Interior Decoration

Interior decoration or decor 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, wall decals, 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. In some cases, interior decorating is performed professionally by certified interior decorators (C.I.D.)

Although the terms interior decorating and interior design are sometimes used interchangeably, each discipline exhibits a distinct difference in its scope. Interior decorating is generally focused on the selection and presentation of interior items within a space, such as furniture, accessories, finishes and room layout. Interior design, on the other hand, involves manipulating the architectural integrity of the interior space.

Interior Architecture

Interior architecture bridges the practices of interior design and architecture so that professionals working in the field have a structural and load bearing education with an emphasis on interior spaces. The field is similar to architecture in that it deals with structures and load bearing walls. It is similar to interior design in that it focuses on interior spaces.

The National Center for Education Statistics's definition of Interior Architecture: "A program that prepares individuals to apply architectural principles in the design of structural interiors for living, recreational, and business purposes and to function as professional interior architects. Includes instruction in architecture, structural systems design, heating and cooling systems, occupational and safety standards, interior design, specific end-use applications, and professional responsibilities and standards."

In the United States, what is considered "interior design" is called "interior architecture." However, a practicing professional cannot use the title of "Interior Architect" unless they complete the requirements for becoming a licensed architect.

In mainland Europe (that is excluding the anglo-Saxon countries) the term "Interior Architecture" is generally used. In many European countries the use of the title "Interior Architect" is legally regulated. For more information see ECIA

INTERIOR DESIGN

Interior design is a practice concerned with anything that is found inside a space - walls, windows, doors, finishes, textures, light, furnishings and furniture. All of these elements are used by interior designers to develop a functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing space for a building's users.

The work of a interior designer draws upon many disciplines including environmental psychology, architecture, product design, and traditional decoration (aesthetics and cosmetics). They plan the spaces of almost every type of building including: hotels, corporate spaces, schools, hospitals, private residences, shopping malls, restaurants, theaters, and airport terminals. Today, interior designers must be attuned to architectural detailing including: floor plans, home renovations, and construction codes.

Although the terms interior design and interior decorating are sometimes used interchangeably, each discipline exhibits a distinct difference in its scope. Interior design involves manipulating the architectural integrity of the interior space. Interior decorating, on the other hand, is generally focused on the selection and presentation of interior items within a space, such as furniture, accessories, finishes and room layout.

Remodeling Software ProjectsWhat Will Your New Remodeling Project Look Like? Home Designer Knows!

Create Designs with 3D Models

Move a wall, change a color, add a room, redesign a kitchen, estimate the costs - all before you build. Home Designer makes it easy to visualize your design ideas with your next home or remodeling project. Quickly place and arrange walls, windows, doors, cabinets, furniture, and automatically generate a 3D model so you can visualize and edit your design - it’s easy and it’s fun.

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Project Cost Estimating
Want to estimate the cost of your remodeling project? Home Designer™ will automatically generate a materials list in a spreadsheet format that you can enter the cost of each item into - tile, cabinets, concrete, decking materials, and more.

Visualization Tools
Create a virtual walk through of your design by selecting various camera views or create a virtual tour with an AVI movie.

Glass House
Use the Glass House™ View to provide a full translucent view of the interior and exterior simultaneously, so you can evaluate your design ideas.

Custom Kitchen and Bath Design
Produce realistic images of your design projects using the advanced camera tools to create images you can e-mail to family and friends.

Create Lighting Effects
Change from a day to a night view with a single click. Add lighting fixtures from the Library and create dramatic views, visualize in the day with realistic sun shadows.