I don't know if you've noticed but there is a breed of people roaming in Nairobi ,charging a lot of money to unsuspecting clients claiming to be interior designers.
i think this is really wrong.Imagine paying almost the same amount you would pay a professional only to get interior decoration rather than interior design. That's just getting robbed!!!
What you need to know is that ,interior design is so much more than just selecting paint and wallpaper(they form part of it but its not all its about)
Anyway here's what you need to know..
1.Interior design is about design of an interior space.It can be done as a course (diploma -2 years or degree-4 years or part of the architectural degree (6 years).However,i agree that there are those who have a really good eye in terms of selecting elements in a space..this means they know how to interior decorate,now for this person to become an interior designer they will need to attend the professional course so that they are taught how to design (which is a very large discipline).
2.Interior design has a sister called interior architecture and the two of them work hand in hand in curating an interior space for the proper use by a person.So ergonomics (design of workplaces, products and systems to best fit those who use them) and anthropometrics (comparative study of the measurements and capabilities of the human body) are considered.An interior decorator would mostly rely on trends and whatever is in vogue.
3.Interior design is about composition and creating harmony.It takes into account principles of design such as quality and experience.So much goes into the experience of a space such as the material and play of light ;how does a person feel while interacting with your space.Principles of design are broad,there are several books that talk about this broader.
4.Lastly, interior design is creative.Now,creativity calls for re purposing,re imagining or even reusing everyday objects and material.Unlike interior decorating;which doesn't really push elements to achieve a deeper effect on a space,interior design seeks to use even the most basic of elements to create a beautiful captivating overall image.Interior design requires thought.
This list can go on and on and on.However,the four listed above are my thoughts on what interior design should generally about.There could be more.Feel free to comment and share more tips and thoughts on this subject.
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Regards,
Pillows and throws.
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