Interior decoration ideas

“A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” These words of the famous English poet John Keats captured the very essence of human psyche and are sources of eternal encouragement for all beautification ideas in general and interior decoration ideas in particular. Humans, since times immemorial, have been in quest of beauty; not only beautifying themselves in the process but also taking efforts to beautify their surroundings. This is evident from the cave paintings of prehistoric origins where paintings were done not only to communicate but also to beautify their surroundings. The art, architecture and the paintings of the ancient civilizations around the world all prove that the sense of beauty is inherent among homo-sapiens.

Interior decoration ideas of modern drawing room consists of sofa sets with cushions, centre table, carpet, wallpapers, etc.

Decoration of modern drawing room

Wikipedia defines interior decoration “as the art and science of enhancing the interiors, sometimes including the exterior, of a space or a building to achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment for the end user.”

Interior decoration ideas of designers transform our working and living places or for that matter any space into stylish, comfortable places where we love spending time.

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A peek into Indian mythologies tell us about Vishwakarma, who is considered the God of architecture. It is believed that he is the divine designer of the entire universe and is the one behind the planning and beautifying the homes of all the Gods. Hindu mythology is full of stories of his many architectural wonders from which we learn that it is not merely the construction of a building that he was involved with but also the stupendous interiors of the palaces of the Gods and famous kings that is awe-inspiring for any reader of Hindu mythology. We can use those treasures of interior decoration ideas for our sweet homes.

If we go back in history, most of the ancient civilizations bear testimony to the fact that well decorated, beautiful homes were nothing but an expression of the aesthetic sense of humans. Readers of history are well aware of the beautiful paintings, murals and sculptures of the Egyptian civilization. Not only the artwork done in their houses, whether they were modest or grand, Egyptians are also known for their rich textiles which they used to beautify their homes.

As we explore Roman and Greek history we get a glimpse of their sense of beauty. Who isn’t aware of the legendary frescoes and paintings of ancient Rome and Greece that still fill people with awe and wonder and give us a peek into their sense of aesthetics?

Renaissance

The period of Renaissance in Europe between the 14th and the 17th centuries saw a shift from the middle ages to the modern period in every aspect of life. Humanism, elegance, beauty were the key ideas that drove artists, sculptors and painters. Renaissance saw the likes of Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci and their famous works of art.

interior decoration ideas of renaissance style

glimpse of renaissance style

Houses, during this period, had huge interior spaces with ornamental decorations. Wooden ceilings had beautiful carvings and were usually gilded. The colors used were mostly rich and deep, pastels and cool whites were also in vogue. Furniture had rich carvings, inlaid or gilded with gold or even painted. Fabrics usually in vogue during this period were brocade, velvet and satin.

Alosio da Milano, Baccio D’Agnolo, Giovanni Battista Aleotti are some of the famous architects of the Renaissance period.

interior decoration ideas at renaissance period

renaissance period architecture

Baroque Style:

Interior decoration ideas during the Baroque period in Italy saw high style furnishing and interior designing from early 17th to mid-18th century. Interiors became more ornate and intricate. This period saw the use of Lambrequin and marquetry to enrich the interiors. Bold, contrasting colors were typical and so were symmetry and precision. Religious frescoes and complex architectural details made up the interiors. Plant motifs were done on the walls and the ceilings were decorated with images of putti (little boys) especially in public buildings.

interior decoration ideas of baroque art

picture of baroque art

Furniture had carvings of plant motifs and gilt frames were also common.

Latin America also saw a strong influence of the Baroque style. The catholic churches, public buildings, official and private residences that were built in the 18th and the 19th centuries reflect the Baroque style.

Interior designing, during this period also saw drastic changes. The opulent palazzi of the rich were decorated with rich tapestries, stylish furniture, beautiful frescoes and grand sculptures. The middle classes too inculcated beauty in their surroundings. Furniture also, was rich in style inlaid with ivory, gold, precious stones etc. Bernini, Borromini, Carlo Fontana were some of the famous architects and designers of this period.

Rococo style:

Baroque style of interior decoration ideas gave way to Rococo style in the early 18th century. It was characterized by grace and charm, lightness and elegance. The walls, ceilings and moldings had decorations and motifs in delicate curves interlaced together based on the shapes of ‘S’ and ‘C’. The interior designs of Nicolas Pineau, Pierre Le Pautre, Jean Berain exhibit these elements. Shells were used for embellishments. Gold, light pastel, ivory whites were the colors that dominated. Mirrors were also used to enhance a sense of space. Furniture was usually upholstered with velvet and silk and were usually lacquered. Thomas Chippendale changed the face of furniture designs during this period by adapting to the Rococo trends. Glass and crystal, bronze, brass and copper decorative pieces were widely used.

Further finterior decoration ideas for rococo age.

Art of rococo

Industrial Revolution:

With the industrial revolution taking place in Great Britain in the 18th century and with the development of society came a change in people’s perception to life and living standards. The middle class with their new found affluence wanted beautiful, lavish homes. They started realizing that a well-designed home with all the paraphernalia of wealth was a guaranteed way to ensure their status in society. This trend became noticeable in the mid-19th century.

Earlier, doing up the interiors was solely the homemaker’s concern. Sometimes a carpenter or an upholsterer would be employed to advice on the designing of the interiors. Architects too, would employ artisans or craftsmen to do the interiors of any building.

