The Art Debate
Is interior design subjective or objective? Is it truly a science which is calculated into figuring exact functionality, mobility, and interest in the room? Or is it more of an art, where some design is subjective to the matter of influence. We explored simple ways that believe beauty is not just in the eye of the beholder. Humans have calculated tendencies on what appeases us, such as designs following the golden ratio. However, there is no way interior design cannot be subjective, right? Let us take a look at what interior design truly is.
De-sign /də’ zīn/
• A plan produced to show the look and function/working of building prior to being built or made.
• An arrangement to create a functioning, detailed form, pattern, or decoration
Art
Art is subjective and is influenced by personal opinion. With that being noted, it is quite easy to see that design would be subjective as well. If not, we would all love Rustic Design or Contemporary Design. While certain elements may appease to the masses, it does not create a finite line of one way is the only way.
The Color Spectrum
If you look at art at different times in your life, your perception of it may change. However, if you take away all subjective and perceptive elements, you are left with the universal laws of colors and fundamental angles and lines. This complex matrix is open for interpretation; however, you still have the rules of the basic color spectrum at play. Primary plus primary will create secondaries, as is shown below:
Colors are absolutes and follow an exact science to replicate. Likewise, lines and shading can also be calculated. This means that every artwork or interior design is, in fact, a science; however, it is not because it is open to interpretation.
Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder
We have all heard the expression, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Kant, a philosopher, referred to this expression as the antinomy of taste. He then created an essay giving guidelines to what a true critic must be capable of assessing. Throughout the objective and subjective debate, we notice that subjective matters depend on the existence of properties of objective matters, like colors, lines, and shades. This would then go to prove that through features of furniture arrangements, color schematics, and lighting all can be objective and finite; the combination can create a feeling. This can set a mood. Thus, it must be an art!
While the reality of interior design can find roots in proven tactics, not every person has the same taste. We are all unique and find different interest. What creates aesthetics to you may be different than to your friend. Interior design can create an ambiance or an emotion in the atmosphere. What one may be inspired as relaxing, someone else may find overwhelming. So, truly, it can only mean that interior design is an art, right? Well, check out “Is Interior Design an Art or a Science Part Three” to find out the answer!
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