Brief History of Design
Early Egypt:
Interior design dates back to ancient times, as people have decorated as long as they have had
houses. The first signs of purposeful interior design were evidenced in the lavishly decorated
Egyptian tombs. Romans also carefully arranged their rooms based on the function of the room
and the time of year. In the summer they used rooms that took advantage of breezes, and
different rooms in the winter that gave extra protection from the cold.
Renaissance:
During the Italian Renaissance, wealthy people became interested in the arts and began to
commission artists to work in their homes. Function, form and decadence were the major themes
in the palaces of the wealthy.
Early American:
Early American decorating was mostly homemade as people were inspired by the homes of the
wealthy. Artisanship and function were the mainstays of this design period.
Industrial Revolution:
The dawn of industry made interior decorating available to the multitudes. Cheaper home goods
and decorating items such as wallpaper, household paint and fabrics caused middle-income
families to be more interested in interior design.
Modern Times:
Interior decorating today is available to people of every income rate and level of skill.
Decorating shows on television teach people how do decorate on their own. Modern decorating
styles encompass parts of all of the previous decorating periods.