Interior decoration
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Interior decoration or décor is the art of decorating a room so that it is attractive, easy to use, and functions well with the existing architecture. The goal of interior decoration is to provide a certain "feel" for the room; it encompasses applying wallpaper, painting walls and other surfaces, choosing furniture and fittings, such as light fixtures, floorplans and providing other decorations for the area such as paintings, sculptures and carpets.
Interior decorating is done professionally by certified interior decorators C.I.D. It is considered a design field.
There is a distinct difference between interior decorating and interior design. Interior decorating is generally focused on the interior items of a space, such as furniture, accesories, finishes, and layout. Interior design, on the other hand, involves manipulating the architectural integrity of the interior space.
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[edit] History
The role of interior decorator probably came into existence in the 1720s in Western Europe, though it was filled by men of diverse backgrounds. Although William Kent trained as a history painter, he is often cited as the first individual to take charge of an entire interior, including internal architecture, furniture selection, and the hanging of paintings.
In London, this role was frequently filled by the upholsterer (sometimes called the upholder), while in Paris the marchand-mercier (a "merchant of goods" who acted as general contractor) often filled this role. Architects both in Britain and on the continent also often served as interior decorators. Robert Adam, the neoclassical architect, is perhaps the most well-know late-century example of an architect who took on entire interiors, down to the doorknobs and fire-irons. Other 18th-century men who filled the role of interior decorator include: Sir William Chambers, James Wyatt, Dominique Daguerre (marchand-mercier who emigrated to England),
In the 1830s, interior decorators were responsible for the revival of interest in Gothic and Rococo styles in England. By the later 19th century, some firms set themselves apart as "art furnishers".
Modern interior decorators began with Lenygon and Morant in London, Charles Alavoine and Jeanselme in Paris, and Herter Brothers (from 1864) and Elsie De Wolfe and Ogden Codman in New York.
Other early interior decorators:
Although most professional interior designers of today attend accredited interior design schools and pass nationally, recognized competency examinations, many of the most famous designers and decorators during the 20th Century had no formal training: Sister Parish, Mark Hampton, Robert Denning & Vincent Fourcade, Stephen Chase, Mario Buatta, John Saladino, and many others were trend-setting innovators in the worlds of design and decoration.
[edit] Room theme
A theme is a consistent idea used throughout a room to create a feeling of completeness. These themes often follow period styles. Examples of this are Louis XV, Victorian or Art Deco. The evolution of interior decoration themes has now grown to include themes not necessarily consistent with a specific period style allowing the mixing of pieces from different periods. Each element should contribute to form or function or both and maintain a consistent standard of quality and combine to create the desired design.
[edit] Education
Educational requirements for interior decorating differ from requirements for interior design instruction. Many vocational schools and colleges offer certificate and Associate degree programs to fulfill study requirements for interior decorating. Instruction in interior decorating can be acquired through programs conducted in traditional, instructor-led classes and distance education (online) classes at select educational institutions.
[edit] On television
Interior decoration has become a popular television subject. In the United Kingdom (UK), popular interior decorating programs include Changing Rooms (BBC) and Selling Houses (Channel 4). Famous interior designers whose work is featured in these programs include Linda Barker and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. In the United States, the TLC Network airs a popular program called Trading Spaces, a show with a format similar to the UK program Changing Rooms. In addition, both Home & Garden Television (HGTV) and the Discovery Home networks also televise many programs about interior design and decorating, featuring the works of a variety of interior designers, decorators and home improvement experts in a myriad of projects. Fictional interior decorators include the Sugarbaker sisters on Designing Women and Grace Adler on Will & Grace.
