ONLINEDESIGNTEACHER

Interior Design - 7 Steps to Design Success

Evening arrives after a busy day, and I am free to go home. My house is at the elbow
of a curving crescent, facing up the street. For a brief moment as I drive down the
street, I can see my house from the front. But what I really see is not so much my
house, but my home. I am home! Everything I work for is embodied there. My loved
ones are there. I entertain family and friends there. I eat there, sleep there, play there, I
am sheltered there. It is my refuge.
Michael Power, Founder of The Emporium

With Our Structured 7 Step Process, We Absolutely

Guarantee Great Results
Home is more than just a place. We start and end every day at home. We share it with
our loved ones. We watch our children grow up there. We spend most of our lives there.

Most of us want our homes to be special. A refuge, a favourite place to gather with
friends, the perfect retreat on a rainy day. We see magazines, design shows, and
advertisements with beautiful homes and imagine our own homes looking and feeling
that great. The bedroom looks so peaceful. The living room so warm and inviting. The
kitchen ideal for pancake breakfasts and homework sessions.

Perhaps you spend your weekends driving from furniture store to furniture store. You
paint an accent wall. You move the sofa to the basement and buy a new one on sale.
You bring home a pair of lamps before the guests arrive for dinner. Maybe, despite your
best efforts, your home just doesnt feel the way you want it to. Like most people, you
may have even made some expensive mistakes.

Guaranteed Results in
Seven Transparent Steps
1. Let's Get Started
2. Introductory Conversation
3. Home Consultation
4. Plan View
5. Design Presentation
6. Final Presentation
7. Delivery & Setup
Begin Here

The Only Way to Deliver the Right Result is to Focus on the Complete
Environment, the Finished Room

For over thirty-five years we have been guiding customers to create beautiful spaces
that are a pleasure to live in rooms, homes, cottages, and chalets that have exceeded
their expectations and become even better with time. Weve encouraged customers to
bring photographs and measurements of their space. Weve asked about their needs,
so that we can help find the perfect solution. Weve helped our customers find the best
value, and best design solution for their unique needs.

Weve helped young couples build a room piece by piece over years. Weve worked
with architects to plan an entire home from placing the walls to fully furnished. Weve
designed tiny kitchens and grand dining rooms, contemporary homes and rustic cabins.
Weve helped prepare for growing families. Weve helped downsize to condos. Weve
worked within every budget and timeline, and every time, our customers are thrilled.

If your usual way of shopping for furniture has not

given you the results you hoped for, there is another
way.

We Want You to Love Your Home

Its not just about buying better furniture. Its about buying furniture better. We want you
to love your home, to feel fabulous about your purchases, and to love each item even
more over time.
It is possible to have the room, or home that you are dreaming about and it starts
here. Weve distilled our interior design process into 7 Steps the same 7 steps we
have been using for more than 35 years.

Fabulous, incredible, stunning, amazing, wonderful,

comfortable, welcoming... WOW! Thank You.

A Beautiful, Successful Interior Does Not Happen By Accident

Those perfect rooms are the result of intention, planning, calculation, listening,
understanding, relationship, and experience. The rooms that look timeless, that quickly
become your favourite, are achieved through a process of developing size, scale,
proportion, colour, light, and function in unison - and always, always selecting
specifically for the people who will live in them. The furniture is chosen knowing which
few, specific pieces from the vast array of possibilities will be all at once classic, perfect
for your space and your growing needs, designed with integrity, and built to last.

Our 7 Steps to Design Success is a professional, step-by-step approach to achieving

the room or home that you are dreaming about. Each step adds value, and provides
knowledgeable, actionable feedback. It is a decision-making tool that eliminates costly
mistakes and uncertain outcomes. It is a guaranteed approach to creating a room, or
home that you love, that reflects you and how you live, on time and on budget.

We find the incremental approach over emphasizes the

minutiae and under emphasizes the complete
experience.

By Following These 7 Steps, We Absolutely

Guarantee Great Results
1. Step 1: Lets Get Started

Our 7 Step approach invites collaboration and participation. Each step has been
carefully calculated to ensure your full participation. After all, it is your room.

2. Step 2: Introductory Conversation

In this step, we develop a clear direction and scope for your project. Well meet in our
showroom to get to know you, your house, your needs, and your vision. Well ask
questions. Youll ask questions.

Great interior design is not done in a vacuum. It is done in a context. You, your dwelling,
and how you live are the context. How many people live at home? Do you have
children? Do you have pets? When you entertain is it usually family and friends or
professional peers? Are you readers? Where do you like to sit when you read? The
answers to these questions will of course provoke more questions. Gradually the
designer begins to get a picture of how you live.

Of course you will also have questions. We will thoroughly explain the remaining steps.
Well discuss costs and timelines. You may want references before deciding to proceed.

With the information gathered thus far, we are now equipped to advise on the scope
and budget of your unique project. When we complete this step, you will know what it
will take to interpret your vision to fit your context and limitations.

The cost for a 1.5 hour one-on-one Introductory Conversation with a designer is $200.
We find this is typically a sufficient amount of time to ask and answer all of the important
questions that help us decide together how to proceed.

The important details we have uncovered in the Introductory Conversation prepare us

for Step 3: the Home Consultation.

3. Step 3: Home Consultation

In this step, the designer visits your home to gather more detailed information. We take
measurements of your space noting electrical outlets, registers, bulkheads, hearths,
mantles, door swings, and so on. We walk a grid of your space while taking photos from
every angle.

We determine the 'non-negotiables' and better understand the context the

architectural style and detail of the house, the flow of the space, the natural light, the
 interior style in other parts of the house. Well note the pieces you already have
forgotten, perhaps that can be re-finished or re-purposed.

Of course the conversation will continue. Our questions will be more specific. Youll help
us to learn more about how you live and what is important to you.

The photos, measurements, and information we gather in the Home Consultation

prepare us for Step 4: the Plan View.

4. Step 4: Plan View

In this step, the designer creates a scaled plan-view of your space a drawing of your
room as if looking down from above. We focus first on the practical considerations like
size, proportion, and function. We determine the optimal objects for and layout of the
room.

Well meet again to review these preliminary plans. It is important to understand that the
Plan View is a proposal. At this stage, we can easily experiment with furniture
placement just by moving the pieces around.

This exercise ensures that we design a space that truly supports how you live a dining
room that is cozy for four and welcoming for the whole gang, or a living room where you
can sit comfortably with a book while the kids stretch out on the sofa for a movie. It is
the designers job to suggest alternative ways to achieve an aesthetic objective within
the limitations of a project, whether it be space, timeline, or budget. Good design is as
much calculation as inspiration. Understanding what won't work is as important as
knowing what will.

With our Plan View in place, we now have a decisive list to prepare us for Step 5: the
Design Presentation.
5. Step 5: Design Presentation

In this step we develop a cohesive palette of colours, materials, textures, build and
finish details. We choose paint and stain colours, fabrics, rugs, and lamps. We source
or custom design furniture that suits both the context of your space and the look you
want to create - turned or tapered table legs? Smooth or hand-planed wood? Crisp
white, or multi-layered antiqued painted finish? Iron, ceramic, wood, or glass lamps?
Knowing now how the space will be used and by whom, we can choose wisely to suit
your needs perhaps a heavier rug to stay in place when the dog won't, or sofa fabric
milled to withstand spilled milk and wayward markers.

The designer will assemble all of the samples, photos, and drawings into a presentation
that will allow you to picture the room as it will appear when completed. Well look
together at examples in our showroom a great aid for those who want to touch and
feel.

Now we have everything we need to put all the pieces together for, Step 6: the Final
Presentation.

6. Step 6: Final Presentation

The Final Presentation is your plan the result of the effort and hard work that began
when you first told us about the room or home that you'd been dreaming about. This is
your definitive guide to realizing that dream.

Every item in your Final Presentation will be cross-referenced to a detailed description:

the size, the wood or fabric, the finish, the knobs, the quantity, and the cost. Where
necessary we will provide samples of the wood and the finish, fabric samples for
upholstery and drapes, paint samples, and photographs.
 Well discuss timeline, payment, installation details, and every particular to prepare us
for the next step, Delivery & Setup. You may live far away, and everything may have to
be shipped. Will you arrange the painter or will we? Will the quote for painting include
the paint? Such details must be expected and not overlooked. We do not want any
surprises!

Whether you build out your Final Presentation piece by piece over time, or have us
deliver and setup the entire room at once, you are guaranteed to be thrilled with the
outcome.

Weve dotted our is and crossed our ts, and are now ready for Step 7: Delivery &
Setup.

7. Step 7: Delivery & Setup

This is our final step, and certainly the most exciting! While you were waiting for the big
day, we were planning, ordering and confirming, measuring, sewing, building, and
finishing the various pieces designed just for you.

Everything you are expecting, as outlined in your Final Presentation, will be delivered
and setup on the same day, after the completion of any preliminary site work maybe
new flooring, fresh paint, new window treatment, etc. The designer will arrive with our
delivery crew to lay the rugs, place the furniture, hang the artwork, style the bookcases,
set up the lamps even to screwing in the light bulbs and attend to all the finishing
touches.

With your Final Presentation in hand you will be equipped to verify that every item
delivered is exactly as ordered no surprises!

We have witnessed many faces gradually change from a somewhat anxious concern, to
a smile, to a big grin. As your room comes together, you'll see that our diligence up until
this step has really paid off your room looks and feels even better than you had
imagined.

Thank You For Reading

Interior Design Styles

At the start of any interior design project, you wonder what style should I choose? what
style do I like? what style will look good in that space? what style will I feel comfortable
with? Whether you're decorating a single room or a whole house, a bungalow or a
mansion the style will change dependant on the existing space and what is appropriate
for it.

The following list of interior design styles is not a definitive list but rather a selection of
some of the most common or popular interior design styles, more styles exist and more
are being created all the time. You should use this list to gain a basic understanding of
common interior design styles and what is involved in each of them, how they differ and
how to create them.

Go directly to your chosen Interior Design style by clicking on a link below

Modern | Contemporary | Minimalist | Classic | Art Deco | Retro

Urban | Country | Rococo | Georgian | Victorian

Modern Style Interior Design:

The creation of the modern interior design style is credited to a group of European
designers that started the Bauhaus School of Design in Germany in 1919. The Bauhaus
philosophy is that form and function should combine in all designs. Modern Style design
is clean-lined and focuses first and foremost on function and avoids the excessive
accessories and decorative elements seen in many other styles. Some people feel the
modern design is too simple, harsh or cold, however when well planned it can promote a
sense of calmness and simplicity to your home.

The modern style is ideal for appartments and small spaces as it maximizes space and
create the impression that a room is larger than it actually is. Minimal textures and bold
geometric forms, neutral colours accented with a single bold colour along with polished
finishes and asymmetrical balance are key identifying features of modern style interiors.

To Recap, the main characteristics of the modern interior design style are...

Clean lined design

Function before form.

