Interior design begins with the architectural details already present in your home. Before picking paint colors or furniture, take the time to assess and highlight the special architectural elements that give your home character. Evaluating these integral design aspects will help inform your interior decor and allow you to create a cohesive style.
In the first phases of an interior design project, it’s essential to note the home’s existing architectural details. Pay attention to attributes like the floor plan layout, ceilings, columns, moldings, doors, windows, and hardware. Understanding these features is key to enhancing – not hiding – your home’s best assets. Thoughtful design choices will spotlight these special touches and create a unified interior that reflects the home’s architecture.
What is Architectural Interior Design?
Architectural interior design focuses on drawing attention to a home’s unique construction details during the decor process. This design style highlights features like high ceilings, crown molding, antiques doors, and bay windows instead of distracting from them. The goal is to celebrate the integral aspects of the architecture through color choices, furniture arrangement, lighting, and decorative accents.
InteriorxDesign utilizes an architectural design approach when devising aesthetics for homes. We evaluate what architectural elements already work in a space and come up with creative ways to showcase those details. Instead of imposing a trendy look on a home, we thoughtfully enhance the existing architecture for a tailored design.
History of Architectural Interior Design
Humans have been integrating architectural details into interior design for thousands of years. In ancient Roman and Greek architecture, ornate moldings, columns, tilework, and wall paintings were seamlessly incorporated into decor. These cultures viewed architecture and interior design as interconnected.
During the Renaissance, there was a resurgence of integrating architectural elements into design. Elaborate cabinets highlighting marble and stone details became popular. Niche spaces werealso created to showcase decorative statuary and accentuate the home’s architecture.
In the 19th century, architectural interiors continued to thrive. Victorians utilized extensive crown molding, ceiling medallions, wainscoting, columns, and built-in bookshelves to create character-rich spaces. Natural wood finishes connected nature with the home’s details.
The early 20th century saw minimalism rise in design. However, a return to celebrating architectural elements emerged in the 1980s and 90s. Today, architects and designers continue to develop creative ways to highlight unique architectural features in aesthetically pleasing interiors. The integrated approach remains a cornerstone of great design.
Characteristics of Architectural Interior Design
There are several key characteristics that define the architectural interior design style:
- Attention to lines and shapes in the architecture
- Highlighting structural details like moldings, ceiling beams, and finish work
- Arranging furnishings to showcase fireplaces, doorways, windows, and other architectural aspects
- Harmonizing color palettes with existing paint colors and finishes
- Use of material authentic to the architecture like natural stone and wood
- Incorporation of architecture-inspired forms and patterns in fabrics and furnishings
- Thoughtfully scaling furniture and lighting fixtures to complement spaces
- Minimizing intense wall colors that hide architectural details
- Amplifying the impact of niches, built-ins, staircases and other unique construction elements
How to Achieve an Architectural Interior Design Look
When taking an architectural approach to interior design, the starting point is always a thorough evaluation of the existing architecture. Note which attributes you want to enhance before making any decor decisions. Here are some key steps to follow:
Begin by touring your home with fresh eyes. Photograph design elements you want to highlight like stained glass windows, a stone fireplace, or handcrafted wood cabinetry. Also make note of details you want to downplay like outdated popcorn ceilings or a awkwardly placed soffit.
Next, measure the rooms being designed and sketch out the existing layout and architectural features. This floor plan will allow you to thoughtfully arrange furnishings to showcase niche spaces, fireplace surrounds, built-ins, etc.
Research the history of your home’s architecture and interior finishes. Know when it was built, the architectural style, and any special details about the construction. Use this knowledge to inform material and design choices. For example, stick with period-appropriate fixtures and furniture for a Victorian row house.
Evaluate the existing interior architectural elements like crown molding, baseboards, door casings, and ceiling beams. If needed, consider adding or upgrading moldings and trimwork to provide architectural interest. Properly restored or installed moldings will make a home’s details stand out.
Examine all doors and windows. If replacements are needed, choose new ones that match the existing style. Salvage and repurpose any antique doors, hardware, shutters, or trimwork during renovations. Reuse gives architectural elements new life.
Preserve or refinish existing wood, stone, or brick finishes. This maintains the architectural integrity and uniqueness of the space. Only paint over these materials if it is truly needed for unity or practicality.
Create an accent wall to highlight a specific architectural detail. For example, use a bold wallpaper or paint color on the wall where a beautiful old fireplace sits. This draws the eye to the special feature.
Arrange furnishings and lighting to direct attention to the home’s best assets. Angle sofa backs toward the fireplace. Use sconces to illuminate a special niche. Position the bed to face windows with a view.
Incorporate architectural shapes and lines into soft home decor. Try diamond, arched or circular patterns on pillows and drapes that mirror the architecture. Use area rugs with borders that complement molding lines.
Scale furnishings appropriately so they don’t hide or overwhelm the existing architecture. Overly bulky or large pieces will compete with special details like a hexagonal window bay or delicate columns.
Use interior architecture-inspired shelving and cabinetry whenever possible. Built-in bookshelves that match existing trimwork styles add character and display space.
Lastly, limit intense paint colors. Neutrals enhance the beauty of natural finishes found in quality architectural elements. Pops of color can always be achieved with decor accents and artwork.
Best Practices for Architectural Interior Design
Keep these top tips in mind as you highlight your home’s best features:
- Focus on clean lines and minimal clutter so the architecture can shine.
- Light rooms effectively to spotlight key architectural aspects. Use layers of light.
- Collect inspiration photos of rooms with similar attributes to influence your redesign.
- Purchase high-quality furnishings that won’t detract from the architectural details.
- Refinish and maintain woodwork and floors for longevity and beauty.
- Reuse antique interior hardware like doorknobs to add depth and tie spaces together.
- Frame special views from windows and glass doors with drapes or valances.
- Add mirrors and reflective surfaces to showcase and bounce more light around detailed spaces.
- Incorporate architectural shapes and motifs into fabrics like roman shade trim and throw pillow edging.
- Keep wall colors neutral to let the natural textures of wood and stone pop.
- Mix metal finishes for hardware and fixtures to complement different architectural elements in the home.
- Upgrade basic doors or lighting fixtures that take away from the high-quality details in a home.
- Layer rugs over hardwoods or tile to delineate living spaces while maintaining the flooring view.
- Curate a thoughtful decorative object collection inspired by the architecture to display.
- Show restraint and don’t overwhelm the existing architecture with competing decor elements.
- Hire a professional if you need guidance showcasing home details.
Conclusion
The architecture of your house provides the foundation for amazing interior design. Evaluating the existing layout and finishes allows you to highlight a home’s fine features. Architectural interior design thoughtfully connects decor to the integral bones and character of your space for a harmonious aesthetic. By keeping the unique architectural details as the focus, you can create a warm, livable home with timeless appeal and charm. InteriorxDesign specializes in this architectural approach – contact us today to highlight the best features in your home.
