A History of Interior Designers

It can be said that the foundation for Interior Design as we know it today lies firmly with the Ancient Egyptians. Evidence has been uncovered of Ancient Egyptians decorating their homes, which were at the time simply constructed mud huts, with all manner of animal skins draped over pieces of furniture, sculptures, murals and painted vases. Such importance was placed on these types of possessions that King Tutankhamen’s tomb was bursting with beautiful golden ornaments.

The desire to surround ourselves with beauty and items that created aesthetic pleasure continued throughout the Greek and Roman era with elaborate Greek pieces of wooden furniture with silver and ivory adornments to be found in their homes, whereas the Romans emphasised their wealth by creating a home that was both a place of beauty and extreme comfort, lavishly decorated and adorned with extreme use of textiles and cushions. Both cultures had an abundance of vases, mosaic inlays and wall paintings.

With the onslaught of constant wars the medieval period brought about the ‘Dark Ages’ where a much more somber approach to interior décor was to be found. Floors were plain and simple stone slabs, dark and dismal wood paneling adorned walls and the minimalistic approach to furniture was used. Wealth made little difference to the approach to interior design, with the addition of muted colours and wall textiles. As the ‘Dark Ages’ ended, once again the Europeans began to add colour and more lavish ornaments and by the 12th Century the Gothic approach to more natural open spaces and light was introduced to room design and buildings.

Of course after these early periods there follows a raft of individuals who became known for creating not only buildings and living space that was innovative and forward thinking, but also started their own art movements with varying success. We can still see and experience various examples of these works such as Royal Palaces and Chapels across Europe that reflect the early 15th and 16th Century works of the Renaissance, whilst in France the Palace of Versailles is a fine example of the ornate Italian Baroque style that followed the Renaissance period.

Throughout the following centuries we had the pleasure of the Art Nouveau stylists and interior designers, of which Charles Rennie Mackintosh was a great follower. He created simple but interesting pieces with exaggerated features, such as high backed chairs and so it continued through to present day with interior design evolving to keep up with technology and everyday living, whilst still creating a pleasant aesthetic surrounding in which to relax and unwind, as well as entertain.

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Category: Home Improvement