Interior design is a profession involving the art and science of augmenting the interiors of space to make it aesthetically pleasing, appealing and functional. This is the standard definition of interior design people use today. However, if one flips back the pages of Indian history, the origin of interior design says otherwise. The spectrum of interior design was not as clear as it is today. The evolution of interior design began even before the term ‘interior design’ came into place.

India is recognized for its rich cultures and traditions so diverse from one another. Interior design in ancient India was referred to as architecture. More specifically, interior design came under the umbrella of architecture in ancient India.

In ancient India, architects worked as interior designers with or without their acknowledgment. This is established from several inscriptions and references of Vishwakarma the architect. Architect Vishwakarma is believed to be one of the gods in Indian mythology. His works include designs of Indian homes in the 17th century, sculptures with ancient texts and events placed inside palaces.

From sun temple in Konark to Taj Mahal in Agra, Indian interior design styles have emerged from inspirations extracted from myriad dynasties, religions and personalities who were a significant part of creating Indian history. These inspirations and design extractions have evolved to become contemporary interior design styles and elements. The ancient writings and sculptures played their part in defining the essence of interior design in India. They have wrapped their hands around the evolution of interior design in 2021 as we see it today.

While the interior design of a home was undiscovered for ‘interior designers’ in the 17th century, the women and children became the unexplored ‘interior designers’ who designed their homes with organic and crude materials with wood. Wood is an important part of interior design in medieval India.

Interior design was a part of Architecture in India

Things gradually transformed post-independence for interior design. Interior design as a field began gaining solid meaning and clarity. Under the shadow of colonization and British rule’s un indelible prints, architecture ventured into the interior sector. People started paying attention to the interiors of their homes. Appearances started becoming a factor of importance. Painted walls, colonial furniture, local arts and crafts came to the forefront of interior design.

Interior design, since then, has been evolving on the footprints of inspiration, trends and classic design and styles. Interiors designers came to the fore, and interior design became an established profession in the country. The study of design became symbolic and has entered the year 2021. JD Institute of Fashion Technology is a premier design institute offering BSc. in Interior Design – Singhania University – 3 Years. The institute primarily focuses on grooming aspiring interior designers with the latest trends in interior design to provide them a strong point of departure to the profession of interior design.