From the Floors Up

Is Interior Design an Art or a Science? | Part Two

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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!

Is Interior Design an Art or a Science? | Part One

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The Science Debate

Interior design is an art and a science. It is finding a homogenous blend of ideas, functionality, design, and beauty to create the atmosphere in a room. We continuously thrive to create this concept in our own homes. Balance, harmony, emphasis, proportion, scale, all have equal roles to play in creating a room’s aesthetics. However, what is aesthetics? Is it just a mere set of principles and concepts? Artists believe beauty is in the eye of the beholder, yet scientists are more systematic with structures, equations, and practical evidence justifying beliefs. With two very opposite views, is aesthetic truly just an art? Or is there still a science that can genuinely be equated to mastering this look?

Aes-thet-ics /es’THediks/

• A set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty, especially in art.
• Branch of philosophy that deals with the principles of beauty and artistic taste.

Science

We all thrive to achieve better aesthetics. The principles of symmetry are commonly associated with an aesthetic looking person or figure. Cars, homes, and art all use different approaches to make something more visually appealing. Yet, where does the science lay? Are aesthetics utterly opinionated for interior design, or can we find proof in nature? While we cannot explore all objective properties of design, we can look at one in particular.

The Fibonacci Sequence

Leonardo Pisano, also known by Fibonacci, was a medieval Italian mathematician. He studied and theorized numeric equations. Famously known for introducing the decimal system and replacing the Roman numeral system with the Hindu-Arabic system, Fibonacci was a renowned scholar. He created the Fibonacci Sequence, which goes as follows:

By taking the sum of the equation and adding it to the last number of the equation, you begin to create a sequence. This sequence goes on infinitely; however, it begins to create a consistent ratio! This ratio of 1:1.6 continues to repeat itself forever. Confused yet? Stay with us.

Golden Ratio

If you create a box, using the golden ratio, and continue to break that box down using the golden ratio, you form a spiral. This spiral of the 1:16 ratio is seen everywhere in life. All plants have seeds and pedals corresponding with the golden ratio. All hurricanes spin in the sequence of a 1:1.6 ratio. Seashells, growth baby fetus, alignment of the planets, the helix of our DNA, and much more all follow this sequence and spiral. With this ratio so common in nature, it is known to affect our perspective of art directly. Ancient artist like Michael Angelo and Leonard DaVinci always used this ratio in their arts. From canvas sizes to focal points, the golden ratio has proven to make artwork more notable. This ratio truly made artwork feel more aesthetic and appealing.

Study the Golden Ratio and learn how to facilitate it. Every trick in your arsenal will make you a better designer. Art is flexible, and science is law. Though certain elements can directly affect an interpretation, does that mean interior design is a science? Not quite, take a look at the other side of the debate in our “Is Interior Design an Art or a Science Part 2” series.

The Return of Past Trends

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The circle of life quite literally continues to repeat itself. As we spectate, styles that were popular years ago have returned to fashion and design. From hairstyles to outfit choices and even interior design, some trends continue to fade in and out over time. Some styles that have become entirely obsolete are recently making their way back into the market today. Are you up to date on the latest trends? If not, here are some trends that have begun to return–see how many you have recently noticed:

Berber

Berber became popular in the ’80s and ’90s as plush carpets began to fade out of the marketplace. The demand for more level-loop, lower profile carpet grew higher and higher. Berber had a distinct character that it would add to a room. This carpet slowly faded as the next generation of first-time homebuyers strayed from this look. However, Berber has gradually been on the uprise again–making its way into homes all over the country. As the demand for hard surface flooring increases, the need for unique styling carpet has also increased. Berber has fit the bill and has slowly returned to becoming a highly sought-after carpet that homeowners and businesses alike want.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper became outdated and was often referred to as a “poor man’s solution” for adding character to walls in a room. As people began to affiliate wallpaper as tacky, it slowly faded off the market. However, over time, technology has advanced wallpaper designs. With highly enhanced designs in wallpaper, wallpaper can now add more depth to the room. These incredible styles have been used in whole rooms or to create a focal wall. For areas that do not have exposed woods or brick, wallpaper can now be an alternative option to help enhance your design.

Floral

You may remember grandma having floral sheets and throw pillows. This trend became outdated, and out of style in the early 2000s; however, with women’s fashion, it slowly returned. The repetition in these patterns is a great accent to emphasize in a room. Drapes, throw pillows, and fabrics are all coming with beautiful floral prints. This once outdated style is now the hottest trend.