Avoids excessise accessories and decorations

Minimal use of textures

Asymmetrical balance in furniture and layout

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Contemporary Style Interior Design:

The terms modern interior design and contemporary interior design are often used
interchangeably, however there is a difference between the two. Contemporary interior
design can only mean trendy looks that are in style at any current moment, while modern
interior design refers to the specific geometrical, clean-lined style called modern. The fact
that the modern style may also be a part of a current look or trend adds to the confusion
between modern and contemporary.

Contemporary interiors are comfortable and welcoming without being cluttered and dark
and is a style that is equally appropriate for offices and stores, lofts and homes. A
contemporary style home can be a quiet and comfortable retreat. The key identifying
feature of a contemporary style interior design is line. Line can be used through the use
of bold colour blocks, high ceilings, "square" edged furniture, linear wooden floors, floor
mats, bare windows and geometric shapes in wall art and sculpture. The bare space, on
walls, between pieces of furniture, and above in upper areas also become just as
important as the areas filled with objects. Each piece stands out as individual and unique.

Smooth, clean, geometric shapes are essential for contemporary style furniture pieces
with upholstered furniture usually in black, white, or another neutral tone.These pieces
should be simple and uncluttered, without curves or decoration. Sofas, chairs, and
ottomans usually have exposed legs with Beds and chairs usually having no trims or
tassels. In conclusion, with contemporary interiors, less is more. Go basic, bare, bold,
and structural with bespoke, unique and individual furniture.

To Recap, the main characteristics of the contemporary interior design style are...

Refers to in style or trendy looks.

 Basic, bare but bold.

Negative space as important as objects

Smooth, clean and geometric shapes essential.

Bespoke and unique furniture.

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Minimalist Style Interior Design:

Minimalist architecture became popular in the late 1980s in London and New York, where
designers worked to achieve simplicity, using white elements, cold white or blue lighting,
large spaces with minimum objects and furniture. The concept of minimalist design is to
strip everything down to its essential quality and achieve simplicity. Minimalism simplifies
living spaces to reveal the essential quality of buildings and conveys simplicity in attitudes
toward life. It is inspired from the Japanese traditional design and the concept of Zen
philosophy.

The idea is not completely without ornamentation, but everyhting is as reduced down to
a stage where you cannot remove anything further to improve the design, or without
disimproving it. The basic geometric forms, elements without decoration, simple materials
and the repetitions of structures can represent a sense of order and essential quality. The
movement of natural light in minimalist buildings reveals simple and clean spaces. In
order to successfully implement a minimalist style storage is key in order to allow the
space to remain minimal while still retaining the essential objects you use within that
space. Minimalist kitchens are an excellent example of this, where clever use of space
and hidden storage is regularly used.

To Recap, the main characteristics of the minimalist interior design style are...

Cool colours and white or blue lighting.

Large open spaces with minimum furniture, essentials only.

Reduced to ideal quantity.

Storage is key to maintaining minimalism.

Natural light used as a feature.

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Classic Style Interior Design:

Classical interior design is based on order, symmetry and balance which relates to the
ideals of the Greek and Roman empires. A primary element in classical style is the use
of a focal point around which visual balance is achieved, for example a feature fireplace
flanked on either side by matching armchairs with an ornate mirror above. The colour
palette common to classical interior design style is often inspired by nature. A variety of
yellows, blues, greens, browns as well as softer, muted hues like terracottas, grays and
pinks are commonly used. When accenting with whites, choose off-white if you want to
stay in keeping with a more authentic classical colour palette. Choose bright white if you
want a slightly more contemporary feel instead.

Fabrics used in classical interior design style tend to be elegant without being overly
ornate or attention grabbing. Cotton, canvas and velvet are some commonly used in
classic interiors. Natural flooring of wood, stone or marble works best in the classically
styled environment as they relate well to the natural colour schemes used.

The key identifying fetaure of the classic style is symmetry with each side of the room
mirrored on either side of a central focal point. Columns are also a feature of classic
design, realting back to greek and roman architcture, and as such vertical, tone-on-tone
stripes on the walls or curtains can represent this. The use of classical ornamentation can
also be used to identify a room as being of the classical style.

To Recap, the main characteristics of the classic interior design style are...

Order, symmetry and balance are key.

Room ordered around a focal point, such as the fireplace.

Natural colours and materials.

Elegant fabrics.

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Art Deco Style Interior Design:

The Art Deco style was developed following World War I, to offer people a new style for
a new era. The excitement and optimism of post-war Europe and America formed the
basis for this glamorous and elegant style of design. Art Deco furniture is streamlined in
design. It was modern and sleek for the time while still remaining comfortable. Many
designs of furniture used industrial materials such as bent chrome base that gives the
piece a rocking effect. Wood pieces are highly lacquered in black, with woods used
including exotic Brazilian rosewood, ebony, birds-eye maple, and light maple veneers.
Upholstery is typically of velour, making the rigid structural form more comfortable.

Because Art Deco interiors were relatively minimalist for the time, colours are used
sparingly. Most colour schemes include black, combined with another colour such as
green, red or white while accent colours are usually chrome and/or gold. Pale blue or
dove grey were also commonly used to provide a softening effect against the harsh black.

Art Deco lighting is extensive including ceiling lights, floor lamps, table lamps and wall
lamps. Floor lamps include tall torchieres in wrought iron or chrome with hand blown glass
shades. Some are also of black wrought iron. Table lamps of bright nickel with white,
clear, frosted, or colourful glass shades are common. Wall lamps can be bronze,
aluminum, steel, or silver plated base metal with opaque white or colourful glass shades.
All this lighting is warm, usually orange or yellow in colour.

Surfaces in the Art Deco style are generally sleek and clean, lacking any texture in order
to contrast the more decorative and ornate objects and furniture within the space. Mirrors
made of nickel, chrome, or silver are decorated with motifs of deer, peacocks, roses, and
geometric shapes. Bronze sculptures are sleek covered with coloured or pearl beads.
Desk sets of pen and pencil on a base are streamlined in design. Door handles and
candlesticks molded of nickel, chrome, or silver have woodsy or chevron shapes. Frosted
glass or black and white marble are used for vases. Inlay is common and adds colour and
design. Cameo glass vases show under layers of colour exposed by etching away top
layers of white or clear glass. All these decorative and slightly over the top objects were
a show of renewed wealth and prosperity after the harsh rationing endured during the
war.

To Recap, the main characteristics of the art deco interior design style are...

Glamorous and elegant style.

Industrial metals and lacquered wood.

Black as a main or background colour.

Numerous light sources used.

Bold, colourful patterns.

Intentionally, overly decorative.

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Retro Style Interior Design:

Every few decades, old designs seems to make a comeback, but with a modern twist.
This is referred to as the Retro style, and is an eclectic mix of old styles and new forms,
or new forms with old materials and finishes. The post war fifties and psychedelic sixties
saw a move towards brighter and bolder colours most likely as a backlash to doom and
gloom of the war torn forties. Nowadays Retro interior designs can be described as taking
a little bit of these features and bringing them back into the present in order to create a
new style of interior design that is both modern and fun.

As there is so much to choose from past styles, what you decide to include will ultimately
be your own interpretation of the past, and will therefore be entirely unique and individual.
During each of the past few decades there have been different materials, shapes, colours,
artifacts, and gadgets that have left a lasting impression on all of us, some of which may
be signifigant in the memories from our childhood and may therefore be more suited for
your personal Retro style. Nowadays, anything from the 50's, 60's or even the 70's is
fashionable again. However, because there are so many different ways to go about
incorporating a Retro interior style into your home, it can be difficult to recognize it when
you see it. The key identifying feature can therfore only be described as an old style with
a modern twist.

To Recap, the main characteristics of the retro interior design style are...

Reimagined existing designs.

Eclectic mix of materials.

Classic objects used.

Can be difficult to recognise.

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Urban Style Interior Design:

Urban interiors feature nontraditional home materials and design features, often including
objects that are more traditionally used in an industrial sense. The Urban style sees the
use of galvanized steel, concrete floors, metal siding, exposed beams and unfinished
surfaces to create a distinctly modern, bohemian look. Often random, non functional (in
household terms) objects are included in Urban interiors to create an outdoor or industrial
atmosphere. In more upscale urban interiors, however, the look is far more polished, with
bespoke fixtures, sophisticated finishes and clever small space solutions, such as open
floor plans that allow for multifunctional rooms. You can find some really unique ideas on
the social media feeds of various home furnishings companies. Homeclick posts some
DIY videos on their Youtube page, for example.

This alludes to the central function of urban interiors which is to create space, sometimes
in surprising ways. Combination living/working spaces have become traditional in inner
cities and industrial areas, often referred to as studio apartments. Renovated warehouses
might feature a concrete floor for large scale artwork or production and an upper loft for
a living space. Industrial building converted into highrise apartments, upscale
condominiums and mixed-use buildings are other innovations to urban living spaces and
rather that fighting the existing industrial feature within these spaces Urban interior design
embraces them.

To Recap, the main characteristics of the urban interior design style are...

Use of industrial materials.

Exposed structural materials used as a feature.

Unique (non functional) objects used as features.
 Aims to create open space.
Often seen in converted buildings.

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Country Style Interior Design:

Country style interior design is cosy bearing the resemblance of cottage style. There are
many various culturally different country style designs that have the features of the time
and style that was traditional to those countries. Thus you may find such country style
types as French country, English country, American country, Italian country or Tuscan,
and Modern country. Each type of country style has taken characteristic features of the
culture it was used in. English country is relaxed and comfortable incorporating many
floral patterns as well as stripes and plaids. Natural light wood, such as oak, is used
througout the English country styles. Open space is not considered important in the
country style with large furniture pieces often dominating a space with the walls often
decorated with a varity of pictures, utensils or other objects.

French country style is characterized by deep and bright colours - aubergine, lavender,
yellow, azure blue. colours are built into floral and animal patterns. The furniture is robust
and basic. Italian country style, also known as Tuscan is warm and rustic. It incorporates
such colours as ochre, terracotta, golden yellow, and green. The flooring and fireplaces
are made of natural stone. Unfinished wooden pieces and textured walls accentuate the
rustic feel. American country style has its main feature in simplicity. The furniture can be
stained, painted or unfinished. Modern country style has an updated look. Incorporating
modern art, furniture or lighting into the traditional design makes it more up to date but
still cozy and lived-in.

To Recap, the main characteristics of the country interior design style are...

Cosy and comfortable but sometimes cluttered.

Traditional to the context, e.g. French Country, American Country etc.

Natural and floral patterns used with plaids and stripes.

Robust, bulky furniture.

Rough finishes on materials.

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Rococo Style Interior Design:

The Rococo style of interior design is flamboyant and rich with intricate and ornate
features. Rococo style peaked during 1700 and 1780 in western Europe and the name
Rococo means 'rocaille' in French, which is appropriate as the Rococo's ornate
asymmetry was inspired by natural curves of trees, shells, clouds and flowers. Gold
plasterwork is one of the key features of Rococo decorating style with lavishly decorated
walls and ceilings featuring the contrast of pastels and gold. The use of mirrors was also
a feature of Rococo Interiors and they were usually had intricately-shaped, gilded frames.

