Fundamentals of Art and Design 3(1+2)

Lesson 01 : An Introduction to Art Design In Interiors

Objectives And creative experience

The objectives in creative experience of planning the interiors are as follows.

1. Beauty
2. Expressiveness, and
3. Functionalism

1. Beauty:
   Beauty is not the only objective in planning and furnishing a home. A home should be expressive of the personality of the owners and should function effectively. One simple definition of beauty is “that combination of qualities that is pleasing to the trained eye or ear”. According to an Oriental proverb, “One man’s beauty is another man’s ugliness.” Ultimately, beauty leads to aesthetics and the underlying basic factor in esthetics is the elements of art.


2. Expressiveness:
   One way to approach the subject of selecting, decorating, and furnishing a home is to seek or express some definite idea or theme. Some of the ideas that are expressed in homes, consciously or unconsciously are naturalness, sophistication, intimacy, formality, warmth, coolness, delicacy, strength, freshness, antiquity. The most important theme that may be expressed in homes, four of the typical ones are formality, informality, naturalness, and modernism.
   Formality: A home that expresses formality usually also expresses dignity, strength, reserve, and impressiveness. Features that contribute to this effect in a house are- unbroken lines, large spaces, and a symmetrical façade. The furniture though not necessarily traditional in style but arranged with formal balance.
   

   Informality: An outstanding characteristic of life of today is informality in all walks of life. Naturally informality is desired in interiors and home furnishings also. Simplicity, informality productiveness, friendliness, hospitality, intimate charm, bright warm colors and comfortable furniture are the characteristics of informality in interiors and home furnishing.

   Naturalness: A house of this character may express the following themes: simplicity, handmade quality, sincerity, thrift, naiveté, playfulness, rugged force, unpretentiousness, originality, or protest against artificiality. Among the factors that contribute to the attainment of the natural effect are the use of native materials and styles, handwork showing natural irregularities in structure, direct treatment, inexpensive materials and primitive colors. Fine finish and imitations are avoided.
   Modernism: Indicates the importance of functionalism in a modern house. The families that choose modern furnishings are usually young courageous, experimental, impersonal, and logical. For instance, the furnishings may be unrefined unpolished; showing lack of skill in workmanship, still may be functional and comfortable.
   The personality of the owner determines the idea to be expressed in a home. The homes of today should function well. They should give the maximum of services, comfort and pleasure for the minimum of care. Those who are building new houses should make no compromises or sacrifice functionalism. Every phase of home planning and furnishing should be based on function.


3. Functionalism:
   Home should give the maximum of service. The selection of individual articles should be governed by a critical judgment of how well they fulfill their functions. Every phase of the home planning and furnishing should be based on function. The number of rooms and their arrangement depend on how best they serve the family. Furniture is arranged in functional groups, like for study, reading, sleeping and conversation. Further of garden furniture should be waterproof and upholstery should be durable.