Interior design is an art and science of improving the interior of an interior setting to create a physically healthier and more aesthetically pleasing surroundings for those using the room. An interior designer is a person who plans, studies, coordinates, and oversees such improvement projects. Interior designers are involved in everything from building and construction to decorating and furnishing. They often communicate their ideas and concepts through sketches of how various rooms or spaces would look if made with certain styles or materials. Interior designers are the creative and innovative thinkers behind many of today’s popular designs.
Interior design can be thought of as the process of arranging furniture, textiles, walls, lighting, windows, accents, and other physical components so that a particular atmosphere is achieved. The spaces and elements that are used in interior design can be anything that is part of a building or any combination of these elements. Interior designers are found in public office buildings, restaurants, corporate boardrooms, hospitals, educational facilities, and anywhere that one might find themselves required to design or beautify a space. There are professional organizations such as the American Institute of Interior Designers (AIDA) that offer certifications and continuing education for current and future interior designers. These organizations are very concerned about the promotion of quality practices, ethical standards, and customer satisfaction.
In Interior Design, the term “interior decorator” refers to a person who is primarily responsible for the design and conceptualization of spaces. An interior decorator will usually work with architects or structural engineers. These professionals are responsible for finding appropriate furniture, flooring options, countertops, cabinets, shelving, paint colors, and other important interior design details. Interior designers are usually very detail-oriented and can be very productive when it comes to providing clients with a number of options and styles for their interiors and spaces.
The responsibilities of an interior designer also usually extend to the area around the room, such as hallways, fireplaces, plumbing, heating and air conditioning units, cabinets, windows, walls, lighting, furniture, and appliances. An interior decorator will typically work with architects as well, although not always. They can create floor plans and floor layouts, provide ideas and suggestions about how to best use available space, set up storage units, and make recommendations regarding construction materials and methods. They may also work with architects to help determine the best way to optimize natural light within the room, and they can assist with other areas, such as electrical systems and water systems.
One of the most important aspects of being a well-informed interior designer and interior decorator is learning to care for interiors, which may include spending time outdoors, cleaning and maintaining rooms, mowing the lawn, and other related tasks. Interior designers are also responsible for choosing and installing the various elements found throughout a space as well as caring for maintenance, repairing, and cleaning equipment. As a result of these tasks, an interior designer should have excellent hand/eye coordination as well as excellent interpersonal skills. They often spend considerable amounts of time in their offices or working out in their garden sheds. Therefore, excellent interpersonal skills are important, as well as a wide vocabulary and a sense of humor.
While there are many different areas within the field of interior design, the most common are residential spaces and those that serve as commercial spaces. While residential interiors include homes, apartment complexes, condominiums, townhouses, and other housing developments, commercial spaces include office buildings, warehouses, shopping malls, airports, government buildings, and stadiums. While some design schools offer classes specifically geared towards the training of interior designers, many schools and colleges offer degrees in general architectural practices as well as related fields. The most sought-after degrees by major corporations and private employers are typically Master’s degrees, but there are many jobs available in the field of interior design as well as numerous job-related positions. Interior designers can choose to work for themselves or with a company, work in a variety of settings, or be employed by governmental institutions, educational institutions, or nonprofit organizations.