Rococo furniture is made of mahogany wood or gilded and upholstered in leather,

brocade or velour. It also has carved and sinuous silhouettes that compliment the wall
and ceiling finishing, which strengthened the ornate theme. Rococo was known for such
colours as yellow, pink, ivory and gold, azure blue and cream. The combination of pastels
and gold is a signature mark of this style. Rococo style favoured curved lines so previously
used asymmetrical square lines and forms were replaced with circular, oval, spiral and
natural forms, even rooms were designed in oval shape or arranged to avoid square form.

To Recap, the main characteristics of the rococo interior design style are...

Flamboyant and rich.

Lots of intricate, ornate, decorative features.

Gold painted plasterwork contrasting with pastel wall colours.

Multiple ornate mirrors commonly used.

Expensive materials used in furniture, e.g. teak and mahogany.

Curves, spirals and ovals are dominant.

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Georgian Style Interior Design:

Early Georgian style was the tail-end of Queen Anne design, and this gradually became
more severe in its lines and architectural detail. The style was copied from Ancient Greece
and Rome, however a lot of Chinese design showed through in the interior. Chinese
motifs like peonies and chrysanthemums were found in the fabric and Chinese porcelain
and motif table lamps were common. colour schemes were pale and subtle cream, dusky
rose, sage, pea green, powder blue. Florals were also found, and in more grander houses,
gold and murals were the preferred wall coverings. Upholstery and curtains often had
matching fabric.

The Georgian interior design style is characterized by delicate furniture with elaborately
carved cabriole legs, ball-and-claw feet, broken pediments, ornate carvings, piercing and
gilding. Fabrics were luxurious, with colours and patterns kept subtle. A royal style
extended into common houses with cabriole legs and claw feet on chairs and baths
creating an almost throne-like feel. Mahogany slowly replaced walnut as the wood of
choice. The fireplace was the heart of the room and was often fully outfitted with cast iron,
carved pillars and medallions, and an opulent fire screen.

To Recap, the main characteristics of the georgian interior design style are...

Copied from Ancient Greece and Rome but with Chinese influences.

Decorative pocelain and luxurious fabrics as features.

Motifs like peonies and chrysanthemums used.

Colour schemes were pale and subtle.

Cabriole legs and claw feet on chairs and baths.
 Fireplace at the heart of the room.

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Victorian Style Interior Design:

The Victorian style originated during the Victorian era and is often described as opulent
and luxurious. Victorian style is the near opposite to minimalism, it is based on an
excessive amount of ornate and flamboyant decorations, accessories, the more you have
on display the better. But Victorian style also includes features in order to avoid clutter.
The exessive decorative furniture and ornamnet are contrasted by plain floor and wall
surfaces.

The Victorian Style uses deep hues, pastels and neutral colours contrast the rich textures
against the bright shades in upholstery and wall coverings. Exotic materials and heavy
woods became available during Victorian era and were used extensively in the furniture
of the time but today you can find pieces of Victorian style furniture in cheaper materials.
This has seen a recent revival in the style with a type of modern victorian style emerging.

To Recap, the main characteristics of the victorian interior design style are...

Opulent and luxurious with excessive decorations.

 Walls and floors kept plain to contrast decorative features.

Decorative but uncluttered.

Deep hues of pastel and neutral colours.

Exotic woods used in furniture.

The Design Process

Padraig Cahill Thursday, November 26, 2015 design process, design project, design
theory, interior styles, process, stages of design, steps in a design

The Design process is a series of steps that a designer takes when working on a
project. The details of each stage will differ depending on the type of design but the
approach should always be the same. It is vital to stick to the design process during a
design as skipping a stage, completing stages out of order or not using the design
process at all will result in a lower quality outcome, an outcome the client is not
happy with or even worse no outcome at all.

The diagram below outlines the basic stages of the design process and below each
stage is explained in more detail.
 The stages of the design process

1. Analyse The Brief

Each design project will begin when a client delivers the designer with a brief. The
brief will outline what the client wants although as the client will likely have no
design experience it is important for the designer to carefully analyse all details given
by the client and if necessary to make further enquiries about the needs of the client. It
may seem overly simple or just plain obvious but this is a key satge in the design
process as if you start out with the wrong idea of what you are being asked to do then
you will never be successful. On the other hand, a specific and detailed outline of the
clients needs based on the brief will allow for a smooth and successful completion of
the design process.

2. Identify The Key Requirements

Based on the analysis of the brief you must identify the most important parts of the
brief and what is required to achieve them, whether it is time, software, hardware,
samples or something else. Ask yourself, what requirements must I fulfil? For
example when designing a poster for an event, the simple act of including the time,
date and venue are much more important than any aspect as a poster without the
necessary details is useless. It is therefore important to identify and prioritise the key
requirements of the brief.

3. Research Existing Design Solutions

Research is important to identify possible design styles and ideas which may also suit
the needs of your client. These samples can be used when meeting with the client to
identify the style of image/design which they prefer. For students research will also
help to familiarise yourself with industry standard designs and the quality of design
which is required.

4. Generate Ideas/Brainstorming
Coming up with an idea for the design, a slogan for a campaign, an image for a poster,
a name for a website etc. can be difficult. However, by focussing on fulfilling the key
requirements of the brief and allowing your research to inspire you it is possible to
generate original designs for your project. Brainstorming is often used where a lack of
ideas is a problem. Free writing is a type of brainstorming which simply involves
relaxing your mind and writing down any and all ideas you have as quickly as
possible without really thinking. Having your research around you can help when
doing this. It may seem very simple but generally people have numerous ideas but
they tend to dismiss them before writing them down, considering them down and
allowing them to be developed into viable design solutions. For help and assistance
visit our article on idea generation.

5. Develop Ideas
It is good practice not to settle on simply one idea but rather to choose 2 or 3 of your
best ideas and develop them through simple sketches, drawings, colour scheme test
pages and font style sheets. These steps all help to develop your ideas and highlight
which one has the most potential for success. Sketching will also help to identify
possible layouts/compositions that can be used.

6. Produce The Design

Once an idea has been selected and sufficiently developed it is time to begin
producing/creating the design. It is important to note that this is commonly the stage
that overeager student designers begin at and without stating the obvious this should
never be done. Depending on the type of design different softwares or materials will
be used to create the design but regardless of the means of production it is important
that the previous stages are not forgotten and that the key requirements are fulfilled.

7. Testing The Design

This is a quick and simple stage of the design process but one that is often overlooked.
For printed designs testing simply involves printing the design to ensure the resolution
and colours are of good quality, that no clipping of important details occur and that
text is readable and without errors. For website design this stage will involve checking
that all features are functional, that links are working and that page loading speeds are
acceptable.

8. Place the design into the intended environment

For printed designs this will involve placing the poster/logo/sign/banner etc. in its
intended position and ensuring that text is readable from an acceptable distant, images
are clear and that the colours do not clash with or blend into their surroundings. For
websites this will involve publishing the website online and rechecking all features
and functions. For other types of designs, such as architecture or interior design, a
programme such as Photoshop can be used to digitally place the design into its
intended environment.

9. Evaluate The Completed Design

Before printing your final design to the client it is vital that you evaluate it without
bias. The easiest way to do this is simply return to stage 2 where you identified the
key requirements of the brief and see if you have successfully fulfilled them. It may
also be useful to get the opinion of others at this stage if you fear you will be unable to
objectively evaluate your own design.

10. Redesign
This step is only necessary if, after evaluation, you feel you have not successfully met
the key requirements of the design brief. This stage involves returning to the
beginning of the design process and returning through each step correcting the errors
which led to the key requirements not been fulfilled.

Design Elements
Padraig Cahill Friday, November 20, 2015 color, colour, design elements, design
theory, elements of design, form, line, point,shape, texture

Understanding the elements of design makes it easier to put these pieces together in the most visually
interesting and effective way.

Design Elements refer to the different types/categories of parts that can be used in the
creation of any given composition. These elements can be combined and arranged in a
variety of ways to create an endless variety of designs, both two and three
dimensional. They may seem like obvious categorisations but understanding them is
important to enhancing your ability to utilise them in your design projects. You should
ideally follow up this article by reading about the Design Principles.

Understanding design elements is key to creating professional designs that are both
simple and stylish. Using the design elements correctly allows you to keep designs
clear and minimal without looking plain or boring; it's a fine line but it is along that
line that the best designs rest. Here the elements are outlined and explained, but how
you use them is dependent of the principles of design that you choose to use. So it is
recommended that you follow up these notes by looking at the principles of design.

Point:
A point is a single dot or mark that has position but is otherwise limited. It is a single
entity in itself and alone it can act as a focal point or a stopping point in a
composition. For example a target or dart board has a single point as its focus.
Together a number of points can have a leading effect where the eye naturally
attempts to "connect the dots" to create a line or form. This is known as the
Gestalt grouping principle.

design element - point

Line:
A line is essentially a series of connected points. There are characterised by their
length, direction and weight. Lines can be straight or wavy, long or short, heavy or
soft, architectural or organic. As such they can be utilised in a variety of ways in a
composition. They can be used to create perspective, outline a landscape, frame a
composition etc.
Form/ Shape:
Shapes are essentially closed lines. Shapes can be two dimensional or three
dimensional. The basic two dimensional shapes are squares, rectangles and triangles
with the related three dimensional shapes being cubes, bricks (technical name is a
rectangular prism) and pyramids. An infinite amount of other shapes exist of course,
whether they are fluid organic shapes or rigid abstract shapes.

Texture:
Texture is the appearance of a surface material. The main differentiation between
textures is that it is either rough or smooth. Textures suggest what a form/shape is
made of and can be created using points, line, shapes or colour. Unlike the other
elements, texture is both a visual and tactile element.
Colour:
Colour is how the eye perceives reflected light. There are many different theories
about colour which are covered in more depth in the section on colour theory. What I
will explain here are the three main components of colour: hue, value and saturation.

Colour properties

Hue is where a colour is positioned on the colour wheel.

Value is the darkness or lightness of a colour.
Saturation is the intensity of a colour.
Space:
Believe it or but in a design what you don't add can be just as important as
what you do. What i'm talking about is empty space. Space is mainly used to
frame an item or object in a composition. By leaving space around something
the viewer is better able to isolate and concentrate on it without the distraction
of any other overlapping or intersecting objects.

space around items allows them to be 'read' more easily

Design Principles
Padraig Cahill Friday, November 20, 2015 alignment, balance, contrast, design principles, design
theory, dominance, principles of design, proportion, proximity, repetition, rhythm, Unity

It is recommended that you read the notes on Design Elements before reading
these notes as some of the terms used here are explained in that section.

There are 5 basic concepts or theories in the area of design, collectively

known as the principles of design; they are Balance (Alignment), Rhythm
(Repetition), Proportion (Proximity), Dominance (Contrast) and Unity. Theses
principles are sometimes know by different names hence the brackets.They
represent the basic rules of how to arrange a composition and create a
successful design. In order words they guide us in the way we arrange the
elements of design. Sometimes we look at an image or object and we find it
aesthetically pleasing or easy on the eye but we may not quite understand
why. The reason is that one or more of the principles of design are at work.

