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Interior Design Illustrated
The bestselling guide to interior design, updated with new code and technology
Interior Design Illustrated is the definitive guide to design for interior spaces. Richly illustrated in author Francis Ching's signature style, this book introduces complex design concepts in a visually stunning format; from defining the space and using the elements of design, to planning building systems and incorporating sustainable materials, this volume embodies the idea that beauty and function are not separate entities, but two parts of a whole. This new fourth edition has been updated to reflect the latest building codes and design practices, with discussion of new materials related to acoustics, lighting, and sustainable furnishings. Renewed attention to sustainability includes new information on energy conservation, design for longevity and adaptive reuse of existing buildings, as well as an updated discussion on LED lighting, workplace design, use of color, and computer modeling software to provide a well-rounded view of how interior design firms are working today.
This classic text brings the elements and principles of design to life, giving students the practical skills they need to transition from idea to concept.
Understand the latest building codes and how to integrate them into your design Explore new advances in materials, lighting, and wireless technology Design from a perspective of sustainability, longevity, and energy efficiency Delve into BIM, including software for modeling lighting, acoustics, and more Interior designers work at the intersection of aesthetics, functionality, regulations, accessibility, sustainability, and technology. There's no one formula for getting it right, only an eye trained by experience, based on a mastery of design fundamentals. Interior Design Illustrated begins laying that foundation, guided by a leading global authority in the field.
Interior Design Illustrated is the definitive guide to design for interior spaces. Richly illustrated in author Francis Ching's signature style, this book introduces complex design concepts in a visually stunning format; from defining the space and using the elements of design, to planning building systems and incorporating sustainable materials, this volume embodies the idea that beauty and function are not separate entities, but two parts of a whole. This new fourth edition has been updated to reflect the latest building codes and design practices, with discussion of new materials related to acoustics, lighting, and sustainable furnishings. Renewed attention to sustainability includes new information on energy conservation, design for longevity and adaptive reuse of existing buildings, as well as an updated discussion on LED lighting, workplace design, use of color, and computer modeling software to provide a well-rounded view of how interior design firms are working today.
This classic text brings the elements and principles of design to life, giving students the practical skills they need to transition from idea to concept.
Understand the latest building codes and how to integrate them into your design Explore new advances in materials, lighting, and wireless technology Design from a perspective of sustainability, longevity, and energy efficiency Delve into BIM, including software for modeling lighting, acoustics, and more Interior designers work at the intersection of aesthetics, functionality, regulations, accessibility, sustainability, and technology. There's no one formula for getting it right, only an eye trained by experience, based on a mastery of design fundamentals. Interior Design Illustrated begins laying that foundation, guided by a leading global authority in the field.
400 pages, ebook
First published July 15, 1987
109 people are currently reading
2525 people want to read
About the author
Francis D.K. Ching
53 books423 followersFrank (Francis D. K.) Ching (born 1943) is a widely recognized author of books addressing architectural and design graphics. Ching's books have been widely influential and continue to shape the visual language of all fields of design. He is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Washington.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 26, 2010
This book is writen profesionally by brainy person in architectural, Design, and drawing. Very usefull for anybody who likes Design. It's easy to understand and decent complete as a reference.
December 21, 2015
TODO:
! Overall, Francis D. K. Ching's Interior Design Illustrated (theory) and Deborah Needleman et alii's domino: the Book of Decorating (practice) are my two reference books for new-house projects.
! Must-read for all beginners and intermediate-level interior and home designers.
+++ very clear, very techy, very good!
+++ Chapter 1, interior space, defines the abstract notions of human space, with Western meanings. What defines a space? How is it structured? How do people move between and arrive to its various parts? What is "inside"?
+++ Chapter 2, interior design, has two main parts: a method for planning interior design projects, structured as a checklist, which forms the skeleton of the chapter; and a methodical survey of layout, complete with tech specs regarding sizes and positions. I finally understood why all benches have a seat height about 43cm above ground, and why salon tables with heights much lower than 35cm are hip.
+++ Chapter 3, a design vocabulary, describes the main concepts for interior design: form, shape, color, texture, light. It also diacusses extensively the art of design: balance, unity and variety, rhythm, and emphasis.
+++ Chapter 4, interior building elements, describes and depicts alternatives for seating, tables, work surfaces, storage, and sleeping. These are put into the various ordinary and extraordinary shapes in modern housing projects, including my favorite single-slope ceiling and heart-warming fireplaces. Natural lighting is also discussed here.
