Qualitative Research in Interior Designing: A Detailed Report

This report presents a qualitative research study conducted by a student focusing on interior design. The research explores modern interior design techniques through two interviews with interior designers. The report begins with an executive summary and table of contents, followed by an exploration of the student's interest in the field, connecting it to education and technology. The student's thesis statement, "How important are modern interior designing techniques important in the world of today?" guides the research. The report then details the research plan, including interview questions and responses from two interior designers. The interviews cover various aspects of interior design, such as applications beyond traditional areas, differences between traditional and modern design, learning experiences, designing small spaces, crucial factors in room design, lighting techniques, balcony design, new-age tools, client questioning, and popular software. The responses provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of interior design, emphasizing minimalism, natural materials, and the importance of client needs and functionality. The report concludes with a comprehensive analysis of the interview data, highlighting key trends and perspectives in modern interior design.

Running head: QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN INTERIOR DESIGNING
Qualitative Research in Interior Designing
Name of the student
Name of the University
Author note

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Executive Summary
The purpose of this report is to gather information by taking the help of qualitative research.
It will focus on two interviews conducted that can reveal important information about new-
age designing in respect to interior designing. It will provide sufficient amount of light on the
different aspects that should be considered before proceeding with the research paper.

2QUALITATIVE RESERACH IN INTERIOR DESIGNING
Table of Contents
Assignment 1-A: Declaring your topic and thesis statement.....................................................3
Assignment 1-B: Writing a Research Plan.................................................................................4
References:...............................................................................................................................11

3QUALITATIVE RESERACH IN INTERIOR DESIGNING
Assignment 1-A: Declaring your topic and thesis statement
1. What is your major?
Interior Design
2. What is your general area/category of interest? i.e. garbage, education, technology,…
My general category of interest is that of Education and Technology. Education in the
modern age is synonymous with that of technology and both are indispensable for complete
learning.
3. Did you connect your topic to your major, to your interests or to your experiences?
Yes, I connected the topic with my major subject as this would help me later in my
professional career and learning more about my major subject can widen the horizon of my
knowledge.
4. What are your personal ideas regarding the general area of interest? i.e. your experiences.
Education can help in removing the corruption and unemployment. It can help in removing
problems related to environment. Education helps in creating honest citizen endowed with the
power of critical thinking. In the dynamic world of today, life without the use of technology
is not possible. Technology can help in bringing together the tools that can assist in the
exchange of information.
5. Now, narrow your topic to a more manageable size and area of research.
The qualities of a modern interior designer will be the area of research.
6. Are you excited to write about this narrowed topic? WHY?
Yes, I am excited to write about this topic as this will be extremely beneficial for me for my
future profession.
7. Did you ask another student, friend or family member if your topic is interesting? i.e. is
there a “HOOK” to interest your reader/audience?
Yes, I asked my family member and friends regarding the topic and they affirmed that the
topic is interesting.

4QUALITATIVE RESERACH IN INTERIOR DESIGNING
8. Does your topic have many sources of evidence? You will need at least 5.
The source of evidence is the information provided by the interviewees, journals, books,
research papers and my professors.
9. What are “5” keywords or phrases that are associated with your narrowed topic?
Five keywords associated with the narrowed topic is that of decor, colour, architecture,
furniture and painting.
10. Does your thesis statement include “biology, history and geography”? EXPLAIN.
Yes, the thesis statement includes history in its scope. History provides us a glimpse of the
old form of architecture and the way things have evolved over the years.
11. Is your thesis statement short, to the point and clear?
Yes, my thesis statement is clear and to the point.
12. Is your statement a thesis statement, enthymeme or hypothesis? EXPLAIN.
It is a thesis statement. The thesis statement brings to light the main idea that has been
conveyed with the help of this assessment. It puts forward the essential idea that learning
about the nuances of modern interior designing techniques is important for being successful
in the competitive world of today. It highlights my position in relation to the main idea. The
qualitative research method conducted with the help of luminaries in the world of Interior
Designing helps to shed important light about this topic.
13. My thesis statement is
How important are modern interior designing techniques important in the world of today?
Assignment 1-B: Writing a Research Plan
Interviewee name- Michael Anderson
Date of Interview-24th August
Age-27
Gender-male

5QUALITATIVE RESERACH IN INTERIOR DESIGNING
Marital Status-Single
Occupation-Interior Designer
2. Questions
a) Mention some different areas apart from the traditional ones where the knowledge in
relation to interior designing can be applied?
b) What are the differences between that of a traditional interior designer and that of a
modern interior designer?
c) What are the experiences that have helped in learning new things related to interior
designing?
d) How can a small space be designed?
e) What is the most important factor according to you while designing a room?
f) What are the good ways of using the effect of light in a room?
g) How can the space in balcony or veranda be designed in modern age?
h) What are the new age tools that an interior designer can take the help of?
i) What are the questions that should be asked to the client?
j) What are the popular software that can be used for modern interior designing?
Answers
a) Interior Designing can be applied in different streams like that of Visual Merchandiser,
Home Theatre Designer, Feng Shui Designer, Vastru shastra Expert, Set Designer for films
and that of Landscaping Artist. Visual merchandisers design the display for shop windows
and in other stores and knowledge regarding Interior Designing can help to a large extent
(Atwal & Williams, 2017). Feng Shui refers to the way spaces are organized so that positive
energy can be created. In order to create a balanced environment knowledge regarding
interior designing is essential.
b) Modern interior designs lay focus on the element of minimalism and on light colours. Line
and shape is focussed with the help of modern interior designing. Natural materials like that

6QUALITATIVE RESERACH IN INTERIOR DESIGNING
of wood, teak and linen are extensively made use of and polished metal helps in adding a
distinct glow to the room (Mitton & Nystuen, 2016). Glass and natural light is included in
the scope of modern interior design and the walls are often left white in order to add to the
charm of the room. Traditional interior designing include the furnishings that have an elegant
look.
c) The active learning theories lay more stress on consructivism and how the experiences can
be used constructively. The clients can outline all kinds of activity in regard to the family
members that can help in understanding the taste of the modern consumer (Xia et al.,2015).
The projects of top companies can increasingly help in learning new things as one comes
across new ideas and one can learn how to integrate these new ideas within the design
(Graham, Gosling & Travis, 2015).
d) A small space can be given the illusion of more space by selecting a light palette. Interior
columns help in creating an effect of more space and they help in increasing the aura of the
room. Small side tables can be made use instead of a big coffee table. If the things can be
moved then it makes the room feel less cramped. The wood floors of the kitchen can be
extended outside to that of a coordinated deck with the help of glass showers that helps in
providing the element of more space (Wentling, 2017). Baskets can be kept below the bed in
order to provide the electrical supplies. It can be used as a toolbox. A stair landing can be
turned into that of a bar along with that of a buffet for the purpose of entertainment.
e) While designing a room, the two most important factors are function of room along with
that of comfort of user. Wood can be a great choice for the formal design and oak and
mahogany can help in adding an elegant quality to the room. Sunlight is an important factor
that should be considered while a home is being designed (Olgyay, 2015). The best aspect in
relation to a site should be highlighted and changes made in designs can block any eyesore.
An essential factor is ensuring the balance and the things should be carefully positioned in
such a manner that visual appeal is enhanced. Everything should be well-proportioned that
can help in ensuring the balance. However, modern designers vouch for asymmetrical design
that needs exploring creativity and imagination to the maximum level.
f) Decorating lighting can help in creating the mood and it helps in enhancing shape of the
objects in a room. Layering light is essential for living room which is an area where people
have to gather for relaxation and various kinds of recreationary activities. Lights that bounce
off from the ceiling should be used for providing ambient illumination (Carpman & Grant,

7QUALITATIVE RESERACH IN INTERIOR DESIGNING
2016). It helps in avoiding shadows or downward direction in relation to the recessed lights.
Lights that bounce off from ceiling is extremely suitable for the human tendency to perceive
lights in vertical planes.
g) Plants can help in adding colour to the balcony. Natural beauty can be enhanced by the use
of natural plants. Plants add the much necessary element of privacy and adds colour and
depth to the space.
h) Old school designers used to make extensive use of drawing paper in order to understand
the different aspects related to interior designing. CAD software can help in creation of
diagrams and sketches necessary for the architects. Sketch-Up, Olioboard and Icovia can be
used to give the viewer a mock up of how the space would look finally (COlEmaN,
ClaRkSON & Cassim, 2016).
i) The client should be asked about client budget and time frame. They should be asked about
the design style and how the client visualizes the design process. The personal taste of the
clients should be asked before designing a house. The particular colours that the clients prefer
should be asked before starting the designing of the house (Srivastava & Bhatnagar, 2017).
The client should be asked whether they have seen something that can serve as the inspiration
before carrying out the designing process. The function of the room should be considered
before carrying out the designing process. The budget of the client is also important and
whether the budget is realistic in terms of the vision is another important area that should be
considered.
j) Colour Snap and zillow digs can be made use of as essential tools for interior designing.
Zillow Digs is an online database that provides an estimate for the real estate. They can help
in offering extensive service for the improvement of home.
Interviewee name- Maria Hiddleton
Date of Interview-29th August
Age-29
Gender-Female
Marital Status-Married

8QUALITATIVE RESERACH IN INTERIOR DESIGNING
Occupation-Interior Designer Professor
a) The areas where knowledge in relation to interior designing can be required is that of
exhibition designer, visual merchandiser, architectural technologist, furniture desiner and
graphic designer. The Exhibition designer discusses about the concepts of design and they
finalise proposals before presenting them to the clients. They attend meetings with the sales
team in order to take briefs (Lasc, Downey & Taylor, 2015). A Visual merchandiser
develops the floor plans and other three-dimensional display in order to maximise the sale.
The goods along with services are displayed in order to highlight the essential features.
b) Modern architecture makes use of glass windows and intentional asymmetry is an
important feature of modern architecture. Flat roof is a distinct feature in relation to modern
architecture and having right angle is an essential feature of modern architecture. The kitchen
is generally in the living arena (Goenka, Dogne & Thakur, 2016). The room being airier
emanates a fresh feeling. Furniture pieces have colours like that of red, brown and blue. In
terms of fabric, the colours are sold and most of the fabrics have floral patterns.
c) The elements of design has to be clearly understood and one must know the reasons behind
that of artistic decisions. Understanding is the most important factor and understanding the
need of client is of supreme importance in this profession. One should constantly learn new
things so that one can compete in the business (Lasc, Downey & Taylor, 2015). Love of
learning is important and natural curiosity can prove to be of great benefit in interior
designing. Creativity can solve all kinds of problems and habit should be defeated by that of
originality.
d) An open floor can be made use of and rooms should be opened to one another. The volume
of all the areas are taken together creating an illusion of space and having an open floor plan
helps one in enjoying the borrowed light. Interior walls that is in between that of kitchen and
Dining space should be eliminated. The appliances of the laundry can be hidden behind that
of doors and this strategy can help in minimizing the space (Browning-Keen et al., 2017).
Hallways can be eliminated and circulation along with other spaces can be combined in order
to serve the twin purpose of that of the hallway and that of library. Architectural features like
that of stairs or casework can help in providing separation between the spaces.

9QUALITATIVE RESERACH IN INTERIOR DESIGNING
e) A fire and seismic resistant house should be built in order to ensure that the security
reasons are met. Since, crimes are increasing day by day one should take proper precautions.
The “Gajbar” or two strong block of metal fitted to the interior of the house can be of great
help because it can prevent the criminal from pushing open the door (Kumar & Saharan,
2017). Vastu-shastra is also taken into consideration by the modern consumers they should
be abided by according to the desires of the consumers. There should be a vent for the indoor
air pollution and modern ventilation can be made use of in order to tackle the problem. Metal
chimneys prove to be more effective as compared to mud brick chimney. Another necessity is
ensuring that there is a smooth supply of water. Safety, hygiene and environmental
expediency are the important aspects that should be considered.
f) Recessed lighting can be made use of in case of modern architecture in order to maintain
control over the space in case of a demanding architectural environment. Skygarden recessed
lighting can be made use of that gives a new perspective to that of the use of lighting. In-
ground recessed lighting can also be used to add a modern look. Baffle trims are chosen for
living room and dining room. These trims showcases uniform grooves that are necessary for
absorbing excess amount of light (Saikia et al., 2016). Back baffles can help in reducing the
glare emanating from bulb and on the other hand white baffles can reduce the dark holes from
appearing in the ceiling. Adjustable trims can be used in different kinds of applications. They
can be used in case of general lighting and for wall washing.
g) Design detaining on the small balcony can be used to create modern outdoor space. The
planters can be placed along windows so that the residents can enjoy the view from the
house. Each planter can be treated as a flower bed and sea-shells can be placed strategically
in order to enhance the look of the balcony.
h) Social media is a dynamic tool that can be made use of in order to meet the goals of
interior designers. Credibility and trust can be built with the help of social media marketing.
Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram can be made use of in order to gain new ideas
regarding interior designing. Photos along with images are essential in today’s world and
social media strategy can be made use of in order to understand the aesthetics of the modern
audience.
i) The clients should be asked about if there is any special need that should be accommodated
and how the rooms are used before proceeding with the interior designing plan. They should
be asked whether the clients have any specific activity for which they will require any other

10QUALITATIVE RESERACH IN INTERIOR DESIGNING
feature to be integrated into the design The hobbies of the clients should be asked so that
adequate room is made for carrying out their activities. The taste and mental set-up are also
integral for designing the building.
j) Houzz is a design app that is often termed as the “Wikipedia of Interior and Exterior
Design”. It has a huge stock of database that provides useful information. Homestyler Interior
Design and one can try out different looks by imposing the real products. 3-D models of
different furniture and fixture can be created and ideas can be shared with the help of Design
Gallery (Chawla & Hiran, 2015). One can also browse profiles of other interior designers in
the area in order to get reviews regarding their perspective. Autodesk Homestyler is a
software that is related to interior designing and it offers a 3D mode display where the
interior set-up can be configured. Sweet Home 3D can also be used and it boasts of a huge
range of graphics that can help the users in designing the space.

11QUALITATIVE RESERACH IN INTERIOR DESIGNING
References:
Atwal, G., & Williams, A. (2017). Luxury brand marketing–the experience is everything!.
In Advances in Luxury Brand Management (pp. 43-57). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.
Browning-Keen, V., Kabay, K., Boyd, L., Beck, A., & Burleson, L. (2017). Designing for
Health and Appetite: Nutrition and Interior Design Professionals Create Appropriate
Environments to Achieve Meal Satisfaction in Dementia Residents. Journal of
Nutrition Education and Behavior, 49(7), S86.
Carpman, J. R., & Grant, M. A. (2016). Design that cares: Planning health facilities for
patients and visitors (Vol. 142). John Wiley & Sons.
Chawla, S., & Hiran, D. (2015). Exhibiting Knowledge Level of Vastu Shastra Principles in
House Construction and Interior Designing. Asian Journal of Research in Social
Sciences and Humanities, 5(5), 31-37.
COlEmaN, R., ClaRkSON, J. O. H. N., & Cassim, J. (2016). Design for inclusivity: a
practical guide to accessible, innovative and user-centred design. CRC Press.
Goenka, A., Dogne, N., & Thakur, V. S. (2016). Towards Sustainability (Use of Mother
Natural Resources)-An Overview. Journal of Interior Designing and Regional
Planning, 1(2).
Graham, L. T., Gosling, S. D., & Travis, C. K. (2015). The psychology of home
environments: A call for research on residential space. Perspectives on Psychological
Science, 10(3), 346-356.
Kumar, P., & Saharan, A. P. P. (2017). Experimental & Comprehensive study on Green
Concrete vs conventional concrete. Journal of Interior Designing and Regional
Planning, 2(2).
Lasc, A. I., Downey, G., & Taylor, M. (Eds.). (2015). Designing the French interior: the
modern home and mass media. Bloomsbury Publishing.
Mitton, M., & Nystuen, C. (2016). Residential interior design: A guide to planning spaces.
John Wiley & Sons.