Balance/ Alignment:
Balance refers to the arrangements of design elements within a composition,
how they relate to each other and the overall composition. Elements can have
different visual weights dependent on their size, shape or colour and if
positioned poorly they can unbalance a composition. There are two types of
balance - symmetrical and asymmetrical.

Symmetrical balance

Symmetrical balance is where the weight of a composition is evenly

distributed either side of the centre point of the composition, usually
horizontally or vertically (although radial symmetry is also possible).
 Asymmetrical balance

Asymmetrical balance is where the weight of a composition is not equally

distributed (but is still visually balanced). This is much harder to judge than
symmetrical balance but can be more visually interesting.

Rhythm/ Repetition:
Rhythm can create a sense of movement in a composition by repeating or alternating
elements (often but not always in a pattern). There are 3 main types of rhythm, each
defined by their suggested meaning or the feeling they evoke in the viewer.

Progressive Rhythm
Progressive rhythm shows a progression of lines or forms to create a sense of moving
forward or up.

Flowing Rhythm

Flowing rhythm implies a more natural sense of movement in a composition through

the use or wavy lines or fluid forms usually or unequal size and length.

Regular Rhythm

Regular rhythm is where the elements used are of the same or similar size, length and
weight and are positioned in a pattern (usually but not always).

Proportion/ Proximity:
Proportion is simply the comparative size of elements (usually shapes) relative to each
other or the overall composition. Proportion can be used in a composition to create a
sense of distance or demonstrate a size difference. Proportion can also be used to
create or unhinge the balance in a composition as their visual size and weight will
automatically establish themselves in the composition.

Dominance/Contrast:
Dominance may seem similar to proportion but is actually more to do with the visual
weight of an element. The dominant part of a composition is the one that stands out
the most or appears closest to you. There are 3 stages of dominance: dominant, sub-
dominant and subordinate.
 This images has levels of dominance

Dominant is the primary object/area, the one with the most visual weight, usually
appearing in the foreground.

Sub-dominant refers to the secondary object/area, usually found in the middle ground
of the composition.

Subordinate objects/areas carry little visual weight and usually appear to recede into
the background of the composition.

Unity:
Unity refers to the relationship or connection between the various parts within a
composition and their relationship or connection to the composition as a whole, it is
often achieved by utilising a number of the aforementioned principles. Unity can give
a sense of entirety or wholeness to the composition or equally break it up and create a
sense of variety or disharmony. An image with good unity will draw the viewer in and
focus them around the one area or a few connected areas and generally get the point
across very quickly, so are therefore ideal for advertising. Images/compositions
without unity can be difficult to read or visually awkward.

This image has Unity and Rhythm

16 Simple Design Presentation Tips

Padraig Cahill Monday, November 23, 2015 design, design presentation, design theory, design
tips, interior styles, presentation tips
 Sample Presentation Board

When presenting a single design or an entire design portfolio there are certain tips and
techniques that you should consider. If you are creating a presentation board for an
interior design project, visit our extended article specifically dedicated to Interior
Design Presentation boards. When presenting a design concept board information
contained within the presentation drawings can be supplemented by accompanying
text. This text is another important element in the design of a graphic presentation.
The display of text needs to be considered, it might be boxed out or weaved into the
actual drawings. In terms of the general layout of a presentation board consider these
tips.

General Presentation Tips:

 A good presentation should not be cluttered, it needs to have sufficient space to
allow the information to be easily read and absorbed.
The information may be rendered in varying sizes or using different graphic
styles and techniques.
The content should align purposefully as this will help the viewer read the
individual elements as a collective set.
The graphic presentation style you choose should complement the design idea
being conveyed and of course the presentation should clearly communicate the
designers idea, concept and intention.
Overall keep it clear and simple.
Remember that any text is supplementary; the drawings should remain the
primary means of communication and the focal point of the presentation.

When planning a design presentation portfolio needs careful consideration

and organisation, but using a storyboard framework can help you organise the
content of your portfolio of work. Before you begin follow these steps...

Portfolio Presentation Tips:

Determine the audience for your presentation. What will they want to see?
Write an outline or brief for your presentation
Draw up a sequenced list of content for you presentation
Consider the best format and layout of the sheet(s)
Choose a font style and size that will compliment your images. Remember you
will need to use the font consistently throughout
Consider the distinct, separate sections of your presentation
For concept boards, denote the creative journey of your presentation. Indicate in
words and sketches the sequence of the project and the specific images associated
with it
For multiple page projects, label each page according to the sequenced list of
contents you compiled earlier.
 Consider how the content connects to one another. Edit and revise where
necessary until you are happy with the narrative
Once happy with everything, assemble your portfolio so it corresponds with the
flatplan.

Colour Theory
Padraig Cahill Thursday, November 26, 2015 color 101, colour 101, colour and emotions, colour
meanings, colour theory, design theory

If you understand the theory of colours you are better placed to choose the right colour for the right job

When presenting a design or an idea your choice of colours is very important.

Many surveys have been carried out on the general public to find out what
people like. The findings suggest that very young children like bright, vibrant
colours (reds, yellows and oranges etc...) whilst older people like more gentle
or sophisticated colours and tones such as shades of blue. It is very important
for a designer to understand the way colours are put together/created as this
may help in the selection of the right colour scheme for a particular age group.
Next time you pass a poster look closely at the colours - the designer has
considered them very carefully.

The Colour Wheel

Primary Colours:

These are colours that cannot be created through the mixing of other colours. They are
colours in their own right.

The three primary colours are RED - YELLOW - BLUE.

Primary colours can be mixed together to produce SECONDARY COLOURS.

Secondary Colours:

The table below shows the combination required to produce secondary colours.
YELLOW + BLUE = GREEN
BLUE + RED = PURPLE
RED + YELLOW = ORANGE

The colour wheel can be seen above and this can be used to help remember primary
and secondary colours. The secondary colours are in between the primary colours - for
example - between red and blue is purple. Quite simply, mixing the primary colours of
red and blue paint together will produce the secondary colour purple.

An important rule of the colour wheel is that colours opposite to each other on the
colour wheel usually work well together as a colour scheme. These are known as
COMPLEMENTARY COLOURS. Complimentary colours are often used together in
graphic design as they tend to give the image/graphic a sense of balance and are
visually more aesthetic.

Colours, Feelings, Emotions & Atmosphere:

Designers have a large range of colours at their disposal and most are well aware that
certain colours are associated with feelings and emotions. The diagram below show a
number of popular colours and the feelings/emotions to which they are associated.
Designers, companies and manufacturers use colours cleverly to promote a certain
feeling about their products.
 Colour Associations

Colours also have an effect on your visitors before they begin to read the content of
your web site or printed design. Thus, it is very important for you to consider your
target audience, the psychology of color, and the corporate image you wish to project
BEFORE you complete your design.

When colour is used correctly, it can add impact and clarity to your message and
highlight important points. Alternatively When colour is used incorrectly, it can
compromise your message and confuse your target audience.

Colour can work for your web site and printed materials in various ways:

Colour emphasizes, highlights, and leads the eye to important points or links.
Colour identifies recurring themes (i.e. titles and subtitles are usually the same
colours).
Conversely, colour can differentiate, such as different colours in pie charts and
bar graphs.
 Colour symbolizes and triggers emotions and associations.

The interpretation of a colour depends on culture, profession, and personal preference.

In general, the colours red, orange, and yellow are "exciting" colours and the colors
purple, blue, and green are "calming" colours.

Interpretation of colour is not always a matter of personal preference. For example, in

Western cultures the colour white symbolizes purity; however, in China the colour
white symbolizes death.

To summarise, it is very important to consider your target audience, the psychology of

colour, and the image you wish to project before you construct your web-site, printed
materials, and logo.

For information on creating your own colour scheme for a design project see
the colour schemes section.

Idea Generation Techniques

Padraig Cahill Thursday, November 26, 2015 brainstorming, concept development, design
theory, idea generation, ideas, mind mapping, random idea game

As mentioned in the design process section coming up with an idea for a design,
a slogan for a campaign, an image for a poster, a name for a website etc. can
be difficult. However, by focussing on fulfilling the key requirements of the
brief and allowing your research to inspire you it is possible to generate
original designs for your project.

Brainstorming:
 Brainstorming can be useful but only if you relax and let the ideas flow, don't over think things

Brainstorming is often used where a lack of ideas is a problem. There are numerous
approaches and theories on brainstorming and the different types and their levels of
success are open to interpretation. In design, like many other things, different
approaches suit different people and it is up to you to test out some of the
brainstorming techniques and decide for yourself which one best suits you.

There is already a large amount of existing resources and lists on brainstorming

techniques so it would be fruitless to repeat another one here, instead a selection of
recommended links are listed below for your examination. Everyone is different and
different different techniques work for different people so browse through all the links
below and find a brainstorming approach that works for you - and then stick to it!
Mind Mapping:
A mind map is a diagram used to visually outline information. A mind map is often
created around a single word or text, placed in the centre, to which associated ideas,
words and concepts are added. Major categories radiate from a central node, and
lesser categories are sub-branches of larger branches. The image below is a mind map
which is explaining mind maps!

Sample Mind Map

This can be a useful technique when you want to come up with ideas, images, words
or anything that you can associate with a particular theme, perhaps given to you by a
client. You pre existing connotations of a word, place or colour tend to come out in a
mind map easier than they might in a discussion on the topic.

Random Idea Game:

This is my personal favourite, probably because it is the most fun to do. One thing is
certain with this technique is your ideas will be original.

What you do will differ slightly depending on the type of idea you need but basically
create 5 columns with the headings time, place, person, object and animal. Then as
quickly as possible, so as to prevent over-thinking, write down 10 to 15 related items
in each column. For example in the time column you could write down anything from
2.45pm to the year 2099 or in place it could range from the corner of your living room
to the forest moon of endor! All items can be real or imaginary so don't think just
write.

Once you have done that the fun can begin. At random choose one item from each
column at random (as quickly as possible) and force yourself (again as quickly as
possible) to create a scenario/scene/story that involves them all. You will get some
truly weird and wonderful ideas that you can then use as settings for a computer game,
the basis of a novel, an image for a poster or anything at all really.

Here's one for you.....

"Arnold Schwarzenegger astride a unicorn carrying a mop in the Colosseum of

ancient Rome".
Surreal and weird but also unique and memorable!

The Meaning of Colours

Padraig Cahill Friday, April 12, 2013 color, color 101. colour 101, color basics, color
meanings, colors, color theory, colour, colour basics, colour meanings, colours, colour
theory, design, design theory, graphic design

The Colour Wheel

Designers have a large range of colours at their disposal and most are well
aware that certain colours are associated with feelings and emotions.
Designers, companies and manufacturers use colours cleverly to promote a
certain feeling about their products.

The interpretation of a colour depends on culture, profession, and personal

preference. In general, the colours red, orange, and yellow are "exciting"
colours and the colorus purple, blue, and green are "calming" colours. It is very
important to consider your target audience, the psychology of colour, and the
image you wish to project before you construct your web-site, printed materials,
and logo.

