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Interior decoration is the art of decorating a room so that it is attractive, easy to use, and functions well with the existing architecture. The goal of interior decoration is to provide a certain "feel" for the room; it encompasses applying wallpaper, painting walls and other surfaces, choosing furniture and fittings, such as light fixtures, and providing other decorations for the area such as paintings and sculptures.
Interior decorating is done professionally by interior decorators. It is considered a design field.
There is a distinct difference between interior decorating and interior design. Interior decorating is generally focused on finishes, such as wallpaper, paint, window coverings, and furnishings. Interior design involves manipulating the architectural integrity of the interior space as well as the creation of a lifestyle experience through the study of human behavior.
History
The role of interior decorator probably came into existence in the 1720s in Western Europe, though it was filled by men of diverse backgrounds. Although William Kent trained as a history painter, he if often cited as the first individual to take charge of an entire interior, including internal architecture, furniture selection, and the hanging of paintings.
In London, this role was frequently filled by the upholsterer (sometimes called the upholder), while in Paris the marchand-mercier (a "merchant of goods" who acted as general contractor) often filled this role. Architects both in Britain and on the continent also often served as interior decorators. Robert Adam, the neoclassical architect, is perhaps the most well-know late-century example of an architect who took on entire interiors, down to the doorknobs and fire-irons. Other 18th-century men who filled the role of interior decorator include: Sir William Chambers, James Wyatt, Dominique Daguerre (marchand-mercier who emigrated to England),
In the 1830s, interior decorators were responsible for the revival of interest in Gothic and Rococo styles in England. By the later 19th century, some firms set themselves apart as "art furnishers".
Modern interior decorators began with Lenygon and Morant in London, Charles Alavoine and Jeanselme in Paris, and Herter Brothers (from 1864) and Elsie De Wolfe and Ogden Codman in New York.
Other early interior decorators:
Although most professional interior designers of today attend accredited interior design schools and pass nationally recognized competency examinations, many of the most famous designers and decorators during the 20th Century had no formal training: Sister Parish, Mark Hampton, Robert Denning & Vincent Fourcade, Stephen Chase, Mario Buatta, John Saladino, and many others were trend-setting innovators in the worlds of design and decoration.
Room theme
A theme is a consistent idea used throughout a room to create a feeling of completeness. These themes often follow period styles. Examples of this are Louis XV or Art Deco. The evolution of interior design themes has now grown to include themes not necessarily consistent with a specific period style allowing the mixing of pieces from different periods. Each element should contribute to form or function or both and maintain a consistent standard of quality and combine to create the desired design.
Education
Many four year, baccalaureate degrees in Interior Design exist in the United States, within major universities such as Arizona State University, UCLA, Northern Illinois University, University of Cinncinati, and Columbia University. Although masters degrees in Interior Design are less common, they are none the less available at Arizona State University and The University of Washington, among others. Many professionals pursue advanced degrees in related subjects such as industrial design, fine art or education. An undergraduate degree is a requirement for becoming an Interior Design professional and a masters degree is recommended. Most Interior Design schools retain the name, Interior Design, while some schools have adopted the name interior architecture. The term interior architecture has not achieved meaning in the United States.
In Europe, the educational requirements differ between interior architects (considered a profession comparable to architects or structural engineers) or interior designers (considered a trade comparable to carpenters).
Traditionally in Germany, interior architecture has been taught at polytechnical universities or universities of applied sciences. Baccalaureate programmes are normally three years (6 semesters) in length. The adaption of the university system to the international degrees Bachelor and Master has led to a restructuring of degree programmes. Since university education has traditionally lasted at least 5 years, many Diploma programmes have been transformed into consecutive graduate Master programmes.
On television
In the UK and elsewhere, interior decoration has become a popular television subject, with programs such as Changing Rooms (BBC) and Selling Houses (Channel 4). Famous interior designers include Linda Barker and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.
In the United States the TLC Network airs a popular program called Trading Spaces which has a format similar to the UK program Changing Rooms mentioned above. The Home & Garden Television and Discovery Home networks also both show many programs on interior design.
See also
"Interior decoration"