Module 3: The Fundamentals of Interior Design
Module 3
The Fundamentals of Interior Design
The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines design as to “create, fashion, execute or construct according to plan”. This unit covers fundamental design principles and guidelines that influence the human perception of high-quality Interior Design. What makes a design aesthetically pleasing? What influences the human mind to regard something as beautiful?
This module will introduce you to the main elements and fundamentals in interior design used as base components to create and formulate a well-planned design scheme. These are the interior elements intrinsic to the creation of highly aesthetic environments – from proportion, scale and balance to texture, shape and color. This unit outlines each of these elements and principles, then shows how they translate successfully into Interior Design settings. Like scale represents actual size of something; proportion refers to relationship between parts of a composition. With these basics, a designer will be equipped with knowledge that design elements and principles should work together and complement each other to strengthen the composition of a space. These are universally accepted for any form of visual arts.
The first part of any project involves gathering and analyzing information from which the designer can develop ideas. The second stage is the creative one that is guided by certain fundamental element, principles and interior design tools. Well-appointed interior environments often feature harmonious combinations of contrasting decorative elements. Most interior scheme are based on the basic principles of design, but most innovative work can be seen when a designer pushes the boundaries by experimenting with different concepts and harmonies.
We also explore the basics of human perception – from visual perception to hearing, tactility, temperature, and taste and smell – and how it influences choices made by the interior designer to create interiors pleasing on every level. A good interior environment is not just for visual satisfaction. When we are in an interior environment, all senses are at work. Many factors shape the perception process such as psychology, socio-economic differences, memory, expectations, learning, and attention. The focus of interior design is to use interior elements, furniture, and other design tools to create a unique space that meets the physical and psychological needs of those who will live there. Principles of design are often used to unify and assemble the elements of design by applying five universally accepted concepts.
Finally, this unit will introduce you to functionality in Interior Design, and to a range of styles including European Interior Design, American Interior Design, and International Interior Design styles. From the Bauhaus to Hampton’s style, you'll find a wealth of inspiration for your own future Interior Design work!
Interior design influencer content
Module 3 also include professional insights from US based interior design, Nina Takesh. Nina covers the fundamentals of interior design referring to her first hand experiences and extensive knowledge. She answer the below questions:
- Why is human perception (5 senses) necessary in design?
- What are the design elements and principles of interior design?
- Are they (design elements and principles) a building block for successful designs?
Module Outline
- Human Perception
- Visual Perception
- Hearing and Acoustics
- Tactile, Texture and Temperature
- Taste and Smell
- Interior Design Elements
- Point and Line
- Shape
- Form and Space
- Shape Pattern
- Color
- Light and Value
- Texture
- Interior Design Principles
- Balance
- Scale and Proportion
- Emphasis
- Rhythm
- Harmony and Unity