What A Customer Sees

Colours also have an effect on your visitors before they begin to read the
content of your web site or printed design. Thus, it is very important for you to
consider your target audience, the psychology of colour, and the corporate
image you wish to project before you complete your design.
When colour is used correctly, it can add impact and clarity to your message
and highlight important points. Alternatively When colour is used incorrectly, it
can compromise your message and confuse your target audience. The diagram
below outlines the main emotions associated with each of the main colours.

Colours and their meanings

The interpretation of a colour depends on culture, profession, and personal
preference. In general, the colours red, orange, and yellow are "exciting"
colours and the colors purple, blue, and green are "calming"
colours. Interpretation of colour is not always a matter of personal preference.
For example, in Western cultures the colour white symbolizes purity; however,
in China the colour white symbolizes death.

Colour can also work for your web site and printed materials in various other
ways:
Colour emphasizes, highlights, and leads the eye to important points or
links.
Colour identifies recurring themes (i.e. titles and subtitles are usually the
same colors).
Conversely, colour can differentiate, such as different colors in pie charts
and bar graphs.
Colour symbolizes and triggers emotions and associations.
To summarise, it is very important to consider your target audience, the
psychology of colour, and the image you wish to project before you construct
your web-site, graphic design, printed materials or logo.

Shapes And Their Meanings

Padraig Cahill Friday, April 12, 2013 abstract shapes, circles, crosses, design, design
theory, geometric shapes, meaning of shapes,natural shapes, organic
shapes, rectangles, shapes, shapes and their meanings, spirals, squares, theory, triangles
The meaning of shapes can vary widely depending on the type of shape, its
context and the culture analysing it. Shapes can also be either positive or
negative. Be conscious of the shapes you form with negative space as these
are just as, if not more, important than the shapes you form with positive
space. The common shapes shown below will be the focus on the analysis in
this article.
 Different Types Of Shapes

The Meaning of Shapes

There are truly an endless variety of shapes and combination of shapes, each
communicating its own meaning and message. Often the meaning behind
shapes is cultural (a red octagon as a stop sign), particularly as shapes are
combined. Well confine ourselvels to a discussion of some basic geometric
shapes here. Overall curved shapes offer rhythm and movement, happiness,
pleasure and generosity. They are seen as more feminine than sharp shapes
which offer energy, violence and, anger. Sharp shapes are lively and youthful
and are seen as more masculine.

Circles

Circles protect, they endure, they restrict, they confine whats within and keep
things out and their completeness suggests the infinite, unity, and
harmony. Their movement suggests energy and power. Because circles are
less common in design they work well to attract attention, provide emphasis,
and set things apart. They represent and suggest many things such as ...

- community, integrity, and perfection

- the sun, the earth, the moon, the universe
- familiar objects such as wheels, balls, many kinds of fruit
- well-roundedness and completeness

Squares and rectangles

Rectangles are the most common geometric shape encountered. The majority
of text we read is set in rectangles or squares. Squares and rectangles are
stable, they are generally not attention getters, but can be tilted to add an
unexpected twist. Overall they are familiar and trusted shapes which
represent and suggest things such as...

- order and formality

- mathematics and rationality
- conformity, security and solidity
- evenness, equality and peacefulness
Triangles

Triangles can direct movement based which way they point, they can be
stable when sitting on their base or unstable when not.Triangles have energy
and power and their stable/unstable dynamic can suggest either conflict or
steady strength. They can be used to suggest...

- progression, direction, and purpose

- pyramids, arrows and pennants
- self-discovery and revelation
- law, science, and religion
- dynamic tension, action, and aggression

Spirals
Spirals are expressions of creativity. They are often found in the natural
growth pattern of many organisms and suggest the process of growth and
evolution. Double spirals can be used to symbolize opposing forces. They are
cycles of time, life, and the seasons and are a common shape in religious and
mystical symbolism. They can be used to suggest...

- fertility, birth, death, expansion, and transformation

- returning to the same point on a journey
- the release of energy and flexibility through transformation
- the projection of an intention (when clockwise)
- the fulfillment of an intention (when counter clockwise)

Crosses

Crosses are seen as the meeting place of divine energies. The 4 points of a
cross represent self, nature, wisdom, and higher power or being. As with lines
vertical shapes are seen as strong and horizontal shapes are seen as
peaceful. Everything said about vertical and horizontal lines can be said about
vertical and horizontal shapes. They can be used to suggest...

- spirituality, life and healing

- transition and change
- faith, unity, temperance, hope
- relationships and synthesis

The Different Types Of Shapes

There are 3 distinct types of shapes, they are geometric shapes,
natural/organic shapes and abstract shapes.

Geometric shapes are what most people think of as shapes. Circles, squares,
triangles, diamonds are made up of regular patterns that are easily
recognizable. This regularity suggests organization and efficiency. It suggests
structure. Geometric shapes tend to be symmetrical further suggesting order.

Natural/Organic shapes are irregular. They have more curves and are
uneven. They tend to be pleasing and comforting. While they can be man-
made (ink blobs), they are more typically representative of shapes found in
nature such as a leaves, rocks, and clouds. On a web page organic shapes
are generally created through the use of illustration and photography. They
are free form and asymmetrical and convey feelings of spontaneity. Organic
shapes add interest and reinforce themes.

Abstract shapes have a recognizable form, but are not real. They are stylized
or simplified versions of organic shapes. A stick figure is an abstract shape
depicting a person. Typographic glyphs are abstract shapes to represent
letters. Icons are abstract shapes to represent ideas and concepts. Some
abstract shapes have near universal recognition. Think of some of the icons
you see in the software you use daily.
Composition & Layout Techniques
Padraig Cahill Thursday, November 26, 2015 composition, design, design theory, layout

An interesting and unique composition can turn a basic design into something special

In design terms composition is the combining of distinct parts or elements to form a

whole. For example when designing a poster images, heading title and detail text are
all combined together and included on the one page to form the overall image.

Compositional techniques relate to how elements of a design are positioned/used to

enhance the overall aesthetic of the design. In order to help your understanding of the
components of a design composition you may find it useful to read about the Design
Elements and the Design Principles. Below is a short list of some of the most
commonly used compositional techniques.
Linear Perspective:
Linear perspective is where parallel lines appear to converge. It is so called as the
when this happens the lines give the appearance of perspective or depth in a 2D
image. Using linear perspective lines draws the viewer's eye into the composition or
to a particular point in the composition. Note how the railway tracks converge and
lead your eye into the tunnel in the image below.

Linear Perspective seen in picture of railway tracks

Arrangement of Components:
This is the practice of arranging people or objects in an image in a particular way that
leads the viewer's eye to a particular point in the image. Painters in Renaissance times
were famous for doing this. The Last supper is a prime example. In this famous
image, Leonardo DaVinci arranges the people, objects and structures in the image to
direst the eye of the viewer toward Jesus. This belies the seemingly crowed and
chaotic appearance of the scene at first glance. The image below is a last supper copy
by the artist Mark Sanislo.

Arrangement of components seen in the Last Supper

Rule of Thirds:
This involves setting up the image in equal sections of three or a ratio of .33:.66 or
one third is to two thirds. This techniques is very easy to use and is particularly
effective in landscape or seascape photography. The rule of thirds is actually a more
simplified version of the Divine Ratio (also known as the golden mean or golden
ratio). It is not actually known why it works but it is globally accepted that the ratio
creates a more aesthetically pleasing image.

The image below shows lines dissecting an area into thirds with the intersection points
of the lines considered "interest" points where the eye is led to and which are ideal
points at which to include focal points in an image which is using the rule of thirds.
The graph may also look familiar to you from the display options on your digital
camera!

Rule of Thirds graph

The divine ratio is too complex to discuss and explain here but more information can
be found HERE. The image below is byAlistair Wilson.
 Rule of Thirds is used in this photograph

Light and Dark:

This involves highlighting or framing certain areas of an image using light and dark.
Chiaroscuro is a similar technique to light and dark, Chiaroscuro in art is
characterized by strong contrasts between light and dark, usually bold contrasts
affecting a whole composition.
 Light and dark is used to draw attention to the doorway

Geometric Forms:
Using geometric forms, such as squares, circles or triangles to frame an area of an
image or to point/ direct attention to it. This can involve placing a person or object on
a widow sill or in a doorway so the window or door acts as a "frame" around the
person or object. More subtle techniques are more commonly used however.
Renaissance paintings such as "The Oath of Horati" as seen below use geometric
shapes to focus the eye of the viewer toward the crossing of swords which symbolise
the Oath.

Geometric Forms are used in The Oath of Horati

Colour Interaction:
This involves using colours to draw attention to a particular part of an image. Red and
yellow are the brightest colours. Colour interaction also involves using contrasting or
complimentary colours to draw the viewer into the image.

Colour interaction draws attention to the red apple

Top 5 Interior Design Tips

Padraig Cahill Wednesday, November 11, 2015 design tips, interior design, interiors, interiors.
interior design, interior styles, interior tips

1. Start With Something Special

 This room could have started with the blue lamp....
Start a project by picking just one item that you really like. That could be a anything
from a fabric pattern , a piece of furniture, a cushion to a piece of art. The item
doesn't need to be a feature piece it just gets you started.

Then let that item set the theme and style for the room and you'll find that the rest of
your decisions will follow on from that. Easy!

2. Feature Something, But Not Everything

The artwork is left alone on the wall so it can be a feature, other art would only detract and distract from it

Don't try and make everything a feature. Let the real feature stand out, give it room to
breath and be appreciated.

Keep an open mind on what can be a feature. It could be anything from a fireplace to
a painting or maybe an old fashioned chandelier.

3. Keep It Consistent
 This room is consistent in terms of style and colour palette

Aim to maintain the one style throughout the room and preferably throughout the
house, whether your chosen style is traditional, modern, contemporary or of a
particular era.

If you want an eclectic mix it is still possible but choose carefully, as it is a style that
can look very disjointed and messy rather than stylish if there is not some connection
between the items, whether that be colour, design era or materials (eg. natural).
4. Showrooms Are Big Places

Mark out the scale of the furniture you want in the space before you buy

Measure the space and the furniture before you buy

People often make the mistake of buying furniture in a showroom that then looks way
too big when you get it home. Measure your interior space before you buy and ideally
test the scale of the item you want in the place you want using sheets of newspaper to
mark out floor area that will be covered. You can also bring in old chairs and cover
them with sheets to get a feel for height.

And don't automatically go for a suite, especially if you're limited for space. Consider
a sofa and some individual chairs or recliners because the chairs that come in a suite
are often huge.

5. Light Is Open, Dark is Cosy

Even though the room is bright the dark wall and fabrics help close in the space and make it feel more
cosy
 The white wall and light wood floors along with the large mirror make this small space feel open and
spacious

There is a reason that show houses use magnolia and white on the interior walls. It's
because light colours reflect more light and have the effect of making spaces feel
larger so you'll pay more. Mirrors will also achieve the same effect.

