A Brief History of Interior Design
Posted by Bogdan on October 13, 2009 | 2 Comments
The concept of interior design is seen all throughout history, and its influence can be appreciated in many cultures of the world. The idea of interior design allows for creativity to be expressed in the interior spaces; however, when the idea originated is subject to speculation. We are told ancient Egyptians unknowingly fostered the birth of this concept by building elaborate columns, intricate tombs, and exotic furniture. Perhaps this was the eve of a new day when one could openly display their ideologies through the concept of interior decorating. In these times, decorating was only seen in the palaces of the wealthy and royal, as many of the artistic elements used were not cost effective for the working middle class.
The Romans began to plan and design their homes with a purpose and function in mind. Separate spaces would be built depending on a particular season of the year, and rooms were situated in order to maximize the light source. Like the Egyptians, the Romans also enjoyed elaborate furniture and wall hangings which were skillfully designed and executed. These are some of the first times that we see artistry and skill present in the personal dwelling place.
Even with the Egyptians and Romans portraying elaborate works of artistry, interior design did not explode into what we see today until the Italian Renaissance. The finance and recognition of the arts and artists from the wealthy resulted in a massive shift towards creativity and artistry in the home. Palaces were ornately decorated with lavish draperies and exquisite fabrics like velvet and silk. Intricate handiwork and designs could be seen with the finest detail and craftsmanship. This influence spread to the French as well, which is evident as furniture pieces were named after the French royalty.
Though interior design began to spread rapidly, common people still could not afford the lavish pieces and designs of the royalty. Not until the industrial Revolution were the middle class able to relish the thought of decorating their houses. The economic revolution at this time allowed for the production of cheaper goods as more jobs were created and businesses were booming. This allowed everyone to partake in creating a space that they enjoyed calling home, a concept only enjoyed by royalty up until this time. In addition, home decorating and design magazines were printed featuring the latest design trends of the day. This gave way to interior design professions as more and more people respected the fine art, increasing the demand for experts.
The late 19th into the 21st centuries saw the birth of new concepts, along with modern and contemporary designs. It was a time when people began to relate to a certain style that fit their taste and likes. They began to see different techniques and concepts in every sector, such as the Spanish influence seen in structures like Mission Viejo apartments or the contemporary flair evident in the lofts of Manhattan’s open floor plans. Today, as we have begun the 21st century, hundreds of design styles exist and new ones are created constantly in homes and apartments around the globe. Whether European, gothic, modern or ornate, history and the cultural differences of the past has given us a great foundation upon which to build our design approaches and gather our inspiration.
