Print this page A Guide for Interior Design
A. Bhatia, B.E.
Course Outline
This 4-hr course material is based entirely on the US Army Corps of Engineers
document DG 1110-3-122, "Design Guide for Interiors".
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the user will:
- Define space as it applies to interior design;
- Learn how design represents ideas and personalities of the individual;
- Understand and apply the basic design principles to develop an aesthetic harmony and functional living space;
- Understand and use the vocabulary and expressions used in the field of interior design;
- Learn the psychological effects that forms used in interiors will create (e.g., happiness, energy, freedom, romance, relaxation, stability, seriousness);
- Define the following elements of design: Line, Form, Space, Texture, Color and Pattern;
- Define color as it is perceived by the psychologist and explain the importance of color and its many uses to establish mood, to show relationships between things, to create illusions, etc.;
- List the principles of design: balance, proportion and scale , rhythm, emphasis and unity;
- List the various methods of changing line and demonstrate the effects of each: horizontal, vertical, curved and diagonal;
- Learn to make informed consumer decisions when selecting materials and equipment for interior design;
- Learn how to examine and evaluate materials used in interior design to meet human needs and provide for personal expression in a living space;
- Define texture and state the two kinds of texture; visual and tactile texture. Explain the differences between visual and tactile texture;
- List the factors involved in the choice of wall and ceiling finishes in interiors. Discuss such factors as: personal tastes, condition of the walls, cost, use of the room, desired effect, size and shape of the room, maintenance, ease and cost of installation, decorative theme, and energy conservation;
- Examine and evaluate the paints, fabrics, furniture, lighting fixtures, artwork and appliances used in interior design to meet human needs and provide for personal expression in a defined space; and
- Learn the appropriateness
of the style or where it will be used.
This course is aimed at students, architects, designers, real estate developers, facility managers, building designers, and will suit anyone with an interest in interior design, either as a hobby or someone who may want to take this a professional career.
Course Introduction
Interior design is a field that blends creative expression with practical application. This interior design course addresses full spectrum of design related issues before the interior designer, with discussion of design theory, building technology, material resources, application and criteria for selection of materials and products. It also addresses many issues at a high level such as the psychological impact of design on people, information about interior design for different types of spaces (home, office etc...).
The course comprises
7 detailed lessons with numerous color illustrations. The intent is to provide
a common basis to communication and understanding of critical subject matter
for architectural and interior designer, so that facilities may be made harmonious
in function and appearance.
Course Content
In this course, you are required to study the US Army Corps of Engineers document DG 1110-3-122, "Design Guide for Interiors":
DG 1110-3-122, "Design Guide for Interiors"
Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your study. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you still experience any difficulty in downloading or opening this file, you may need to close some applications or reboot your computer to free up some memory.
Course Summary
An interior decorating
project will be much more successful if you pay attention to a few key elements
of design.
1) Proportion and Scale- Scale refers to the size of something as it refers
to the size of everything else, including people and the space itself. Proportion
refers to the relationship of parts or objects to one another based on size
- for example the size of a window is in proportion to the size of the room.
Good scale is achieved when all of the parts are proportionately correct relative
to each other, as well as to the whole.
2) Balance refers to the arrangement of objects that create an even feel in a room. For example to maintain balance large heavy pieces of furniture should be placed around the room and not grouped together on one side of the room. Balanced objects can be either asymmetrical or symmetrical.
- Symmetrical balance is achieved when objects are arranged like a mirror image. An example of this formal type of arrangement would be an armoire against a wall with a candle sconce hanging on the wall on each side of the armoire.
- Asymmetrical
balance is still balanced but is not a mirror image. An example would
be a console table with a floral arrangement on one end and a grouping of
candlesticks on the other. While the items are not the same if they are the
same scale and weight as the floral arrangement when grouped together they
will balance each other.
3) Contrast can
be used to create interest in a room. The decor in your room should maintain
the same style but vary in the elements of color, pattern, size etc.
4) Rhythm - While
it is important to use contrast in a room to keep it from being boring, it is
just as important to use repetition to create rhythm. The room will feel pulled
together, if a color, pattern or motif is repeated throughout.
5) Harmony - A harmonious room will be achieved when the rules of scale, balance, contrast and rhythm are followed. In addition, a harmonious room will have furnishings and other elements that relate to one another within an interior decorating scheme.
Once you know the
basics of interior design you can create rooms that really work. Remember, when
decorating you should enjoy the journey and not see it as a task to be accomplished.
When starting an interior decorating project remember to keep it fun!
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
