The Science of Interior Design A Comprehensive Guide from Fundamentals to Mastery

About the Author:

Elian Jayden is a highly skilled architect with over 20 years of experience in the field of interior design.

Throughout his career, he has designed a wide range of buildings, including corporate offices, residential homes, and commercial spaces.

With a deep passion for design, Elian has developed a strong expertise in creating functional, innovative, and aesthetically pleasing environments.

In addition to his architectural work, Elian has also mentored and trained numerous aspiring designers, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience.

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© 2025 Elian Jayden.

All rights reserved No part of this book may be copied, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any means — electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise — without the prior written permission of the author, Elian Jayden.

This includes all formats: print, PDF, eBook, and digital distribution platforms (such as Kindle, Google Books, or any other online services).

Unauthorized reproduction, sale, upload, sharing, or distribution of this book in any form is strictly prohibited and will be considered a violation of copyright law.

This publication is protected under international copyright and intellectual property laws.

Introduction

Interior design is not merely about decorating a space; it is the thoughtful integration of function, aesthetics, and human needs to create environments that enhance the quality of life.

Whether it’s a cozy apartment, a luxurious villa, or a compact city loft, every home tells a story through its design.

This book is intended to guide readers through the essential principles and practical applications of residential interior design, offering a comprehensive journey that begins with the origins of the discipline and extends to key topics such as space planning, color theory, materials, and lighting.

By combining historical context, technical knowledge, and creative inspiration, this book serves as both a foundational reference for students and a practical guide for professionals.

Each chapter builds upon the previous one to present a complete understanding of the interior design process—from initiating a project to presenting the final concept.

Blending theory with application, readers will gain the tools needed to create well-considered, functional, and beautiful interior spaces.

We believe that interior design should be accessible, meaningful, and reflective of the individuals who inhabit the spaces we create.

This book encourages readers to think critically about how their surroundings affect behavior, emotion, and daily life—and how thoughtful design can enrich everyday living.

Throughout the chapters, key concepts are explained in clear, straightforward language, supported by visual examples and practical insights.

This book aims to provide you with both knowledge and inspiration.

In a world where tastes, technologies, and lifestyles are constantly evolving, interior design remains a timeless expression of culture and personal identity.

This book is structured into twelve comprehensive chapters, guiding the reader through every stage of the interior design process:

Chapter 1: The Historical Evolution of Interior Design Through the Ages – A journey through the development of interior design styles and philosophies across different cultures and time periods.

Chapter 2: Initiating an Interior Design Project – A step-by-step guide to beginning a project, from client meetings to defining design objectives.

Chapter 3: Project Planning and Management – Practical guidance on organizing timelines, managing resources, and staying within budget.

Chapter 4: Main Principles of Drawing – An introduction to technical drawing skills essential for effectively communicating design ideas.

Chapter 5: Interior Design Presentations and Their Impact on Client Communication – How to present ideas both visually and verbally to gain client trust and approval.

Chapter 6: The Balance of Room Dimensions – Exploring how scale, proportion, and spatial relationships contribute to visual and functional harmony.

Chapter 7: Space Planning – Techniques for arranging furniture and organizing functional zones for maximum efficiency.

Chapter 8: Anthropometrics – Understanding human body dimensions and how they influence furniture design, layout, and comfort.

Chapter 9: Types of Rooms – A breakdown of common residential spaces such as living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms, along with unique design considerations for each.

Chapter 10: Color – Exploring color theory, color psychology, and their applications in creating mood and atmosphere.

Chapter 11: Material and Texture – A study of finishes, tactile qualities, and the role of texture in creating visual depth and sensory experience.

Chapter 12: Light – An in-depth exploration of natural and artificial lighting and its emotional and visual impact on interior spaces.

Contents

Chapter: 1

The historical evolution of interior design

through the ages

The story of interior design shows how creative and adaptable humans are. It hints at our evolving tastes and ways of living. From early cave drawings to now, smart houses and interior design have shaped our homes. Each design era has left a lasting impression on how we decorate and use our spaces.

Interior design’s origins go back to ancient times. The Egyptians, for example, decorated their homes with complex art that reflected their beliefs. Over time, interior design began to reflect individual preferences. The Greeks and Romans helped change it, allowing regular folks to show their style through their homes. This laid the groundwork for the many styles we have today.

