House Grail is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.
16 Interesting Interior Design Facts & Statistics in 2023
Pete Ortiz
Last updated:
Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.
Interior design is an art form that involves creating functional rooms that are also aesthetically pleasing. Although the professional field of interior design is relatively new, applied interior design is ancient.
Below, you are going to learn 16 interesting facts about interior design. These facts begin with the origins of interior design and end in the modern day.
You’re welcome to use our images, but we require you link directly to this site for credit (ex. Image from House Grail)
General Interior Design Facts
1. Interior design is an ancient art form.
(Britannica)
Interior design is an ancient art form. In fact, the art itself has been found across all cultures and times. It is believed even the most primitive peoples had some form of interior design. Especially if you look at the pottery of Pueblo Indians and other ancient cultures, interior design seems to be an important part of all cultures.
Even in ancient western antiquity, interior design seems to have played a significant role. You can specifically look at excavations found in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt to find some of the earliest forms of interior design features.
Image Credit: Pexels, Pixabay
2. The earliest forms of interior design can be found in ancient Egypt.
(Britannica)
As for western culture, the earliest form of interior design was found explicitly in ancient Egypt. It is believed that platform bricks were used as decorative chairs, beds, and tables. Experts even believe these items were covered in textiles or animal skins for further decorations.
Likewise, art and sculptures can be found in these cultures. Even when looking at Egyptian burial tombs, you can see just how important interior design is for the ancient Egyptian cultures.
3. Interior design is cultural.
(Deniz Home)
Even though interior design has been an essential part of nearly all cultures, it has a huge impact on culture and culture on interior design. Just by looking at interior design today, it is easy to see how it is shaped by the cultural movement from which it is created.
Image Credit: Pixabay
4. The coined term “interior designer” is not even 100 years old, but…
(Décor Aid)
Today, the term interior design is known by practically everyone. Even though this term is highly popular today, the same cannot be true about its term in the past. That’s because the formal term is not even 100 years old.
Back in the 1930s, the term “interior designer” was coined by a magazine called Interior Design and Decoration. In other words, the word isn’t 100 years old yet!
5. The term was used in 1904, years before the coinage of the word.
(Interior Designers for Legislation in New York)
Even though the term “interior designer” was not coined until the 1930s, the word itself has been in use for some time. The very first usage of this term has been found dated back to 1904.
Image Credit: Pixabay
6. Interior design has become more regulated over the years.
(Interior Designers for Legislation in New York)
Over the last decades, interior design has become relatively regulated. From large interior design organizations to stipulations by the Americans with Disabilities Act, interior design has come a long way and includes more regulations.
7. White has been the most popular interior design color of the last decade.
(Architectural Digest)
Over the last decade, white and other neutrals have been the most popular colors. This might be due to the more minimalistic trend that has occurred over the last 10 years. Currently, there are no signs of this trend changing.
Image Credit: elRoce, Shutterstock
Interior Design Theory
8. Interior design often includes architecture.
(The Interior Design Academy)
Interior design is a lot more difficult than people make it out to be. For starters, interior design is meant to incorporate the actual building and architecture of the room, not just the room’s decorations.
Designing the room based on the architecture is a lot more difficult than just decorating the room. As a result, a lot of amateur interior designers can be spotted based on their inability to incorporate the architecture into their designs.
9. Interior design is meant to reflect the owner or creator.
(Fresh Home)
Interior design isn’t just meant to decorate a room. Instead, it is meant to either reflect the owner of the room or the creator. In this way, interior design is an intense art form that requires a skilled designer.
Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
10. Interior design typically has seven principles.
(The Interior Design Academy)
To prove just how difficult interior design is, interior design can be broken down into seven important principles: space, line, form, light, color, texture, and pattern. For any interior designer to be successful, they must consider these seven principles, most often in that order.
11. The debate of interior design is nature vs. manufactured.
(Clear pH)
One of the biggest debates amongst interior designers is to go for a natural appearance versus a manufactured one.
Natural designs are often inspired by nature, using wood, bamboo, and other natural textures. In contrast, manufactured items are typically metal and showcase the impressive exploits of man specifically.
It is often up to the individual interior designer and the client to determine which rules out. Typically, interior designers stick with one style over the other.
Image Credit: Piqsels
12. Interior design is thought to impact mood.
(Science Times)
Interior design has a long history that relates to psychology. Many cultures and artists believe that the area you live in impacts your mood. As a result, interior design is done in such a way to positively impact your mood, depending on your wants and needs.
Education of Interior Designers
13. Most interior designers study for four years.
(Best Accredited Colleges)
To be an interior designer, almost all interior designers study for at least four years to get their bachelor’s degree. This is normally considered the bare minimum in terms of educational experience, but many end up having more school experience, in addition to two years of work experience.
Image Credit: Pixabay
14. Some interior designers get a master’s degree.
(Best Accredited Colleges)
For interior designers who want to take a more academic approach to their art, a master’s degree is an option. With a master’s degree, the interior designer will go to school for an additional two years before taking licensure exams.
15. Licensure varies to become an official interior designer.
(Best Accredited Colleges)
Individuals must become licensed to become an official designer, but the requirements vary based on state. This licensure further ensures that interior designers know what they’re doing and are skilled.
Image Credit: 3DPhoto, Shutterstock
16. There are a lot of topics interior designers must learn in school.
(US News)
Interior designers must learn a lot to become licensed. Some of the most important classes involve modeling, 3D rendering, architecture, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Interior Design
Can I major in interior design?
Whether or not you major in interior design depends on the college you go to. Most interior designers specifically select schools to major in either interior design or architecture. If you don’t major in interior design, you will likely need to get your master’s degree in interior design or architecture instead.
(US News)
Image Credit: FreshPaint, Shutterstock
How long do interior designers go to school?
Interior designers typically go to school for a minimum of four years and a maximum of six years, depending on if the individual decides to pursue a master’s degree. Interior designers also have to apply for separate licensure by the state.
(US News)
How much does an interior designer cost?
Hiring an interior designer typically costs anywhere from $2000 to $5000. This does not include interior furniture purchased separately. The exact amount will depend on the interior and the designer’s experience.
(Forbes)
Image Credit: pozytywnewnetrza, Pixabay
How do I become an interior designer?
The exact requirements for becoming an interior designer depend on your state. You will need to research your state’s requirements specifically.
(How to Become)
What is the best program for interior designers?
Even though there are quite a few good interior design programs in the United States, the New York School of Interior Design is typically considered the best program.
(Interior Design Schools)
Conclusion
Interior design is an interesting discipline that requires a lot of history, experience, and schooling. As you can see, there is a lot more to interior design than meets the eye.
Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. Over the years, he has developed a keen interest in a wide variety of DIY projects around the home. Fascinated by all sort of tools, Pete loves reading and writing about all the latest gadgets and accessories that hit the market. His other interests include astronomy, hiking, and fishing.
As the founder of House Grail, Pete's primary goal is to help consumers make educated decisions about DIY projects at home, in the garage, and in the garden.