There is also a reason that pubs and bars have darker colours on the walls and other
surfaces as it has the effect of closing in the space and making it feel cosy, that way
you'll feel more comfortable and stay longer

These simple but effective colour choices can also be utilised in your own spaces.
Furniture Design History

Furniture design has been a part of the human experience since the beginning of history.
Evidence of furniture survives from as far back as the Neolithic Period in the form of
paintings, wall Murals discovered at Pompeii, in sculpture and examples have also been
excavated in Egyptian Pyramids and found in tombs in Ghiordes (modern day Turkey).
These notes will track the main advancements, developments, styles and materials in
furniture design highlighting the identifying features of each period, the materials used
and show images of some of the most significant pieces of furniture ever designed. The
furniture design timeline below outlines just some of the different periods of furniture
design and gives you a basic overview of the timeline of furniture design history. Choose
from the menu below to look at one furniture design period in more depth.
 Neolithic Furniture | Ancient Egyptian Furniture | Ancient Greek Furniture | Medieval Furniture

Renaissance Furniture | Jacobean Furniture | Colonial Furniture | Rococo Furniture | Revival

Furniture

Art Nouveau Furniture | Bauhaus Furniture | Art Deco Furniture | Modern Furniture

Neolithic Period Furniture:

A excavated site dating from 3100-2500 BC in Skara Brae, Orkney uncovered a range of
stone furniture. Due to a shortage of wood in Orkney, the people of Skara Brae were
forced to build with stone, a readily available material that could be turned into items for
use within the household. Each house was equipped with an extensive assortment of
stone furniture, ranging from cupboards, dressers and beds to shelves and stone seats.
The stone dresser was regarded as the most important as it symbolically faced the
entrance in each house and is therefore the first item that was seen when entering a
house.
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Ancient Egyptian Furniture:

The hyperarid climatic conditions of Egypt since the third millennium BC are perfect for
the preservation of organic material. Thanks to these conditions Ancient Egyptian
furniture has been excavated and various sites and includes 3rd millennium BC beds,
discovered at Tarkhan, a 2550 BC gilded bed and chairs from the tomb of Queen
Hetepheres, and boxes, beds and chairs from Thebes. There were two severe sides to
the furniture excavated, the intricate gold gilded ornate furniture found in the tombs of the
Pharaohs and the simple chairs, tables and baskets of the ordinary Egyptians.

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Ancient Greek Furniture:

Ancient Greek furniture design can be dated back to the 2nd millennium BC, including the
famous klismos chair. The furniture designs are preserved not only by the examples still
in existance, but by images of them depicted in Greek vases. In 1738 and 1748
excavations of Herculaneum and Pompeii revealed perfectly preserved Roman furniture.
The ashes from the eruption at Mount Vesuvius preserved the furniture from 79 A.D. right
up its excavation in the eighteenth century. Characteristic of this early furniture were
highly influenced by the furniture of the ancient Egyptians with a stiff, rectangular, and
unflattering shape. In the 4th and 5th centuries, once the Greeks developed their own
style, furniture became less square and rigid and more curved and flowing.

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Medieval Furniture:
The medieval period was a stark and somewhat crude time, and that is reflected in the
furniture styles of the era. The furniture of the medieval period is very distinctive in style.
Its most notable characteristics are ornate wood carvings on the border of chairs and
canopy beds, garish structural layouts and colours that are basically grey, beige or black.
Forms were mainly square or rectangular with very little in the way of curved lines or
circular forms.

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Renaissance Furniture:
Along with the other arts, the Italian Renaissance of the fourteenth and fifteenth century
marked a rebirth in furniture design, often inspired by the Greco-Roman tradition. Starting
in the fifteenth century, a similar renaissance of culture, occurred in Northern Europe,
particularly in the Netherlands, Belgium and Northern France. These designs were
distinctly different from that of Medieval times and were characterized by opulent, often
gilded designs that frequently incorporated a profusion of floral, vegetal and scrolling
ornamentation. The aim of these pieces were often to showcase the skills of the craftsmen
who made them.

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Jacobean furniture:
After the Renaissance there was a gradual change to a less ornamented, quieter style of
furniture. In Britain table legs, for example became straighter and narrower than were
typical of earlier pieces and instead spiral turned legs became typical of this period. In
general furniture profiles became lower and more rectangular. Later Jacobean furniture,
during the era of Oliver Cromwell the Protector, was very stern, square, and frugal, a
suitable style for a time of relative poverty. But with the return of the monarchy under
Charles II, Carolean furniture once again became more ornate, characterized by intricate
carved stretchers and colourful upholstery with tasseled trim.

By the end of the period, the influence of the British William and Mary style was beginning
to show. Compared to the Jacobean and Carolean pieces this style of furniture was lighter
and more elegant. Inverted, cup-turned legs, bun feet, and serpentine stretchers made
this a very identifiable style.

Colonial furniture:
Across the water in the United States, during the early Colonial period, most furniture
arrived along with the first immigrants. They brought furniture pieces typical of the
Jacobean and Carolean periods in Britain with them, and then later made their own
furniture in a similar style. These pieces were generally sturdy and heavily carved, many
with turned legs and bun feet. In the harsher environment of some of the Colonies these
pieces were simpler representatives of their parent styles, befitting the more
straightforward and utilitarian life of the settlers.

Other settlers also brought their influences with them to the colonies, most notably the
Dutch and French in the Northeast, and the Spanish in the Southwest. Although
recognisably different from the British inspired designs, the Dutch pieces are essentially
in the same tradition. However the different climate and different wood available to
Spanish colonists led to a distinctly different style known as Mission or Southwestern.

The earliest American-made piece of furniture is a chest made by Nicholas Disbrowe

around 1660. Uncompromisingly rectangular, its distinctively carved frame-and-panel
construction, although very reminiscent of earlier British Age of Oak pieces, is already
recognizable as a distinct American style. Many other early Colonial era pieces, such as
wainscot chairs and heavy joint-tables, are similarly in the Age of Oak tradition.

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Rococo Furniture:

In the eighteenth century, furniture design began to develop rapidly, although there were
some styles that belonged primarily to one nation, such as Palladianism in Great Britain
or Louis Quinze in French furniture, others, such as the Rococo and Neoclassicism were
commonplace throughout Western Europe. In reality the term '18th-century furniture'
therefore refers to a wide variety of styles including William and Mary, Queen Anne,
Georgian, Chippendale, Hepplewhite, Sheraton, Adam, Regency, Federal, and the
French periods of the several Louis, Directoire, and Empire.

While seperate, all 18th-century furniture, whether American, British, or French shared a
similar style of construction that is distinct from the subsequent mass-produced furniture
of the 19th century. Eighteenth-century furniture is commonly thought of as representing
the golden age of the highly trained master cabinetmaker, trained in the craft of furniture
design which manifests in highly finished, sophisticated designs.

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Revival Furniture:
The 19th century was marked by the Industrial Revolution, which caused profound
changes in society. With increasing working populations in cities, the rise of a new class
of wealthy of furniture buyers, together with the arrival of mass-production and the demise
of the individual craftsman-designer, the gradual progression of furniture styles that had
developed through the previous centuries was replaced by a raft of imitation or revival
styles. These concurrent revival styles, including Gothic revival, Neoclassicism and
Rococo revival became easy and inexpensive to manufacture as technology developed
during the industrial revolution.

With mass-production technology in place it was a simple matter to graft historically

correct ornaments onto all sorts of furniture, thereby making possible for the creation of
a continual stream of revival styles to meet the demands of the public. The result was a
century of furniture whose common denominator was excessive ornamentation in the
form of applied metal or wood carvings, inlays or stencils.

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Art Nouveau Furniture:

The name "Art Nouveau" is French for 'new art', and it emerged in the late 19th century
in Paris. The style was said to be influenced strongly by the litographs of Czech artist
Alphonse Mucha, whose flat imagery with strong curved lines was seen as a move away
from the academic art of the time. Art Nouveau furniture used lines and curves as
graphical ornamentation and hard woods and iron were commonly used to provide strong
yet slim supporting structures to a furniture pieces.

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Bauhaus Furniture:
Because of the greater availability of a wider array of materials than ever before, and
because of an ever-expanding awareness of historical and cross-cultural aesthetics, 20th-
century furniture is perhaps more diverse, in terms of style, than all the centuries that
preceded it. The first three-quarters of the twentieth century saw styles such as Art Deco,
De Stijl, Bauhaus, Wiener Werkstatte, and Vienna all work to some degree within the
Modernist idiom. The Bauhaus school was founded by Walter Gropius in Weimar in 1919.
In spite of its name, and the fact that its founder was an architect, the Bauhaus was
founded with the idea of creating a 'total' work of art in which all arts, including furniture
would eventually be brought together. The furniture designs that emerged from the
Bauhaus became some of the most influential designs in modern design.

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Art Deco Furniture:

The Art Deco movement began in Paris in the 1920s and it represented elegance,
glamour, functionality and modernity. Art deco's linear symmetry was a distinct departure
from the flowing asymmetrical organic curves of its predecessor style art nouveau. Art
deco experienced a decline in popularity during the late 1930s and early 1940s when it
began to be derided as presenting a false image of luxury, eventually the style was ended
by the austerities of World War II.

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Modern Furniture:
Born from the Bauhaus and Art Deco streamline styles came the post WWII Modern style
using materials developed during the war including laminated plywood, plastics and
fiberglass. In modern furniture the dark gilded, carved wood and richly patterned fabrics
gave way to the glittering simplicity and geometry of polished metal. The forms of modern
furniture sought newness, originality, technical innovation, and ultimately conveyed the
present and the future, rather than what had gone before it as revival styles had done.
This interest in new and innovative materials and methods produced a certain blending
of the disciplines of technology and art. The use of new materials, such as steel in its
many forms; moulded plywood and plastics, were formative in the creation of these new
designs. They were considered pioneering, even shocking at the time especially in
contrast to what came before.

Interior Materials & Finishes

Interior Design Materials and finishes are those things that make up the finished design
of a project. Choosing the right ones will mean the difference between an ordinary look
and one that is unique and stylish. Some examples of Interior Design materials and
finishes include:

Painting Finishes | Floor Materials | Fabrics and Fibres

Interior Design Painting Techniques &

Finishes:
Faux painting with its eloquent styles and numerous techniques can transform the entire
ambience of a space. As the name suggests, faux painting techniques are made to
resemble something else. Faux finishes have many benefits, which even a good
wallpaper, panelling, or application of an elegant paint can't match. The major benefit of
a faux painting is its versatility of use. Faux painting last longer than any wallpaper and
unlike wallpapers, faux painted walls have no seams and it won't ever peel off. Every
home has some wall that just doesn't look good, and one or more walls have holes, cracks
and depressions at places that these paint techniques can improve, hiding these
imperfections and adding style and uniqueness at the same. The condition and the nature
of the surface will determine which technique to use. If the wall is rough and old the use
of the rag rolling technique will make any imperfection in the wall disappear.

