused on open interiors and bright natural lights in the house. This was the Gothic style. The French Renaissance brought beauty and art to the forefront. The interiors of the homes became elaborate with elaborate woodwork, marble and paintings adorning the homes and antique furniture made out of expensive materials. Following the Gothic style came in the Italian Baroque style with its stained glass facade and colored marble features adorning the homes. This was quickly followed by the 18th century Rococo style interiors which had beautiful floral motifs and other Asian art finding prominence in the designs. By the late 18th century the neoclassical movement brought about a sense of freedom in the way interiors were handled. Bronze, Velvet and Silk became the part of decorating the interiors of the homes.

Interior Design is an art. It is not just about putting few decorative items around the house but rather it deals with designing a space, coordinating the looks, managing the overall layout and look. This concept of decorating the house has been rolled down to us from ancient times. The industrial revolution brought about new dimension to interior designing with furniture being more accessible and available. 

Indian sub continent has so much to offer in terms of aesthetic in interiors. In Ancient India architects used to work as Interior Designers as found from the references of “Viswakarma” the architect who is also revered as the God of all engineering and constructions in Hindu Mythology. Apart from these every part of India has a different style of Interiors depending on the kings who ruled and the people who live there. Rajasthan has a different style of decorating their interiors while Kerala entirely different. The Interiors of West Bengal is different from that of the Northeastern States. Depending on the terrain, et climate and people the concept of design is amazing beautiful and varied. The rich cultural heritage of India is visible in the textiles, sculptures, artifacts, woodcraft etc. Even in the present times the Indian Interior Design style is very diverse and distinct even though this Sub continent has been influenced by the various foreigners who had invaded this land and left their own influences. 

Interior Designing is a very interesting and rewarding career. An Interior Designer with his/her knowledge not only enhances the aesthetics of the interior but also enhances the functionality of the space, keeping in view safety, proper utilization of space. An Interior Designer can work independently or get employed by real estate firms or Design firms. It is estimated that the employment of Interior designers is expected to grow from 19 percent from 2008 to 2018, which happens to be faster than the average of all other occupations. Interior Designers work not just to design homes but they have a varied playing field like Hotels, Resorts, Offices, and Hospitals etc. 

Interior Designing provides soul and life to a mundane room or space by making the space, room or home functional, pleasant and livable. Interior Design is a very important technique that is given a high attention all around the globe.

Interior Designing works around 7 main elements and they are;

1.Space: The most important element of Interior Design, space acts as the foundation on which the entire Interior Design Plan is built.

2.Lines: Lines Define shapes act as visual guides and give birth to forms and shapes. Lines can be Horizontal, Vertical and Dynamic.

3.Forms: Forms are shapes in general, which can be created by combining two or more shapes.

4.Light: Light is one of the most important components of interior design. Either natural or manmade proper utilization of light will bring out the color, texture and patterns in a design space.

5.Color: It needs no introduction. Proper color combination not only enhances the design but it also has a direct connection to the tranquility and health of the people living in that space.

6.Texture: Texture mainly deals with how different surface would look and feel. It adds depth to the space. 

7.Pattern: Pattern adds a new dimension to the interiors by making it look interesting. Patterns help to add a story to the space.

Several colleges all across India offer courses on Architecture. One can also take advice from the Career counselors to get a sound idea about the courses. There are several Career Counselors that one can go to including Online Career Counseling as well. 

Apart from these there are many Career Guide Services available online and one can go through those websites to get a good understanding of the Course. Many Career seminars also are held to help students select the course most suitable for them. The counseling also helps students understand their strengths and weaknesses and can work accordingly to better themselves.

 One can log on to the links listed below which will provide one with a good understanding of the courses available and how to go about cracking the exam:

Career Guide

Future Bright Program

By: Madhuchanda Saxena