Design vs. Decoration

Ryne Morse

1D 162

19 February 2016

Design vs. Decoration

            While initially considering my response for this assignment, I truthfully thought it was a little silly to have to differentiate between ‘decorate’ and ‘design.’ I tend to think of the two at interchangeable terms, and in most cases I would assume that they are. However, after reading the article on Florence Knoll, I was sensing that she was providing so much more with these spaces, and putting much more thought into the actual layout of the room itself, that her meticulousness is what caused people to see the true hard work that was put into this new profession.

I believe initially, and I am guilty of this as well, people assumed that interior designer merely decided ‘how do we make this room look the best.’ Florence Knoll seemed to me to be the first person to take huge consideration in efficiency and comfort at the same time. For example, once establishing the Planning Unit at her company, Florence began to design office spaces for New York office buildings, essentially planning spaces around efficiency and style. She was noted for placing living room-style furniture in office and workspaces to create a more positive and comfortable experience. Previous office spaces tended to be so simple and repetitive, a ‘decorator’ was assumed to be unnecessary to choose which flooring to use and where to hang art. However, Florence Knoll’s designs began to show much more intelligence than previous spaces, while also incorporating practical business efficiency along with it like never before; hence, the movement for an official practice be established began. Dating all the way to this day, the Knoll legacy is carried on. Watching the video of their showroom, her idea of efficiency seems to be alive and as important than ever with products such as adjustable tables and a many comfortable options regarding the modern office.

Thinking back to many ancient designs of interior spaces, we tend to get lost in the massive depictions on the ceilings and the impressive architecture, and look over the practicality of the design as well. For instance, textiles of the ancient world were not woven in a color of your choice and maybe even a family crest if you were rich, but they were hung upon windows and surrounding their beds to keep them insulated. This is an example that even dating back to the ancient world, people were designing their spaces with as much aesthetics as well as practicality as possible. Difference now is it is not a matter of survival, per se.