Universal Principles of Interior Design

I didn’t realise there were so many aspects to consider when looking at interior design. This book outlines one hundred aspects, each fairly briefly, with example illustrations. I found this book fascinating. There wasn’t too much depth to it but it was enjoyable and gave the reader plenty to think about. Thank you to the authors, Net Galley and Quarto for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Universal Principles of Interior Design is an introductory book that presents 100 Ways to Develop Innovative Ideas, Enhance Usability, and Design Effective Solutions. It covers a wide range of topics that are arranged alphabetically, but does so at quite a high level. If the reader wanted more in depth information on a topic they would have to continue their research elsewhere. It is full of colour illustrations and visual lessons which is brilliant as it makes the book really easy to read and understand. The book would make a great gift for anyone interested in interior design, or a new student beginning the subject

“Universal Principles of Interior Design” by Chris Grimley and Kelly Harris Smith presents a worthwhile reference for the building blocks of the interior design profession. Given the range of conundrums, conflicting inputs, and multi-faceted complexities of the interior design practice, the authors offer the first rung on the ladder for those considering or learning the profession. The concepts presented will become key elements of their typical day at work to-come. Of note is the author’s attention to nuance, one example being a notation for considering how interior design accommodates color-blind occupants. What the authors might add in future revisions is the advice that many of the 100 principles are also specialty areas to which some practitioners have committed entire careers. These include color theory, materials development, furniture design, and lighting design. The authors might also consider exploring how interior design integrates into the overall contexts of new construction, remodels, or restorations. The book includes diagrams, graphics, and photographs that amplify the informative mission of the volume. “Universal Principles of Interior Design” may not deliver much that’s new to seasoned designers, but it will certainly provide an eye-opener for recruiting and engaging the designers of the future.

Universal Principles of Interior Design takes a classic approach to categorizing interior design concepts alphabetically into an encyclopedia format with photos and illustrations. This book is for the serious student or person looking to further their knowledge on interior design as a career discipline or serious hobby.

I could see this book being used as a teaching guide for an educator developing an interior design course, too.

As an Interior Designer myself I was impressed with the alphabetization of the 100 design concepts. I loved the format of “two pages per concept”, and the beautiful photographs to help illustrate the concept.

My favorite portions on each page were the “further reading” section and “see also” sections. These played the role in referencing you back to other concepts to see how they connected to one another, or for which books would be great to pick up to learn more about that concept.
The book has a fantastic reference guide at the back of the book, as well.

This book is not for the casual home decorator, but for someone truly interested in all that goes into interior design as a career. Professional in inspirational this book is a great collection of the fundamental design principles used for both interior design and architecture.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishers for providing an ARC in return for my honest review and opinions.

This is an excellent book for those with a serious interest in interior design. It is clearly written and designed, A great design reference title.

I absolutely love interior design and always gravitate toward books that cover this topic. There is always more to learn and Universal Principles of Interior Design provided this opportunity to me. The structure, however, was quite different than what I expected (my fault, as the title clearly indicates what's inside). Rather than inspiration shots, or color/style recommendations, this books really has the feel of a textbook. Imagine a full fledged textbook that covers the general concepts in interior design, but with each chapter summarized in a paragraph or two. This was truly the concept behind this book. There are plenty of photos to help you get the idea of what is being discussed, but the feel is far more academic than most "coffee table books" that I've seen come out lately. Also worth noting, this book does not target residential design. These principles apply to residential, commercial, etc. This book is full of useful information that I would recommend to an aspiring interior designer that desires to learn overall principles/concepts of the art, rather than someone who is looking for inspiration on how to redecorate their home.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are entirely my own.