Interior designers have to use a lot of tools to convey their message. Designers have to convey texture, size, shape, color, placement and proportion in their work. Because of this, many interior decorators are forced to use creative problem solving to produce their designs. Nearly every type of medium is used to create these designs, such as cutting out actual fabric, using three-dimensional computer images, and color illustrations.
Color Samples
One of the easiest ways for an interior designer to create a color scheme for a design is to use color samples. It helps if these color samples are all in one place either with a color wheel or some sort of collage of all the colors. Often these colors are on different fabrics that the designer may wish to use as part of his overall design scheme. This allows a drawing to take on a life of its own. Rather than being a flat illustration, a design with color samples has real texture.
Designing Software
Software that allows a designer to create floor layouts and to structure a room is especially important. Software like AutoCAD can allow a designer to create a floor plan as well as a three-dimensional expression of the design. This helps clients to visualize the design before committing to it.
Illustrated Examples
Every designer needs to have a high degree of skill in illustration. Software can only take a designer so far. It is helpful for designers to be able to create their own illustrations of their designs. Illustration allows a designer to present the exact idea that rests in the designer's head. These examples are also helpful for creating patterns or styles of furniture that simply aren't readily available as samples, which helps a designer to be flexible and creative.
Measuring Tools
Exact measurements are a must for interior designers. A designer needs to know the specific measurements of a room, bed, couch or window to accurately plan the design. If the measurements are off, the entire project could end in disaster. Many interior designers carry a measuring tape with them when doing research. They can then measure a coffee table they like so that when they draw their version of it in the design it will have the correct dimensions.
Art Markers and Colored Pencils
Color is very important to drawing interior designs. Art markers are excellent for this because they are inexpensive, fast and blend well with other colors. An interior designer can draw out a room in pencil or pen and use art markers to show the color scheme. When a designer combines a colored illustration with samples of fabric, the designs can really spring to life.