Natural Materials

Contemporary, Modern Design, Scandinavian, and Art Deco took a strong run in the last decade. With this, plastics were heavily introduced into furniture and décor. While natural materials never became obsolete, the demand went decreased. Yet now, the demand is at an all high. Natural hardwood floors, marble countertops, stone fireplaces, and much more are all becoming the new hot trend in homes.

Maximalism

While we watch minimalism take a strong term in the last years, many experts believe maximalism is back. We have not seen maximalism in design themes since the Victorian Era. Maximalism has an eclectic look featuring many highly lavished décor pieces being added to the room. While less is more will never become unwanted, maximalism is coming back and is considered to be very trendy.

Which one of these trends have you recently noticed? Do you see other trends we forgot to mention? Let us know below in the comment section. For more insight on the latest trends in interior and exterior design, make sure to subscribe.

Trending Designs of 2019

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We are now entering halfway through the year 2019. With predictions coming to fruition and patterns being seen, we can now step back and look at some of the trending design styles. What has 2019 brought to offer to interior design? What has come and went through the past decade of interior design? Are certain elements here to stay? We explore all these questions and more as we investigate the Trending Designs of 2019.

Matte Black

Traditionally faucets would come in stainless steel. The color spectrum began to broaden over the years as gold and copper started to be thrown into the mix. Lately, many people are switching out handles to a drawer, faucets, and other hardware with a matte black finish. This look feels crisp while no drawing attention in the room.

Agate Stone

People love incorporating different stonework in their homes. Agate stone has an exceptional look that is becoming trendy throughout 2019. This stone can feel raw due to its nature, but its highly symmetrical designs allow it to work in the most contemporary atmospheres.

Urban Inspired Décor

The millennials have begun to put their imprint on the design world. Urban inspired décor has becoming reinstated for its edgy look. This blend of urban and modern pop culture is seen in many commercial designs lately and is bleeding into the residential areas as well.

Contemporary/Vintage Lighting

Individuals are now straying away from traditional light fixtures. From ceiling lights to floor lamps, unique styles are being added to room scenes. Whether vintage to help make a statement or contemporary lighting, homeowners are investing more attention to the aesthetics of their light fixtures.

Maximalism

The constant cycle of minimalism and maximalism repeats itself throughout history. From Victorian Era design to Edwardian Era, maximalism faded and became minimalism. Now the once loved styling of minimalism has begun to repeat itself in the cycle. Maximalism is allowing people to add more personality and ornate touches to their homes. It is eliminating the less is more mentality and beginning to stick.

Many things in fashion and design tend to repeat themselves. We are in the cycle of a new generation. Even as technology advances, it can begin to transform the needs and wants we include in our designs. Where do you think interior design is headed? We would love to hear your thoughts below in the comment section.

How to Turn Your House into a “Home”

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Purchasing a new house is a thrilling experience. Change is an essential aspect of life but can be a little intimidating. You probably have a ton of ideas and design plans that you are eager to incorporate in your new home. While filling your home with décor and furnishing can express yourself, some elements can make your house feel like “home.” If you want to turn a house to home quickly, we recommend incorporating these three tricks:

Family Hangout

The first step is merely enjoying the time in your home. Start making new memories with loved ones and family members. Consider hosting a family game night or movie night to encourage company. Hanging out in your home is the quickest way to settle into it, and it makes it feel truly yours.

Picture Perfect

You will also want to fill your home with photos. They say a thousand words and can really add to the atmosphere. By tailoring your house to your family, you can make it feel like home. But, choosing the right pictures for your home can be challenging. There are many diverse styles of photographs; therefore, you want to decide what image means the most to you. Remember that pictures will directly influence the atmosphere. The best photos to start with are ones of you and your family. These can help move memories from one home to the next. You can even create a gallery wall or have pictures printed out onto canvases to hang in your home.

Hygge

Hygge is a Danish word that does not translate well to English, but the concept is very influential to a home’s atmosphere. The word can be translated to “fun” but is actually the feeling an atmosphere gives you, and it encapsulates the feeling of homey. The pursuit of comfort in your home can be referred to as hygge. When you apply this concept to your home, it takes on an incredible feeling atmosphere.

In hygge, your home’s stylings are put on the backburner as you focus more on “feeling” your house provides. The feeling of warmth and comfort is hygge. Finding elements like rugs, robes, cozy couches, warm blankets, and soft pillows all contribute to it, but the idea cannot be purchased. It is the memories created which truly inspire hygge.

Different aspects can make your house feel like home. Invest the time and the energy to help grow into your home. Achieving hygge in your home is the best way to make it feel like yours. For more on hygge, be sure to visit our post “What is Hygge.”

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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