Interior Facts: The Stunning History and the Legacy of Design

Interior design influences the way that we live, work and experience our places. Although most people think of it as a relatively new field, the craft of coordinating and designing interiors has a long history that goes back thousands of years and cuts across virtually all pages of human history. In the first episode of our new mini-series, Interior Facts, we will share some interesting facts about how interior design began, what major myths about it have been circulating, and how some of these ancient techniques continue to affect houses even today.

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More Than Just Modern Profession: Interior Design Has Ancient History

Most people associate the rise of "interior design" with the last hundred years, picturing glamorous decorators and sleek modern studios.

However, taking into consideration the fact that even our primordial ancestors were themselves, interior designers.

• Prehistoric Artistic Flair: The practice's origin arguably came with the very first humans, who meticulously decorated their caverns with pictures and carvings and carefully arranged and used their dwellings. These early space makeovers were the beginning of a 10,000-year Design Process.

• Cultural Evolution: With the continuing development of humanity, the design and decoration of living environments made an impressive introduction in culture and status. As the empires rose and fell through the centuries we see the expression of a particular style of architecture and design found in the sense of sight such as found in the palaces of the pharaohs in Egypt, found in the symmetrical courtyards of Greece, the luxurious villas of Rome, each representing a new language in designing, a language to be seen and read, even in later years.

  
  

How Ancient Civilizations Shaped Modern Style

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Egyptians: Bold Colours and Ornate Decor

The legacy of Egyptian design is one of colour and magnificence. Ancient Egyptians painted walls, textiles, and decor with rich tones, such as blues, golds, and reds. Every surface was painted with hieroglyphics, elaborate decorations and symbolism, and homes were as much a place to tell stories as they were a place to live.

Modern interior design relies heavily on Egyptian concepts as it uses the jewel colour scheme, geometric motifs, and the principle of deliberate ornamentation. Nowadays, a piece of turquoise or gilded ornament confers respect on this illustrious tradition.

Greeks: The Art of Balance and Symmetry

The Greeks championed proportion, symmetry, and balance. They were centred on elegant designs of their homes and featured their harmony in terms of colonnades, courtyards and mathematically adequate proportions.

This pursuit of order is still central to modern design- consider "balance" in the positioning of furniture, straight lines and well-designed colour schemes. This old principle lends credence to minimalism, which is a popular style among modernists.

Romans: Luxurious Materials and Architectural Ambition

Luxury came to be placed at the forefront, with the Romans becoming perfect in using materials such as marble and introducing dramatic arches into rooms. Frescoes decorated the walls, mosaics made floors flashy and open-plan courtyards let light in. Whether it is a marble-tiled bathroom, an archway as opposed to a square opening, or a statement entryway, we are borrowing the confident luxury of Rome.

Busting Common Interior Design Myths

Myth 1: Interior design is only for the wealthy

History shows us that everyone, not just the elite, has shaped their living spaces. Whether it is the humble hand-painted motifs in country cottages or furniture rearranging to be comfortable, people's urge to personalize is universal.

Myth 2: It is a Trendy Modern Profession

The title "interior designer" has become prominent in the last century. The role, part artist, part problem-solver, is as old as houses themselves.

Myth 3: Ancient Design is no longer relevant

Echoes of past eras appear in today's trending styles. Consider Greek columns in neoclassic architecture, bold colour blocks directly out of Egypt, and terrazzo floors like Roman mosaics.

Why Interior Design History Matters?

Learning about the history of interior design will add value to how you look around and all the details that you will see. That arched doorway to your entry? Roman origins.The fun geometric rug in your lounge? Echoes of Egypt. Harmonious arrangements and airy layouts? Thank the Greeks.

And behind every new trend, there is an old inspiration. Knowing these foundations enriches your design vocabulary and may inspire your design with creativity you never expected.

Join the Mini-Series: Interior Facts

Join The Mini-Series: Interior Facts. Every week of our Interior Facts mini-series, we will highlight the various design eras, debunk more myths, and share some surprising stories from the past that influence the rooms of today. Be it as a design enthusiast, a history buff, or just trying to discover more about the places you call home, you will find something.

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What style or design myth would you like to learn about next? Comment below with your thoughts!