+ Chapter 5, interior environmental systems, picks up where the previous chapter ends, heating, and besides various forms of air conditioning it also discusses electricity. Useful, but I'm afraid I did not yet learn much (I won't be using this in the current project, so there's little testing).
++ Chapter 6, lighting and acoustics, is technical and detailed, which I find very useful and attractive. I finally understood why the Color Rendering Index (CRI) and the Correlated Color Temperature (CCT, in Kelvins) are stated on lamp/bulb descriptions, next to efficiency metrics such as Lumens/Watt. I'm still struggling with acoustics, but that's something my better half keeps telling me.
++ Chapter 7, finish materials, discusses functional, aesthetic, and economic details concerning flooring, carpets, wall building and finishing, and painting and decorating interiors in general. Ahm, I think I know now how to buy a rug.
+++ Chapter 8, furnishings, is an illustrated survey of the main trends in furniture. Not sure I can later identify a couch by Isamu Noguchi, but I should be able to spot a chair by Le Corbusier or by Mies van der Rohe when tagged with a glossy sticker. The discussion of window treatments (perhaps belonging to the chapter on finishing) and of accessories concludes another excellent chapter.
! Overall, Francis D. K. Ching's Interior Design Illustrated (theory) and Deborah Needleman et alii's domino: the Book of Decorating (practice) are my two reference books for new-house projects.
! Must-read for all beginners and intermediate-level interior and home designers.
+++ very clear, very techy, very good!
+++ Chapter 1, interior space, defines the abstract notions of human space, with Western meanings. What defines a space? How is it structured? How do people move between and arrive to its various parts? What is "inside"?
+++ Chapter 2, interior design, has two main parts: a method for planning interior design projects, structured as a checklist, which forms the skeleton of the chapter; and a methodical survey of layout, complete with tech specs regarding sizes and positions. I finally understood why all benches have a seat height about 43cm above ground, and why salon tables with heights much lower than 35cm are hip.
+++ Chapter 3, a design vocabulary, describes the main concepts for interior design: form, shape, color, texture, light. It also diacusses extensively the art of design: balance, unity and variety, rhythm, and emphasis.
+++ Chapter 4, interior building elements, describes and depicts alternatives for seating, tables, work surfaces, storage, and sleeping. These are put into the various ordinary and extraordinary shapes in modern housing projects, including my favorite single-slope ceiling and heart-warming fireplaces. Natural lighting is also discussed here.
+ Chapter 5, interior environmental systems, picks up where the previous chapter ends, heating, and besides various forms of air conditioning it also discusses electricity. Useful, but I'm afraid I did not yet learn much (I won't be using this in the current project, so there's little testing).
++ Chapter 6, lighting and acoustics, is technical and detailed, which I find very useful and attractive. I finally understood why the Color Rendering Index (CRI) and the Correlated Color Temperature (CCT, in Kelvins) are stated on lamp/bulb descriptions, next to efficiency metrics such as Lumens/Watt. I'm still struggling with acoustics, but that's something my better half keeps telling me.
++ Chapter 7, finish materials, discusses functional, aesthetic, and economic details concerning flooring, carpets, wall building and finishing, and painting and decorating interiors in general. Ahm, I think I know now how to buy a rug.
+++ Chapter 8, furnishings, is an illustrated survey of the main trends in furniture. Not sure I can later identify a couch by Isamu Noguchi, but I should be able to spot a chair by Le Corbusier or by Mies van der Rohe when tagged with a glossy sticker. The discussion of window treatments (perhaps belonging to the chapter on finishing) and of accessories concludes another excellent chapter.
October 8, 2025
My Minecraft houses will never be the same.
June 19, 2022
60/100
A decent little introduction to the basics of interior design. It is obviously more intended for people seeking to go into the industry (evidenced by the dozens of pages addressing how to work around city codes and build rooms around HVAC systems and whatnot), but there's still a lot to take away from the casual enjoyer of design.
A decent little introduction to the basics of interior design. It is obviously more intended for people seeking to go into the industry (evidenced by the dozens of pages addressing how to work around city codes and build rooms around HVAC systems and whatnot), but there's still a lot to take away from the casual enjoyer of design.
April 14, 2025
Ένα απο τα ελάχιστα βιβλία που με νευρίασαν για τον χρόνο που σπατάλησα να το διαβάσω. Το βιβλίο πιο πολύ θυμίζει λεξικό για κάποιον που δεν έχει μπει σε σπίτι ποτε και δεν ξέρει τι είναι το κάθε αντικείμενο παρά βιβλίο εσωτερικής διακόσμησης.
Δεν σου μένει τίποτα στο τέλος γιατί δεν έχει και τίποτα απολύτως να σου πεί. Δεν έχει ούτε ερωτήματα ούτε απαντήσεις για την διακόσμηση ενός χώρου και πάντα το αφήνει στην ευχέρεια του "interior designer" ενώ ταυτόχρονα παραθέτει πόσα είδη τραπεζιού υπάρχουν, πόσες λάμπες υπάρχουν, τι είναι σκάλες, τι είναι κρεβάτι. Ίσως για κάποιο άτομο που δεν έχει ξανα μπεί ποτέ του σε διαμέρισμα ή κάποιου είδους σπίτι, το βιβλίο αυτό να είναι ενδιαφέρον. Για όλους τους άλλους απλά πιστεύω αναφέρει τα απολύτως αυτονόητα.
Δεν σου μένει τίποτα στο τέλος γιατί δεν έχει και τίποτα απολύτως να σου πεί. Δεν έχει ούτε ερωτήματα ούτε απαντήσεις για την διακόσμηση ενός χώρου και πάντα το αφήνει στην ευχέρεια του "interior designer" ενώ ταυτόχρονα παραθέτει πόσα είδη τραπεζιού υπάρχουν, πόσες λάμπες υπάρχουν, τι είναι σκάλες, τι είναι κρεβάτι. Ίσως για κάποιο άτομο που δεν έχει ξανα μπεί ποτέ του σε διαμέρισμα ή κάποιου είδους σπίτι, το βιβλίο αυτό να είναι ενδιαφέρον. Για όλους τους άλλους απλά πιστεύω αναφέρει τα απολύτως αυτονόητα.
July 12, 2025
Una guía imprescindible para estudiantes y amantes del diseño. Francis D.K. Ching combina claridad teórica con ilustraciones impecables que hacen que cada concepto sea fácil de entender y aplicar. Es un manual completo, bien estructurado y visualmente atractivo, que aborda desde los principios básicos del diseño hasta consideraciones técnicas esenciales.
September 16, 2021
RẤT HAY
November 8, 2022
The perfect minimalist guide to interior design and renovation.
November 21, 2022
Best design book I've ever read. Somehow both thorough and brief, detailed yet accessible. Will be referencing this book often.
April 23, 2025
A good introduction to interior design. However it remains quite descriptive and basic for someone in the industry. It lacks the enlightening observations of the author as in Form, Space and Order.
July 19, 2025
tựa Việt: thiết kế nội thất có minh họa
bạn có thể tưởng nội thất là sơn màu gì và chọn item thế nào thì đọc xong sẽ hiểu là nội thất là đủ thứ bên trong ngôi nhà luôn - cửa, cầu thang, ánh sáng, độ cao,.....chẳng hạn, còn màu sắc hay vật dụng chỉ là một phần nhỏ của "nội thất"
bản việt xuất bản năm 2011 thì nên nguyên bản có thể là cuốn này bản 1e hay 2e gì đó, giờ thì đã 4 hay 5e rồi. nên hơi cũ, outdated. nhưng vẫn được bán ở thị trường VN.
nhưng thị trường hình như cũng có bản dịch cho 4e thì phải và đọc để biết có nên mua cuốn đó không haha. cuốn này hơi cũ thì càng thêm khao khát mua bản mới update các kiểu.
bạn có thể tưởng nội thất là sơn màu gì và chọn item thế nào thì đọc xong sẽ hiểu là nội thất là đủ thứ bên trong ngôi nhà luôn - cửa, cầu thang, ánh sáng, độ cao,.....chẳng hạn, còn màu sắc hay vật dụng chỉ là một phần nhỏ của "nội thất"
bản việt xuất bản năm 2011 thì nên nguyên bản có thể là cuốn này bản 1e hay 2e gì đó, giờ thì đã 4 hay 5e rồi. nên hơi cũ, outdated. nhưng vẫn được bán ở thị trường VN.
nhưng thị trường hình như cũng có bản dịch cho 4e thì phải và đọc để biết có nên mua cuốn đó không haha. cuốn này hơi cũ thì càng thêm khao khát mua bản mới update các kiểu.
Read
October 21, 2016it the wonderful book for everyone like design.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2019
I refer back to it all the time
Want to read
January 19, 2015i want to read
Want to read
May 11, 2016i need this book
February 17, 2019
Muy útil y un gran básico en el diseño de interiores. Muy recomendable.
August 20, 2024
HELLL NAH😲😲🙏🏼🙏🏼💪💪
November 5, 2012
very good for interior designers. to learn theory of design
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews