Judson University
INT 231 History of Interiors, Art and Furnishings
Spring 2024

Ruth Hernández Silva 

 This week, we began learning about interior design history with Ancient Civilizations, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. They laid the foundation for many of the principles used today.
We learned that during this period, design was in close relation to function, status, religion, and cosmic order. Interior decoration in Mesopotamia comprised mud-brick walls and painted geometric designs. Egyptian interior design included symmetry, symbolic richness, and the use of materials like stone, wood, and gold. Interior design in Greece included harmony, proportion, and the development of decorative columns (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian). Roman interior design stretched Greek design influence, using frescoes, mosaics, and domed rooms like in the Pantheon.

These cultures did not only construct for function—they designed with significance. Their interiors mirrored their worldview, social hierarchies, and technological advancements.


Ancient Interior Design Examples:

















Modern Applications of Ancient Design:




1. Neoclassical interiors using Greek and Roman columns




2. Modern homes with Egyptian Revival furniture




3. Commercial buildings inspired by Roman arches and domes



One Step Further: Zaha Hadid – Inspired by Ancient Curves

While Zaha Hadid came from the 21st century, she frequently took a cue from natural, ancient forms—most notably Mesopotamian buildings, where she was born (Baghdad). She evoked the natural, cosmic emphasis of the old civilizations with fluid, curving forms.

Her architectural concept was one of movement, rhythm, and geometry, similar to the prehistoric cultures that built with mathematical certainty and spiritual meaning.









I especially enjoyed studying how the ancient cultures formed the basis of interior design. It was realy interest to watch the design of the past —it narrated, it communicated authority, it connected one to one's deity or leader. What absolutely stunned me was how many of these design philosophies remain timeless today. We continue to apply symmetry, the use of natural materials, and symbolism today.

 Studying this week made me realize that design isn't merely style-based, but also cultural identification and meaning-based.

Comentarios

  1. Veronica Aguirre6 de septiembre de 2025 a las 11:59 a.m.

    I like the examples you chose for the interior design aspects with the greek and roman columns.

    ResponderBorrar
  2. Professor VanderNoordaa6 de septiembre de 2025 a las 1:18 p.m.

    Ruth,
    I enjoyed reading your Blog. Your summary was great. Please label your images so we know what they are. Your current examples were perfect! Greek and Roman columns and ceilings, as well as the Egyptian Revival interiors were strong examples. "One Step Further" focused on Zaha Hadid. Her architecture is stunning and relevant to this period. Well Done! 50/50 points

    ResponderBorrar
  3. Abigail Foster6 de septiembre de 2025 a las 2:20 p.m.

    I love the two livings rooms you showed, and how they are two very different examples that were inspired by the same time period. I think the Egyptian Revival furniture is very pretty!

    ResponderBorrar

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