The 20th century brought a new wave of thinking to interior design. People started valuing simplicity and modern looks more. It also marked the time when interior designing became a proper job. Nowadays, interior design is all about making spaces good for our health and the planet. It uses materials that are good for the Earth and includes smart technologies.

Ancient Beginnings: The Early Foundations of Interior Design

Interior design began in ancient times, thanks to Egypt, Greece, and Rome. They started crafting beautiful spaces from 3000 BC to 476 AD. They taught us the basics of design that we still follow today.

Egyptian Opulence: Decorating for the Afterlife

Ancient Egyptians decorated their homes with bright colors. Red, blue, and gold were everywhere, giving a sense of richness.

King Tutankhamun’s tomb was filled with gold. This showed how the Egyptians connected wealth with power.

Greek and Roman Influences: Balance and Symmetry

Greeks loved simplicity and harmony in their designs. They used straight lines and shapes to create balance³. The Romans, though, enjoyed luxury. They used marble, had fancy furniture, and made complicated mosaics³.

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Stone Age 6000 to 2000 BC

The first sign of an approach to interior design was noted in prehistoric dwellings featuring flora and fauna. Those dwellings were made of mud, animal skins, and sticks.

Neolithic Europe 2000 to 1700 BC

In comes the first defined handmade pottery that was used for both practical and decorative reasons.

Ancient Egypt 2700

The rise of royal families saw for the first-time people living in structures besides mud huts. The new structures boasted murals that portrayed their history and beliefs. And they had basic furnishings and decorative objects like vases and sculptures – seen for the first time.

Greek Empire 1200 to 31 BC

Advancements in civilization and lifestyles saw citizens decorating their homes in their own unique style for the first time ever with wealthier Greeks possessing furnishings inlaid with ornate ivory and silver details. Iconic and statement-making pillars and columns were key motifs during this era and the Greeks also created standard rules and procedures for building construction.

Roman Empire 753 BC to 480 ADS

An austere age when royals weren’t able to evoke their wealth simply through their homes. The Romans decorated their homes with murals and mosaics, and furnishings featured clawed feet.

Medieval Functionality: Practicality in Design

Interior design became more about function during the medieval period. The Gothic style was born, known for its detailed decor and high ceilings5. Castles and churches had beautiful stonework and colorful windows. These places managed to be both useful and artistic.

During the Middle Ages, tapestries were used as both art and warmth. Gothic design focused on light and spacious rooms in the 12th century, and this way of thinking led to future design progress.

Interior design is not just about creating beautiful spaces; it’s about understanding the cultural, historical, and practical needs of those who inhabit them.

The history of interior design, from ancient times to the Middle Ages, shows how our creativity has changed. Old ideas inspire new designers, proving that interior design’s history is rich and meaningful.

Renaissance to Rococo: The Age of Extravagance

The Renaissance era, which lasted from 1450 to 1600 AD, changed European design. This period brought back classical ideas and luxury, making fancy styles popular. People started to love detailed decorations, fancy materials, and everything that showed off art and creativity.

Baroque times took luxury to the next level, especially in Italy and Northern Europe. Places like the church of S. Carlo alle Quattro Fontane in Rome, made by Francesco Borromini, showed off amazing design. Its complex layout and detailed dome prove the Baroque style’s excellence.

Venetian rooms, like those in the Doge’s Palace, showed off rich decorations. They had fancy plasterwork and paintings in the Baroque style, making these places very extravagant.

In the 18th century, Rococo design appeared. It was known for being light and fun, bringing:

Pastel color palettes

Delicate furnishings

Whimsical decorative elements

Rococo rooms were all about showing off the richness and power of noble people. Their grand homes and churches showed innovative designs. For example, the church of S. Lorenzo in Turin, by Guarino Guarini, has a special dome with unique arches and a lantern on top.

From the Renaissance to Rococo, each design era in Europe was memorable. Their styles still inspire luxury design today. Modern designers look back to create spaces that are both luxurious and useful.

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The Dark Ages 900 to 1500

The Dark Ages saw disinterest in interior design with people opting for simple paneled wood walls, minimal furnishings, and stone slab floors.

The Byzantine Empire 500 to 1500

During this period grande domes and decadent décor took center stage.

The Renaissance Period 1400 to 1600

The beauty of interior design was a major feature during the Renaissance period with grand furnishings and art realized in vibrant hues and luxurious textiles like silk and velvet along with marble surfaces. And since carpets were too precious and expensive for even the wealthiest of patrons, they were used as wall art when possible.

Gothic 1140