What Is the History of Interior Design?
The history of interior design can be traced from the time of cavemen to today. Through the ages, there have been great advances in the art of interior design, but its roots tend to be simple, and styles are often representative of a particular historical period. Some of the most prominent times in interior design history include ancient times, the Middle Ages, and the Victorian era.
The history of interior design in the ancient past was far different from the designs of today. Cavemen often wrote or drew on the walls of their homes as a means of preserving history. Today, these decorations are often referred to as the first hints of interior designs. The primitive nature of the art did not incorporate modern tools such as color pallets or interior design rules, but this historical documentation served to change the look of the room, and thereby helped to design the interior.
During the Middle Ages, home design choices were often made to include necessities more than for appearance alone. For instance, many people lived in huts that provided shelter from the elements and not much more. Oriental rugs, used on both walls and floors, first became popular during this time, specifically around the time of the Crusades. Using rugs in this way had a practical purpose, it helped a hut to retain heat. Later, when plaster was introduced, rugs were commonly used on the floors and paintings became popular wall hangings.
As the world moved through the Renaissance and Baroque periods the history of interior design evolved. Advances were made in all forms of art, and this had an impact on the history of interior design. The Renaissance gave birth to huge interior spaces, which were often lavishly decorated with items. The Baroque period expanded on the idea of filling a room with treasures by using the walls as a canvas for art.
In the Victorian age, the look of the home was far more important to those who lived in the space. Interior design choices were often representative of the class, or status, of the homeowner. For instance, the more money the homeowner earned, the more luxurious the interior design choices were expected to be. After the Renaissance and Baroque eras, the Victorian home was one of the first to incorporate powerful works of art in home décor, particularly in rooms that were spacious and richly decorated.
After World War II, home decor became more reflective of personal tastes. Unlike previous eras in the history of interior design, when the home represented a family’s class level, in the years directly following WWII, interior design was more about the homeowner’s choices in terms of artwork, color schemes, and collectibles. Design styles such as Art Deco, Pop Art, and Modern are examples of the types of home decor that became popular during this time.
Written by Summer Banks