Chalkboard Paint:

Chalkboard paint is a type of paint which dries to a finish resembling that of a chalkboard.
Once chalkboard paint has been applied to a surface, it can be used just like a regular
chalkboard. For people feeling creative this paint can also be made at home. One of the
advantages of homemade chalkboard paint is that it allows people to create their own
colours. With homemade chalkboard paint a layer of primer should be applied to the
surface beforehand. For every 250 ml (approx) of paint, two tablespoons of powdered tile
grout can be added before the mixture is thoroughly stirred and then applied.

Colour Washing:

Colour Washing is a popular technique in faux painting using paint thinned out with glaze
to create a wash of colour over walls. Colour washing is an easy to create form of faux
finishing as there is no set outcome it is hard to go wrong. Colour washing can be done
in any colour of paint and is generally applied with a soft cloth or sponge over a solid paint
color, using long circular motions, as if you were washing the wall (hence the name), to
blend the glaze colors together. Continue this wiping technique until the entire surface is
covered.
Dry-Brushing:

Dry-Brushing is a painting technique in which a paint brush that is relatively dry, but still
holds paint, is used. The resulting brush strokes have a characteristic scratchy or linear
look that adds depth and texture to the wall surfaces in contrast to the more common
smooth appearance that washes or blended paint commonly have. The technique is often
used as part of a colour layering decorative process and in model painting to apply
highlights to miniatures.

Crackle Effect:

Crackle Effect painting is a technique used to age a surface so that it looks older or
antique in style. It can be used on walls, or on furniture or porcelain to give them an
antique appearance. When used on walls it is often used alongside other paint techniques
such as colour washing to enhance the worn look. First you apply the base coat of paint,
the colour that you want to show through the cracks. After it has dried, apply two coats of
crackle glaze. The last coat should be applied in vertical strokes if it is a wall, or should
go with the wood grain if on wooden furniture. On top of this apply the final coat, this
should be a flat interior paint, not glossy. The colour is once again your choice.
Ragging:

Ragging or ragrolling is a decorative painting technique created by rolling a point covered

rag over the still moist surface to leave a random and unique patterned effect which can
replicate the appearance of marble or crushed velvet. The subtle and rich finish achieved
mimics that associated with the most expensive wallcoverings. Firstly Apply your base
paint colour to the walls and allow it to dry. Next cover a rag completely with the paint of
your secondary colour, squeezing out any excess paint. Finally squeeze the rag into a
rough ball and dab and roll the rag ball over the wall to create the desired textured pattern.

Sponging:

Sponging adds the look of texture and depth to walls by dabbing or rolling a natural sea
sponge to dab or roll onto the wall in a r andom pattern, leaving a thin coat of glaze on
the surface of the under coat of paint. Always choose a base coat and glaze colour that
are close in tone as too much contrast will result in a splotchy, spotted look which you
obviously will not want. Also don't forget to wear plastic or rubber gloves, as you'll get the
glaze all over your hands. Tip: Use the corners of the sponge to gently dab the paint into
the corners of the wall or ceiling.

Striae:

Striae is a striped effect that can help make ceilings look higher and rooms look larger. It
can be done in any colour, using two tones of the same colour or a single colour alongside
an off-white colour. You will require a specialist stria brush to achieve this effect. Firstly
paint the desired undercoat colour on the wall, giving it two coats, applying the second
only after the first has dried. Next pour latex glaze into a mixing bucket and add the darker
shade of paint with a ratio of five parts glaze to one part paint ensuring to mix the paint
thoroughly. Now paint the darker shade on in vertical strokes if you are painting vertical
striae or horizontally for horizontal striae. Finally, while the paint is still wet, put the striae
brush flat against the wall and pull down the paint in a single motion, from the ceiling to
the floor. As the paint is still wet, you will need to wipe off the striae brush between each
run..

Interior Design Floor Coverings:

Floor covering is a term to generically describe any finish material applied over a floor
structure to provide a walking surface. Materials almost always classified as floor covering
include carpet, area rugs, linoleum, vinyl flooring, wood flooring, ceramic tile, stone,
terrazzo, and various seamless chemical floor coatings. The choice of material for floor
covering is affected by factors such as cost, endurance, noise insulation, comfort and
cleaning effort. Some types of flooring must not be installed below ground level, and
laminate or hardwood should be avoided where moisture or condensation is present in
the air.

Natural Wood:

Natural Wood is wear-resistant, long-lasting, provides a warm natural look which may
darken with age but can be refinished or retouched as your needs change. However it is
vulnerable to water, damp and moisture while softer woods, such as pine, may dent easily
and are difficult to repair. When putting down a wood floor be aware that it may shrink
and expand, creating gaps or warping so it is advisable to remove skirting boards first
and leave room for expansion or shrinking that can be covered by the skirting boards
afterwards. To keep wooden floors at their best place mats at entrances to catch dirt and
put protective pads on the bottoms of chair and table legs to prevent scratches when
moving furniture.
Engineered Wood:

Engineered Wood is artificially manufactured but still consists almost entirely of real wood.
It shrinks and expands less than solid wood and is designed for quicker installation time
often using the 'tongue and groove' approach. It generally comes prefinished so the stain
and protective finishes are already completed and will be more consistent and resistant
to wear and tear than natural wood. As with natural wood though, it is recommended that
you place mats at entrances to catch dirt and put protective pads on the bottoms of chair
and table legs to prevent scratches when moving furniture around the room.

Linoleum:
Linoleum, commonly called lino, is an artificial material but is made of natural raw
materials. It it usually made to mimic other materials such as tiles to offer a more afforable
solution to a customer's needs. It is more durable than vinyl and unlike vinyl its colour
penetrates through the entire material. As it is a softer material it is easier to cut which is
good for DIY installations. This soft nature means it needs to be resealed on an annual
basis and it cannot be left wet. Therefore to keep it at its best clean up all spills
immediately and only damp-mop when needed using clean, warm water.

Tiles:

Tiles are a durable, hard wearing, long lasting, water and stain resistant material. As a
sensually cold material they are best suited to kitchens or bathrooms. Tiles are also a
very commonly used material and therefore there is high demand for them which means
they can be obtained at a relatively low cost and selected from a wide range of colours,
textures, and shapes. On the flip side grout lines and textured tiles can be hard to clean
and low-quality tiles are liable to chip while fragile items dropped on high quality tiles will
probably break. Tip: Always keep some spare tiles after installations as if a tile gets
chipped it is easier to replace one rather than try to repair one.
Carpet:

Carpet is a soft, quiet and warm underfoot and is best used in bedrooms and living
spaces. Carpet is the easiest and most cost-effective floor covering to replace and
upgrade which is just as well as most carpet types are not very durable and will age, wear
and stain more easily than any other floor covering (although there are stain-resistant
fibres available). The warmth, comfort and texture that a carpet brings to a space cannot
be achieved by other floor coverings even is wood, tile or stone covered floors carpet
mats are often used to add some of these qualities to the space. To keep a carpet at its
best it is recommended that you clean any spills immediately, vacuum regularly and use
a deep-cleaning hot water extraction cleaning system every 18 months.
Stone:

Stone is the most durable of all floor materials (Some varieties, such as marble and
limestone, actually absorb stains and dirt). It is a timeless and classic design choice which
can add a beautiful and natural aesthetic to a space. Although it has a higher cost than
many flooring materials it will outlast them all, especially if sealed. Sealing the floor
essentially involves painting it with a protective glue based coating which prevents dust
from the stone rising and reduces the natural be slippiness of some glossy stones.
Despite its hard wearing nature avoid cleaners that are abrasive or contain vinegar, lemon
juice, or harsh chemicals as they can stain the stone.

Interior Design Fabrics & Fibres

Natural fabrics are made of natural supplements and can be expensive to purchase.
However, as its name suggests natural fabric is more durable, soft, luxurious and resilient.
Some of the common used natural fibres used to make fabric are linen, cotton, silk, hemp,
jute, wool, horsehair, cashmere, mohair and camelhair. Artificial fibres are obtained from
different engineered processes or alterations of existing natural fibres. The market of
artificial fibres has widened due to modern techniques. Some of the popular artificial fibres
used to create fabrics are acetate, rayon, triacetate and modified rayon, some of which
are also explained below. Synthetic fibre is again man-made fibre that is used to improve
the quality of natural and artificial fibres. Some of the improved synthetic fibres are acrylic,
nylon and polyester.

Linen:
Linen is a natural fibre derived from the flax plant which provides tough yarn that is slight
glossy and smooth in appearance. The fabric made from linen fibre is moth resistant and
hard wearing. It can be easily washable and is also strong when wet. Linen tends to
crease quite easily yet it makes a good choice for homeowners when it comes to a fabric
for curtains. The collective term "linens" is still often used generically to describe a class
of woven and even knitted bed, bath, table and kitchen textiles. The name linens is
retained because traditionally, linen was used for many of these items.

Silk:

Silk is also a natural fibre and it is obtained from the cocoon of the silkworm moth. Silk is
prized for its fragility and luxury and can be very expensive. Silk is popular among the
luxury items due to its unique texture and lustrous appearance. It requires frequent dry
cleaning and hand washing is strictly prohibited for silk. It also gets creased and can be
damaged if exposed in sunlight. Thus silk must be carefully handled. Silk's absorbency
makes it comfortable to wear in warm weather. Its low conductivity keeps warm air close
to the skin during cold weather. It is often used for clothing such as shirts, ties, blouses,
formal dresses, high fashion clothes, lingerie, pyjamas, robes, dress suits and sun
dresses.
Wool:

Wool is another natural fibre, it is fleeced from sheep and further processed through
various refinements. Wool comes in natural colours but it can be dyed any other colour.
It is considered to be a good insulator and is used in clothing in colder areas to protect
against cold winds. In addition to clothing, wool has been used for blankets, horse rugs,
saddle cloths, carpeting, felt, wool insulation and upholstery. Wool is used to absorb
odours and noise in heavy machinery and stereo speakers. Wool is very versatile and
can be blended with synthetics to create an improved fabric.

Cotton:

Cotton is obtained from the plant of the same name and is a very strong and tough fabric.
Cotton is preferred by homeowners for its numerous properties as it is durable,
economical and airy. These properties also serve it well as a commonly used clothing
fabric, although it can shrink when wet. Cotton is used to make a number of textile
products which include highly absorbent bath towels and robes, denim for blue jeans and
corduroy, bed sheets, socks, underwear, and most T-shirts are made from cotton. Cotton
is also widely used for decorative fabrics as it doesn't fade away easily.

Rayon:

Rayon is produced from processed wood pulp and is valued for its hardness, strength
and high absorbency although it does lose its strength when wet and can shrink more
than cotton. It is also more prone to burning and can rapidly catch fire. Some major rayon
fibre uses include blouses, dresses, jackets, lingerie, linings, scarves, suits, neckties,
hats, socks, bedspreads, bedsheets, blankets, window treatments, upholstery,
slipcovers, medical surgery products, non-woven products, tire cord, feminine hygiene
products, diapers and towels. Rayon is widely used because it is economical and has
excellent drapery properties and is a common substitute for a variety of natural fibres.

