Design of domestic interiors: comparing past and present styles

Domestic interiors is a significant part of our lives because we live and spend a good part of our time indoors. We may love the outdoors, but it also represents the freedom we get from staying indoors and the reality that a good part of our lives are confined within four walls. We sleep, eat and do other activities at home, work in buildings or factories, study in schools and colleges and entertain in restaurants, galleries and theaters. All this makes domestic interiors an important aspect of living.

Human beings are believed to have appeared on earth 1.7 million years ago and history shows that primitive shelters were used by our ancestors for comfort and protection. The earliest known dwellings have been caves or other homes made of materials that were readily available in the region like mud, stones, sticks, animal skins, tree barks and leaves. Since then, we have made great strides in construction, thanks in part to the advancements made in technology.

Pre-historic Civilization

The early caves and temples show a wide variety of drawings that were carved in stone or painted using rudimentary dyes. These designs were prevalent around the world -- ranging from India to Egypt to South America. The temples in India have inscriptions and designs that depict scenes from Hindu mythology while the Egyptian pyramids have numerous drawings that depict the various stages of life and the events that took place during that time. The Mayan and Incan ruins also have numerous designs that provide us a glimpse into the life that existed during those periods.

Greek and Roman civilizations -- Classical Design

The ancient civilizations were followed by the rise of Greece and Rome as the centers of learning and excellence. The numerous and buildings that were built in Greece followed a simple interior designing pattern called an Order where each part of the building was given a dimension that was based on the diameter of the column. The Roman architecture and interior design was developed on these Greek models and it gave rise to the Tuscan order.

This order and their improvements were best understood through the ruins of the buildings in Pompeii. The walls of rooms were painted with moldings and pilasters forming a plain Wainscot below while the panels were painted in solid colors, with or without scenes from mythology. The framed paintings were on walls while the floors had mosaic. The primary colors used were black and a vermillion red that is known as "Pompeiian"(Pile, 2005).

Early Christian Design

After the fall of Roman empire, Christianity emerged as the primary religion in Europe and the interior design was modified to suit Christian beliefs and rituals. The buildings now had an altar and other arrangements for the priests while the other end had many aisles for the worshipers. Floors and walls had geometric patterns in solid colors and many images from Christianity were also engraved. Stone and marble was widely used throughout the design. Another central part of this design was the wooden chest that contained ornaments and other clothing.

Islamic Design

The Crusades War brought some Islamic influence into the Western world. The Islamic interior design is glaring for its absence of any living form in the interiors. As dictated by the Koran, it is a combination of geometric shapes and calligraphy.

Renaissance Style

The birth of modern interior design began during the Renaissance period. This period saw the extensive use of mathematical ratios and geometric shapes to achieve simplicity and balance in all interior designs. Harmony was evident in the use of colors, furniture shapes and even their appropriate placings inside a room. Stained glass painting was a distinctive feature during this period (American Federation of Arts, 1912).

Georgian Style

This style emerged during the 17th century and it is named after the kings George I, George II and George III who implemented it. This style was simple and elegant and is notable for the extensive use of light. Fireplaces, large windows and candles were the primary aspect of this style. The walls consisted of paneling, wall papers and moldings and the windows were draped with cloth that hung from wooden rods. The floors were mostly wood, marble or concrete and most accessories revolved around the fireplace.

Victorian Style

The industrial revolution had a big impact on interior design and this gave way to the Victorian style. The first half of this period saw the use of light colors while the latter part used more earthy and vibrant colors. The concept of "Harmony by contrast" became popular and many people started using opposite colors like black and white, to give the best effect. Dark and earthy colored wall papers were common during this period. Roller blinds, grills and patterned window shades were common and the floors were covered in parquets, tiles, mats and carpets. The furniture consisted of inexpensive imports from the colonies and so, the rooms were mostly packed with it.

Modern Design

"Modern design is the planning and making of objects suited to our way of life, our abilities, our ideals. It began a century ago when creative and perspective people reacted to the vast problems posed by technological change and mass production" (MMA & Kaufmann, 1970, p.7). The modern design was based on the necessities and changing lifestyles of people. Subtle colors, layered textures, right lighting and room for electrical and electronic gadgets are the central aspects of modern design.