Learn the Art of Interior Design Finishes in Your Next Course

Overview

Interior design involves creating useful, visually appealing and comfortable spaces. One of the most underappreciated but critical aspects of establishing a tone for the space is choosing and finding the best finishing materials. 

They are the visual aspects that elevate raw architectural spaces to refined environments, transforming them into polished, practical and alluring features. They define the difference between a standard look and one that is eye-catching. Now, the question is, what exactly are these finishes, and what role do they play in architecture? 

Table of contents

• What Are Interior Design Finishes?
• Why Are Finishes Crucial in Interior Design?
• Psychological Impact of Finishes
• Types of Finishes You'll Learn in a Design Course
• Career Benefits of Understanding Finishes
• Tips for Choosing the Right Interior Design Course

What Are Interior Design Finishes?

Interior finishes include all the natural and synthetic materials and devices used to cover the interior and exterior framing of a building to enhance its functionality and aesthetic appeal. Common finishing materials used for interior design are acoustic tiles, plywood, wax, copper pipes, steel sheets, cork, and more.

Two key occasions in which interior finishes truly shine are when adding an outward marvel to a building, making it more visually appealing. Second, functioning as a renovation, concealing any obvious defects or restorative damage. 

In general, finishes are an important aspect of architecture, mixing aesthetics and practicality. The architecture is functional in and of itself, constituting the structure and providing whatever function each piece was designed to perform. If it is a pillar, it lends support to the structure. If it's a window, it allows light in. 

Modern designers work with a wide range of finishes. Finishes establish the essence of each room, from the delicate beauty of Venetian plaster walls in a Mediterranean palace to the industrial charm of polished concrete flooring in a contemporary loft. 

Why Are Finishes Crucial in Interior Design?

The impact of finishes extends far beyond mere aesthetics. Consider how a single room can evoke entirely different emotions through thoughtful finish selection. A conference room finished with warm wooden panels and acoustic ceiling treatments creates an environment conducive to focused discussion, while the same space with glossy white surfaces and metallic accents might feel more energetic and forward-thinking.

Psychological Impact of Finishes

Various study sources support the concept that interior design in general has a significant impact on human psychology and that interior design finishes, in turn, have a direct affect on behaviour and well-being. Here are a few examples:

• Healthcare facilities using warm wood finishes report faster patient recovery times. (Here’s another interesting read on The importance of interior design for mental wellbeing.)
• Educational spaces with natural finishes show improved student concentration.
• Well-designed retail environments typically encourage longer customer dwell time.

Types of Finishes You'll Learn in a Design Course

There are various types of finishes that are a must to learn while studying interior design. Keep reading the following paragraphs to explore more about different types of flooring, ceilings, walls and more!

Flooring Foundations

Flooring ultimately sets the tone for every area, influencing both beauty and functionality. Learn how to deal with a variety of flooring materials such as:

• Hardwood:

  Provides durability and timeless charm, is suited for a variety of décor styles, but scratches readily. Ideal for living areas and bedrooms, where the ethos of the space is warmth, cosiness, and rustic charm.



• Carpets:

  An excellent addition to light up any space with colour and textures. Whilst it can be added to have a pop of colour, it can also add a touch of sophistication with neutral colours. It’s also a plus point that they offer comfort and are available in a range of textures and colours, making them excellent for any space that requires warmth, styling, or even noise reduction.



• Tiles:

  They are typically found in bathrooms and kitchens because they are water resistant and simple to clean, but they can be cold and hard underfoot, hence avoided in living spaces.



• Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP):

  Mimics more expensive materials at a cheaper cost and with greater durability, making it perfect for high-traffic areas; yet, eco-conscious homeowners may be concerned about its environmental impact.

Examine examples like the Ace & Tate’s shop in Antwerp use of recycled plastic terrazzo flooring, which has become a hot topic in the sustainable design community.  

Here's a list of popular choices: Aside from the traditional possibilities, other case studies to explore include biophilic flooring systems with genuine moss and lichens and interactive LED-embedded tiles used in Tokyo's TeamLab Borderless museum.

Walls of Wonder

Walls serve as the backdrop for your interior design, offering unlimited chances for personal expression. Beyond basic paint, wall finishes are the last layers or coatings applied to the surface of interior or exterior walls. They are like the icing on the cake, giving the last touch that brings everything together. 

• Paint:

  A simple and inexpensive way to modify a space, it's available in a wide range of hues and finishes, from matte to glossy.



• Wallpapers:

  They can bring a lot of charm to a room with their patterns and textures, making them perfect for feature walls or compact spaces.



• Decorative Panels:

  Enhance places such as entryways and dining rooms using materials like wood or stone to add depth and a luxurious atmosphere.

Aside from the typical alternatives, other case studies to look into include Japanese washi paper coatings, biodegradable clay plasters, and interactive wall treatments that change colour in response to temperature or touch. Also, discover how renowned designer Kelly Wearstler uses textured wall treatments to create eye-catching focal areas in her signature interior designs.

Ceiling Statements

The ceiling, often overlooked, plays a crucial role in the overall feel of a space. 

• Painted Ceilings:

  Extend wall colour or add contrast to add depth or height to a room.



• Exposed Beams:

  Introduce rustic or industrial charm but can visually lower the ceiling, best suited for rooms with sufficient height.



• Coffered Ceilings:

  Provide architectural interest and a sense of luxury but involve a more costly and involved installation process.

Master the art of generating ambient effects with ceiling design, from floating wooden slats that conceal lighting to acoustic panels that serve as artistic pieces.

Learn from projects like the Heydar Aliyev Center's undulating wooden ceiling, which shows how finishing options may transcend architectural standards.

Aside from typical choices, some case studies to explore include stretched fabric systems with integrated lighting and parametrically designed hardwood slat systems.

Career Benefits of Understanding Finishes

Expertise in finishes leads to specialised professions such as material consultancy for sustainable buildings and finish specification for premium hospitality projects. Many prominent designers have established their careers on inventive finish applications; for example, Patricia Urquiola's experimental use of materials has resulted in collaborations with leading brands and prestigious design contracts around the world. Interested in a successful career in interior design? Explore this article on Top 10 interior design companies in India.

Tips for Choosing the Right Interior Design Course

When evaluating courses, look for programmes that maintain strong industry connections and regularly update their curriculum to include emerging materials and techniques. The best courses often feature guest lectures by materials scientists and finish manufacturers, providing insights into future trends and innovations. Check out this list of the top 5 interior architecture and design colleges to find the best fit for you.

Takeaway

Understanding finishing entails more than just choosing colours and textures; it also entails designing environments that function well while pleasing the senses. Success stories such as Kelly Wearstler and Patricia Urquiola show how mastery of finishes can lead to groundbreaking designs and illustrious careers.

Your next step? Research programmes that provide a comprehensive course on finishes and other relevant design details. Look for interior architecture and design courses that integrate traditional knowledge with new technologies and environmentally friendly methods.

Remember, every great designer began with a solid foundation of materials and finishes.

Explore More About Design

- If you are a design enthusiast and want to learn more about drawing and sketching in designing, author Himanshi Chopra has also written an article on ‘Fashion Design Drawing Necessary for a Career in Fashion?’.

If you are inspired by this article and ready to choose the best interior design course that matches your aspirations, read this comprehensive guide to find your best fit.

Explore more careers with this guide on 9 alternative careers beyond architecture design.

If you’re still looking for expert tips on career, checkout this webinar by leading IIAD experts sharing industry insights.