Modern interior design is all about simplicity, functionality and timelessness. With roots stemming from the modernist movement (something you should know about as someone in architecture), it focuses on clean lines, open spaces and high quality materials which often to sleek, minimalist yet inviting interiors. For architects, understanding the principles of Interior design ensures that a building isn’t just an aesthetically pleasing sculpture but a livable, efficient and functional. This guide explores the key principles, material choices and strategies to integrate interiors (looking specifically at modern interior design) with architectural design.
There is an emphasis on neutral palettes, natural light and minimal clutter throughout the spaces, modern design is meant to enhance both aesthetics and livability. Whether you’re redesigning your home, looking for inspiration or maybe you’re a student designing a pretend building, (there’s nothing wrong with that we’ve all been there) this guide will help you create a hopefully, stylish, functional space that stands the test of time. Yet again, a building can be perfect from the outside, but if the inside doesn’t function it becomes an expensive sculpture. Let’s explore how modern interior design can take your projects to the next level.
1. Interior Design in Architecture
Architecture and Interior design are deeply connected, it’s hard to have one without the other unless you enjoy unfinished buildings, then I guess you don’t have to read any further. One shapes the structure which creates spaces and the other defines how people experience and interact with those spaces. Understanding spatial planning, material selection, lighting and user experience are all important aspects that allow architects to create environments that are not just visually cohesive but also comfortable and practical for the people that will eventually be using the building. Human centred design needs to be thought through from initial concept right down to the materials and interiors of the building.
For an architect to make sure that there is harmony between a buildings form and its function, they must consider interior layouts, acoustics and materials from the start of the design process, this enhances both efficiency and livability. Whether you are designing a residential home, commercial office or a public building a design is always going to be more successful when the architect understands interior design, as they can bridge the gap between architectural vision and real world usability. By approaching projects with this kind of holistic method spaces that are not only structurally impressive but are also functional, comfortable and timeless can be created.
2. The Core Principles
Modern interior design is about a hell of a lot more than just aesthetics, it’s about the functionality, adaptability and the user experience of a space or sequence of spaces. The core principles of modern interior design have to be considered by designers to make sure spaces are practical and comfortable for the end users.
Spatial Planning & Functional Layouts
- Open Floor Plans
- Layouts that seamlessly connect to each other create a sense of flow and connectivity throughout spaces and can allow spaces to seem bigger. This also allows more natural light throughout the entire space.
- Zoning & Functionality
- Defining certain areas of a building such as public vs private ensures usability throughout the building. Something as simple as having a floor for private areas and a floor for more public rooms, or having private on one side and the public on the other.
- Flexible Design
- Multi-functional spaces allow for an adaptable space which allows for a single room/space to be used for at least one other use, such as a living area doubling as workspaces. This can be done by moving walls, multi-functional furniture and much more. (There will a whole blog on just this.)
Example: Open plan kitchens that extend into a living space can foster socially connected environments.
Material Selection & Architectural Harmony
A building with a modern interior tends to align with its structural identity, using cohesive materials that not only enhance the aesthetics (assuming that’s something you’re into) but also enhances the function of the building too.
- Seamless Transitions
- Quite often with modern architectural interiors often bring the external materials into the internal spaces as well and often consist of wood, concrete and glass. (It is much more complicated than this)
- Textural Contrast
- With such a refined material palette there is often texture differences within those materials to create contrast. Hard and soft materials are also often paired together such as stone and wood to create depth and contrast.
- Sustainability & Durability
- Selecting long-lasting materials that are also eco-friendly supports the values of modern architecture. And I know, I know, concrete is as far away from a sustainable material as you can get (although it certainly does last) but there are an increasing number of alternatives to standard concrete such as hempcrete.
Example: A space with steel beams and polished concrete whilst very modernist, it can be cold and uninviting, but with the addition of some warm woods, and soft fabrics, warmth can be added.
The Role of Light in Modern Interior Design
Lighting has a massive influence on architecture and interior design and is one of the most import factors to consider when designing. It influences spatial perception, mood and functionality of a space.
- Maximising Natural light
- Minimising the need for artificial light (during the day obviously) can have a massive impact on how a space feels. Spaces which rely on artificial lighting often feel much smaller than ones with optimal natural light. Skylights, glass facades, windows and clerestories are great ways of achieving this.
- Layered artificial lighting
- If natural lighting is hard to obtain a range of lighting options is ideal, a combination of ambient, task and accent lighting enhances the usability and the comfort in using a space.
- Architectural Integration
- Lighting is something that an Architect should be thought about during the design process from the first concept sketch. It is certainly at the top of the list of the most important architecture elements to consider. Things such as cove lighting or recessed lighting (mainly seen in residential buildings)
An example of how a mix of natural and artificial lighting could be used together to achieve an optimal lighting environment could be diffused natural lighting with a focused LED task lighting for something like a desk can be used simultaneously for optimal comfort and efficiency.
3. Modern Interior Design Strategies for Architects
Minimalism & Sustainability
- Less is more – Unlike other design movements, Modern interior design massively avoids unnecessary ornamentation, with the main focus being on strong forms and high quality materials to create the pleasing aesthetic.
- Eco-friendly Materials – The use of recycled, low-impact and renewable materials is important in any part of architecture and should always be considered.
- Sustainability – Sustainability is another architectural element that should be at the fore front of every architects mind. (Something that will become it’s own blog). If you don’t think it is important I urge you to quit architecture. (Just kidding)(I’m not).
The Psychology of Space & Human Experience
The usability and the human well-being are things that are beyond form and function that need to be thought about when design, how are people going to use the space? Will they be comfortable? How can you make it more comfortable? Or make the space better for the people using it?
- Spatial Comfort & Proportions
- Room dimensions and layout massively impact how people use and interact with the space and can decide on wether a space works or doesn’t. No one wants to be in a large space split into tiny rooms.
- Acoustics & Sensory Balance
- Sound control is a major factor in design and a major factor in the comfort levels of a space. Imagine trying to work in your office and there’s a loud meeting happening in the next room that has no sound control. Sound should have a big impact on decisions for materials, layouts and partitions.
- Biophilic Design
- Bringing a sense of nature into spaces through lighting, ventilation and materials, as well as items such as plants is extensively researched and can massively improve the experience of a building and how people perceive it.
The Handover
If you’ve made it this far into this post, Congrats! And Thank you! You should now know that interior design isn’t just the cherry on top, it’s intertwined with the architectural design. For architects, understanding interior design means creating spaces that actually work and function, and don’t just look pretty in renders. It’s the different between a structure people pass by and one they remember being in.
Modern Interior Design should almost force and push us to think about how we move, feel and function inside the building (in a good way obviously) it should still feel effortless. By embracing the principles of clean layouts, material cohesion, lighting, sustainability and human experience; You design how people experience and live in spaces. So the next time you’re sketching your next big idea, don’t forget. The inside matters just as much as the outside!
