Interior design is a multi-faceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structure to achieve a built interior environment. These solutions are functional, enhance the quality of life and culture of the occupants, and are aesthetically attractive. Designs are created in response to and coordinated with the building shell, and acknowledge the physical location and social context of the project. Designs must adhere to code and regulatory requirements, and encourage the principles of environmental sustainability. The interior design process follows a systematic and coordinated methodology, including research, analysis and integration of knowledge into the creative process, whereby the needs and resources of the client are satisfied to produce an interior space that fulfills the project goals. (1)

Interior design fundamentals are used by interior designers, architects, and artists to create visual arrangements. These elements are:

1. Lines – Lines come in four basic forms: horizontal, vertical, diagonal, curved. Lines can also have character: short, long, bold, jagged, and wavy. Lines are closely related to other elements including shape and texture. Lines define shape within a composition by indicating the physical boundaries of the shape.
2. Form - The physical mass of an object is comparative to form. Form is three-dimensional and implies weight.
3. Shape - An outline of an object is its shape. The three categories of shape include: natural, non-objective, and geometric.
4. Texture - The characteristic of an object as observed by touch or sight is referred to as texture. Texture can be rough, smooth, bumpy, jagged, coarse, velvety, or silky. Repetition of similar objects can imply texture.
5. Space - Space defines the area available for use. Interior designers focus on the effective use of space and its relationship to the environment.
6. Time - The physical effect time has on a composition and the change of attitudes over time is a concern for all designers. Elements are not fixed and will change with time.
7. Color - Color is a visual property of form. The element of form can be identified through the use of color. Color can also be used to extract emotion, emphasize form, and offer a sense of scale.
8. Light - Without light there would be no form, color, or texture.

These essential building blocks of design are present in every composition. Each element can be manipulated by the principles of design – rhythm, emphasis, proportion, scale, unity, harmony, and variety. For instance, light is an element that can be manipulated to create rhythm.

See also

Feng Shui, green design, universal design

External links and references

• Ching, D.K. Francis (1987). Interior design illustrated (pg 91-158), New York: John Wiley & Sons, INC.
• Kilmer, Rosemary and W. Otie (Eds.). (1992). Designing interiors (pg 102-152), New York: Harcourt Colllege Publishers.
• American Society of Interior Designers
• International Interior Design Association