Here's a comprehensive summary of the Wikipedia article on interior design:

  • Interior design is the art and science of enhancing a building's interior to create healthier, more aesthetically pleasing, and functional environments through planning, research, and comprehensive project management.
  • While initially an instinctive part of construction, the profession evolved with societal and architectural complexities, prioritizing effective space use and user well-being.
  • Early forms are evident in ancient civilizations: Indian architects like Vishwakarma designed elaborate 17th-century palaces and medieval havelis with wall art, while Romans added coordinated mosaic floors and templated interiors by the first millennia BC.
  • After centuries where interior decoration was handled by homemakers or craftsmen, the profession significantly expanded in the mid-to-late 19th century.
  • This growth, fueled by a prosperous middle class, saw large furniture firms offer full design services, paving the way for independent designers and the eventual emergence of the professional interior designer by the mid-20th century—a distinct role from an interior decorator, though unregulated in places like the UK.