The Interior Design Reference + Specification Book

Synopsis

This updated and revised edition of The Interior Design Reference & Specification Book gives you the information essential to planning and executing interior projects of all shapes and sizes in a format that is as easy to use as it is to carry-now including interviews with top practitioners from across the field of interior design.

With detailed charts, specifications, diagrams, and digital information for planning and executing projects of every scale, this accessible reference explores these vital design topics:

• Fundamentals: Provides a step-by-step overview of an interior project, describing the scope of professional services, the project schedule, and the design and presentation tools used by designers.
• Space: Examines ways of composing rooms as spatial environments while speaking to functional and life-safety concerns.
• Surface: Identifies options in color, material, texture, and pattern, while addressing maintenance and performance issues.
• Environments: Looks at aspects of interior design that help create a specific mood or character, such as natural and artificial lighting, sound, and smell.
• Elements: Describes the selection and specification of furniture and fixtures, as well as other components essential to an interior environment, such as artwork and accessories.
• Resources: Gathers a wealth of useful data, from sustainability guidelines to online sources for interiors-related research.

The Interior Design Reference & Specification Book is an essential sourcebook for designers, students of design, and anyone undertaking an interior design project.

The Reference & Specification Book series from Rockport Publishers offers students and practicing professionals in a range of creative industries must-have information in their area of specialty in an up-to-date, concise handbook.

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Summary

Chapter 1: Color

* Summary: Explores the theory of color, including color wheels, harmonies, and psychological effects.
* Example: A muted sage green paint creates a calming and inviting atmosphere in a bedroom.

Chapter 2: Materials

* Summary: Covers various interior materials, such as textiles, wood, metal, stone, and glass, including their properties, uses, and maintenance.
* Example: Velvety curtains add a luxurious touch to a living room while providing privacy and light control.

Chapter 3: Furnishings

* Summary: Provides guidance on choosing, arranging, and upholstering furniture, considering factors such as functionality, style, and scale.
* Example: Oversized armchairs in a deep navy fabric create a cozy and inviting seating arrangement.

Chapter 4: Lighting

* Summary: Discusses the principles of natural and artificial lighting, including lamp types, fixtures, and lighting techniques.
* Example: A combination of recessed ceiling lights and ambient floor lamps provides adequate and flattering illumination in a kitchen.

Chapter 5: Window Treatments

* Summary: Explores various types of window treatments, such as curtains, blinds, and shades, and their functional and decorative uses.
* Example: Flowing sheer curtains filter daylight into a bedroom, creating a soft and ethereal ambiance.

Chapter 6: Surfaces

* Summary: Covers flooring, wall coverings, and countertops, including materials, installation techniques, and maintenance tips.
* Example: A herringbone wood floor adds warmth and elegance to a dining room.

Chapter 7: Interior Elements

* Summary: Focuses on decorative accents, such as artwork, sculptures, plants, and rugs, and their impact on the overall design scheme.
* Example: A statement piece of abstract artwork becomes a focal point in a living room.

Chapter 8: Space Planning

* Summary: Provides principles for efficient space management, including furniture placement, circulation paths, and storage solutions.
* Example: A built-in bookshelf with hidden storage maximizes space and keeps a home office organized.

Chapter 9: Codes and Standards

* Summary: Covers safety codes, building regulations, and sustainability guidelines that apply to interior design.
* Example: Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are required by code in most residential and commercial buildings.

Chapter 10: Specifications

* Summary: Provides detailed specifications for interior materials, furnishings, and finishes, including product descriptions, quantities, and installation requirements.
* Example: A paint specification includes the brand, name, color, and sheen of the paint used in a particular room.