As industries started growing, so did the purchasing power of the people. Large furniture firms started offering variety of furnishing for the full house. Industries flourished during the 1950s and 1960s and the furnishing houses started employing builders, textile designers, furniture designers, as well as engineers and technicians to suit the growing needs of the people. People not only wanted to have their homes tastefully decorated, but also their office spaces. Every new project demanded interior work.

The traditional high-end furniture houses made the most of this golden opportunity. Catalogs advertising the services provided by these business houses were circulated. A very effective mode of advertisement, to entice the public, done by these furnishing houses were setting up model rooms at exhibitions complete with beautiful interiors. Sometimes a part of a large department store was used for this purpose.

Technological advances saw the introduction of new materials, techniques and forms to all aspects of interior designing. It was during this time that dishes, glass, textiles, furniture and wallpapers were manufactured in large quantities at prices that people could afford. Glass, steel and cast iron were being used in buildings which made skylights and natural lighting more popular. Eclectic works in furniture designing emerged with technology helping in the production. Bentwood furniture was introduced during this time by craftsman Michael Thonet.

Neoclassical Style:

Italy was one of the founders of the Neoclassical style of designing which began in mid-18th century. Although this movement started in Italy, France and England led the way in this style of interior decoration ideas. Giovanni Battista Piranesi’s book ‘Diverse Maniere d’Addornare in Cammini’ tells us that he believed Neoclassical interior design were unique in Europe as they combined the flamboyant style of Rococo with the classical style of neoclassic period.

This period saw designs turning simpler but more elegant. The shades of green both dark and light, pale blue, terracotta, lilac, apricot colors lent touch of sophistication. Circular and oval rooms were introduced. Ceilings became important during this time which were often painted with classical scenes. Patterns created on ceilings also reflected in the floor designs which were sometimes done in marble or scagliola (an imitation of marble). Specially woven carpets to match the ceilings were also used.

Furniture designs were simple and matt colors were used. Satinwood furniture which was not painted was popular although mahogany was preferred for the dining area.

neoclassical interior decoration ideas

Glimpse of neoclassical interior

Wallpapers printed with classical designs started trending. Window and upholstery fabrics of the same colors were used. Chinese painted silks and brocade made in England were also used to enhance the interiors.

The greatest influence on this style was that of Robert Adam in England. He gave a new interpretation to the concepts and architecture of various cultures that include Roman and Greek and incorporated them in his designs.

Empire Style:

The Empire style which followed the neoclassical period was seen in the early 19th century. This style had a strong influence on the American Federal style, an example being the Capitol building of Washington D.C. The style was sober. Buildings had simple timber frames and box like constructions. Furniture used ebony details and Ormolu details. The ancient Greek and Roman symbols and ornaments inspired the architects of this period. Buildings had timber frames veneered in mahogany

Charles Percier and Pierre Fontaine were the two architects who created the French Empire style.

Art Nouveau

This interior decoration ideas was most popular between 1890 and 1910. It included a wide range of decorative arts in architecture, interior design, furniture, jewelry, textiles, ceramics and glass art. An important influence during this period was woodblock printing of Katsushika Hokusai from Japan known as Japonism.

The buildings often had curved forms of ornamentations based on flowers, plants or animals. Facades were asymmetrical and decorated with polychrome ceramic tiles. Textiles and wallpapers were indispensable elements while decorating the interior. Several distinctive motifs like geometric forms, floral and batik patterns were also used. Furniture made of expensive wood was used. They were usually varnished or polished and designs with curved shapes were extremely expensive.

Art Deco

This was a takeoff of many different styles which sometimes were contradictory but united to give a touch of the modern. It started in France just before the First World War. This style was influenced by the geometric patterns of Cubism and the bright colors of Fauvism. Furniture was inspired by the Louis Philippe and Louis XVI era. The exotic styles of India, China, Japan, ancient Egypt and the Maya art had a great influence on every aspect of this period. At its peak, Art Deco represented glamour, luxury and vivacity.

American skyscrapers saw the zenith of the Art Deco style. The Chrysler building, the Rockefeller Centre, the Empire State building entirely changed the skyline of New York. This was one of the first international styles whose dominance ended with the beginning of the Second World War. Designs became strictly functional which was followed by the international style of architecture.

Deco art is a prime of the interior decoration ideas

Deco Art

Various styles in interior designing evolved with changes in people’s perceptions` and demands based on their lifestyles. People nowadays want style and functionality fused together. Here are some of the styles that are in vogue today:

Modern:

This was started by the Bahaus school of Design in Germany in 1919. This style focuses on functionality avoiding the excessive decorations and accessories. It is ideal for smaller spaces as it makes the maximum use of the space available while at the same time giving an impression of spaciousness. Asymmetrical balance and polished finishes in furniture, neutral colors are the main features of this style.

Mid-century Modern:

This style is characterized by natural shapes, refined lines. The mid-century modern masters like Saarinen, Niemeyer, Jacobsen used aluminum, molded plastic and plywood to create versatile styles in interior décor. The mid-century modern style is all about focusing on functionality than embellishments.

Scandinavian:

This style is an offshoot of the Mid-century modern look. Furniture is simple, contemporary and functional. It sometimes makes use of the Bahaus principles and focuses on proportion of objects and mass appeal. Colors used are soft with whites and grays as the foundation colours.

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