Interior design is a discipline that is both an art and a science. It requires an eye for aesthetics as well as a practical understanding of the structural and functional requirements of an indoor space. Interior designers are involved in the planning of the architecture of a room, including technical considerations such as door and window placement to ensure that the traffic flow, lighting, acoustics and effectiveness of the room are optimized. They are also responsible for establishing the color palette, furnishing and adorning the space with decorative items to reinforce a particular style or mood. Interior decorators, conversely, focus only on the aesthetics.
Rudimentary technical interior design from the 17th century through the early 19th century was done primarily by artisans or craftsmen working with architects. Interior decoration fell to homemakers or upholsterers who provided guidance on the artistic style of an indoor space. As the middle class grew, during the industrial revolution in the mid-late 19th century, interior design increased. Furniture companies began to offer interior design services to meet the growing demand for domestic expression and desire for a variety of furnishing styles. Amateur interior designers and publications emerged in the early 20th century. The profession became more established in the 1950s, after World War II when home spending increased. Colleges began offering courses in interior design, textbooks were written on the subject and organizations were founded to establish oversight of the profession.
Current interior design associations include:
American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)International Interior Design Association (IIDA)Interior Design Society (IDS)Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ)Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA)