Man has always chosen to personalize where he lived to feel more emotionally and physically comfortable. From the very first caves we inhabited as human beings we chose to beautify them with cave paintings that depicted the lives that were led in those days. From these really humble origins the art of interior design has grown. Through most of the ancient times and up through the Renaissance the focus of the dwellings of the common man was primarily that of necessity. It was more crucial for the common man to be able to have the things necessary to survive, than to have his home look pretty. This left the decor to the nobility.
The precise credit for the birth of interior design is most often given to the Ancient Egyptians, who embellished their humble mud huts with simple furniture improved by animal skins or textiles, as well as murals, sculptures, and painted vases. Stunning~Lovely~Gorgeous~Attractive} gold ornaments found in Egyptian tombs (such as that of King Tutankhamen) unveiled the importance of more lavish decoration for wealthier and powerful Egyptians.
In the history of decorating we find that in the ancient times, speaking of the Roman Era through to the time of Renaissance, it was the royalty or the wealthy class that was involved in decorating their homes. The main reason for this is that they did not worry as much about their day to day survival as much as the typical person. They were ready to spend the extra money that they had, furnishing their home with the latest linens, beautiful iron beds, draperies, hand made elegant furniture etc. To have a home decorated, was a sign of wealth that only the upper class had the good fortune to enjoy.
Historically speaking we don’t see a real interest by the common man in interior decorating until the establishment of the middle class in the western world. Once the middle class was recognized there was an influx of common people having more money and the capacity to be less preoccupied with their daily survival. This time period really starts about the time of European Imperialism. This era produced more jobs for the common man such as; Merchants, sailors etc. These new jobs afforded more luxuries to the common man, which allowed them to adorn their homes in a more lavish style with such items as antique iron beds, carved furniture etc,
Through out history the art of interior design has grown and changed. Publications came into print depicting beautiful homes. Fashion became a must for any suitable person. This integrated fashion for the home and self. The advent of television created a more universal style pushing interior decorating into a new era.
Having a comprehension of who we are and where we come from in regards to design will help bring the styles that we know today full circle.The field of interior design has come a long way from the mud and brick days of the ancient Egyptians. Designers today have access to both man-made and synthetic materials, and they can draw upon the influences of past generations while also regularly striving to create new design trends.