Acetate:
Acetate also known as Cellulose acetate fibre, is also obtained from wood pulp but is low
in absorbency and strength. As a very valuable manufactured fibre that is low in cost and
the properties of acetate have promoted it as the 'beauty fibre' as satins, brocades, and
taffetas to accentuate lustre, body, drape and beauty. It is moth resistant and is therefore
widely used for drapery. After rayon, acetate is common substitute for a variety of natural
fibres as it is versatile and inexpensive. It is further used in the making of satins and other
fibres.

Acrylic:

Acrylic is made from the polymerization of free radicals and is lightweight, soft and warm.
Acrylic doesn't crease easily, is shrink resistant and highly resilient. This fibre is also moth
resistant but is sensitive when exposed to sunlight. Acrylic can also be made to mimic
other fibres, such as cotton, when spun on short staple equipment. Its fibres are very
resilient compared to other synthetics and natural fibres. Some acrylic is used in clothing
as a less expensive alternative to cashmere, due to the similar feeling of the materials.
Some acrylic fabrics may also fuzz easily. Acrylic takes dying and colouring well, is
washable, and is generally hypoallergenic. Uses include socks, hats, gloves, scarves,
sweaters, home furnishing fabrics, and awnings.
Polyester:

Polyester is a byproduct of petroleum, it is considered to be very strong and can be hand

washed. Other characteristic of this synthetic fibre are that it is shrink resistant, moth
resistant, crease resistant and it retains its shape well. Polyester is often mixed with
natural fibres in order to create more improved fibres which are extremely strong and
durable for use in furnishing and upholstery. Fabric balls knitted from polyester thread or
yarn are used extensively from shirts and pants to jackets and hats, bed sheets, blankets
and computer mouse mats. Industrial polyester fibres, yarns and ropes are used in tyre
reinforcements, fabrics for conveyor belts, safety belts, coated fabrics and plastic
reinforcements with high-energy absorption.

Nylon (Polyamide)

Nylon (Polyamide) is formed with tar, coal and petroleum. Nylon, nicknamed as it was
created by scientists from new york and london, is tough, resilient fibre with high elasticity.
Nylon is non-shrinkable, crease resistant and easily washable. Nylon is valued for all
these characteristics and has proved to be the most durable synthetic fibre available.
Nylon fibres are used in many applications, including fabrics, bridal veils, carpets, musical
strings, and rope. Nylon was intended to be a synthetic replacement for silk and it was
substituted for many different products after silk became scarce during World War II. It
replaced silk in military applications such as parachutes and flak vests, and was used in
many types of vehicle tires.

Of course, this is by no means an exhaustive list of Interior Design materials and finishes
as there are many more materials and finishes out there, so go explore!

Furniture Materials and Wood

Types

Wood is the most versatile, renewable and sustainable resource on the planet which is
why wood is also the most commonly used material in the creation of furniture. As wood
is an organic material and can be native to specific regions you may find that different
woods are traditionally more commonly used for furniture in different countries.
Nowadays, with the cost of travel and transport at an all time low these different woods
are imported and exported at a much higher rate and the options for furniture makers are
at an all time high. New, man made 'woods' have also added to the variety of options
available and it is up to the furniture maker to decide which wood is best for any given
project. Other materials are of course used for either structural or aesthetic properties
and they are also discussed here. Browse the list below to learn about the qualities and
common uses of each type of furniture material.
Cedar | Cherry | Chestnut | Chipboard | Elm | Fir | Glass | Hemlock | Lime | Mahogany | Maple | MDF

Oak | Pine | Plywood | Plastic | Rosewood | Spruce | Steel | Teak | Walnut

Cedar:

Cedar is a reddish soft wood native to Lebanon, western Syria and south central Turkey
where it is traditionally used in the making of Venetian Blinds. It has a distinctive sweet
odour which is why it is extensively used in chest making, closet lining and household
novelties. It is very easy to work with, uniform in texture and is also resistant to decay
leading to its use as an outdoor house shingle.

Cherry:

Cherry is close grained hard wood that resists warping and shrinking well. The native
range of the wild cherry extends through most of Europe, western Asia and parts of
northern Africa. Cherry wood reddens when it is exposed to sunlight. It ages well and is
extensively used in cabinet making, boat trim, novelties and solid furniture handles.
Chestnut:

Chestnut is a hard wood native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. There
are numerous variations, the most popular of which is Spanish Chestnut. Chestnut wood
loses it's durability when grown beyond 50 years so it is difficult to get large, long timber
from it. It has always been highly valued for small outdoor furniture pieces, where
durability is important, as well as fencing and wooden shingles for covering buildings, it
is also used to make barrels.

Chipboard:

Chipboard is an artificial wood made like MDF but from actual wood chips, hence the
name. It is widely used for the structural casing of kitchen furniture and cabinets which
are then covered with a laminate or wood veneer. It is also widely used for low cost sub
flooring. It is only useful in sheet form and cannot be easily used or worked in any other
format.
Elm:

Elm is valued for its interlocking grain which gives it a high resistance to splitting, with
significant uses in chair seats and coffins. Elm wood is also it quite pliant and is available
in long planks due to the long, straight, trunks of the tree, For these reasons elm is
favoured as a source of timber for keels in ship construction. Elm was historically used by
bowyers during the Middle Ages to make longbows.

Fir:

Fir is a fast growing soft wood which is uniformly textured and has a very low resistance
to rotting and decay. It is easy to work and finishes well. Fir is used for making furniture,
doors, picture frames, window frames, general millwork and as an interior trim. It is also
a main component of plywood.
Glass:

Glass in its ordinary form will break under pressure into sharp shards, and is therefore
not suitable for use in furniture. Toughened glass is formed from a prepared sheet of
ordinary glass which has been heated and then rapidly cooled with cold air, this heating
and rapid cooling process results in the outer surfaces contracting and solidifying before
the interior, thereby inducing permanent compressive stresses into the surfaces of the
glass. This type of glass is suitable for use in furniture manufacture and can even be bent
and curved.

Hemlock:

Hemlock is a lightweight softwood that is native to the North American continent but is
also grown in Europe. It machine cuts well due to the wide grain and rarity of knots. It is
uniformly textured and has a low resistance to decay. It is mainly used as a construction
timber for planks, door panels, sub flooring and transportation crates.
Lime:

Lime is a hard wood native to Britain that is a pale yellow colour, which gradually darkens
over time. Lime has excellent carving properties and it is especially favoured for delicate
work by master woodcarvers. Seasoned lime is very stable and is soft enough to be
carved and yet firm enough to hold a precisely cut surface well. Lime also stains well, has
good bending properties and is often used for making furniture.

Mahogany:

Mahogany is finely grained hard wood which is reddish brown color. It is extremely
durable and resists swelling, shrinking, warping and twisting. Mahogany is used
extensively for high quality, expensive furniture such as wooden cabinets and veneered
tables and dressers. It is also used in the construction of boats due to its high resistance
to swelling and warping caused by water.
Maple:

Maple is a fine textured hard wood native to Asia with immense strength and hardness.
With moderate shrinkage, maple machines well and is best used in flooring, fine furniture
and hard wearing surfaces such as bowling alley lanes. Maple is a very light coloured
wood and it is sometimes even bleached before finishing to make it even whiter.

Medium Density Fibre Board (MDF):

MDF is an artificial wood made from powdered wood bonded with glue and compressed
to form sheets usually 2400mm x 1200mm in size. It is quite soft, fairly pliable and very
easy to work with. It cuts, sands and finishes very easily. It is used widely for interior
projects especially for cupboards and shelving. Due to its nature it is highly recommended
to wear a face mask when sanding MDF as the particles are tiny and easily inhaled.
Oak:

Oak is a hard wood, light in colour, which has good pliable qualities despite its durable
nature. It stains and finishes well and resists moisture absorption. Oak is great for
furniture, for which it is commonly used, due to its natural aesthetic qualities as well as its
strenght. It is also used for boat framing, wooden desks and flooring.

Pine:

Pine is a fast growing soft wood native to Scandinavia. It has a uniform texture and is very
easy to work with. It finishes well and resists shrinkage, swelling and warping despite
having a wide grain. It is widely used in the construction of timber frame houses, panelling,
mass produced furniture, wood pallets and numerous other items. It is one of the most
widely used timbers in the world and is so fast growing that it is 'farmed' in countries all
over the world.
Plywood:

Plywood is an artificial wood that was invented during the Second World War and was
primarily used to build boats and landing craft for the military. It is made from numerous
thin laminates of wood glued together. Each layer is at right angle to the grain of the other
to give it great strength while also allowing it to remain quite pliable. The thinner the sheet,
the more pliable it will be. It is used widely in the building industry as a sub flooring material
or as a structural casing between walls.

Plastic:

Plastic is an artificial material that was created in 1862 in London. The material was
originally called Parkesine was an organic material derived from cellulose that once
heated could be moulded, and retained its shape when cooled. It has since been
developed greatly with numerous variations but its original properties remain its most
valuable. The ability to mould plastic into any form has made it a very popular material for
mass produced furniture but also for modern bespoke furniture where any shape or form
is possible.
Redwood:

Redwood is native to a narrow strip of land along the lower west coast of America. It is
light but relatively durable softwood that is easy to work with. It has a good natural
resistance to rotting and decay and is therefore commonly used for making outdoor
furniture, fencing and house panelling. It is named for it's colour, a deep pinky, red hue
through the wide grain.

Rosewood:

Rosewood is tight grained hard wood with dark reddish brown color. It is hard to work with
and requires a lot of polishing to achieve a good finish. It is commonly used for making
musical instruments such as pianos, as well as tool handles, sculptures, veneers and
furniture. It has also has a uniquely pleasant fragrance which sets it apart from most other
woods.
Spruce:

Spruce is a relatively strong soft wood native to Scandanavia that finishes well but has a
low resistance to rotting and decay. It possesses moderate shrinkage and is light in colour
and weight. It is a good option for making masts and spars for ships, aircraft, crates,
boxes, general millwork and ladders due to its favourable strength to weight ratio.

Steel:

Steel, especially tubular steel, became popular as a furniture making material after the
popularity of the Wassily Chair, also known as the Model B3 chair, which was designed
by Marcel Breuer in 1925-1926 while he was the head of the cabinet-making workshop
at the Bauhaus, in Dessau, Germany. This modern designed showcased the potential
use of tubular steel as a structural as well as an aesthetic material which gave added
options to furniture designers in terms of what unusual support sytems were now possible.
Teak:

Teak is a renowned hard wood that is very moisture resistant. It resists warping, cracking
and decay and is used in a wide variety of ways that make use of its extreme strenght
and hard wearing qualities, these include furniture, panelling, window frames, ship
building, church doors and flooring. It is also sometimes used as a construction timber for
its load bearing capabilities, for example, as a cross beam.

Walnut:

Walnut is a hard word that is fine in texture, dark in colour and strong yet easy to work. It
resists shrinking and warping and can take numerous types of finishes as it takes stains
and glazes very well. It is used mainly for making solid and veneered furniture, cabinets,
wall panelling and decorative novelty trinkets. The English Walnut actually originated in
Persia, and the Black walnut is native to the United States.