34 Interior Design and Décor

A. Rajkala

1. INTRODUCTION

Architecture and interior design are closely related. Together, they comprise the creative efforts where primary object is composition of beautiful and functional space by using the principles and elements of design extensively. Therefore, interior decoration is concerned with expression through furnishing, furniture, accessories, etc.

Beauty is not the only objective in planning and furnishing a hotel; the ultimate goal to be attained is the successful integration of the three objectives:

1. Beauty

2. Expressiveness

3. Functionalism.

2. LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of the lesson you will be able to

Understand the need for interior design in the hospitality industry

3. APPROACH FOR SELECTION, DECORATION AND FURNISHING OF AN AREA

One approach for selecting, decorating and furnishing an area is to seek or express some definite idea or theme in the room and to keep the following points in mind:

1. Functionalism: The home of today should function as well as the machines of today. Every phase of planning should be based on function, with places to longue, eat, play etc. the place that does not allow its occupants to find peace, comfort and relaxation is not functioning well. Function may sometimes be modified to integrate.

2.Formality: an interior that expresses formality also expresses dignity, reserve, strength and impressiveness. Features that contribute to this effect are unbroken lines, large spaces and symmetrical shape and forms arranged at equal distance from the center. Informality: interiors express informality through modest size, asymmetrical balance and broken lines.

3.Line: lines have positive emotional significance. Man has associated definite elementary ideas with curtain lines because his own position of the body has suggested those ideas. When he is standing, he is ready to run and pull things. Diagonal lines are too active to be used much in the hall for they express decided restlessness (might be used in discotheques).

4. Form: This is the most important element in home planning. Without beauty of form; excellent colour, texture and decoration are of no avail. Even utilitarian articles may be so beautiful in form that they are able to inspire man as much as the fine arts do. Two essential functions of form are that the object should suite its function and that it should be strongly influenced by the material from which it is made.

5. Texture: Refers to the qualities that are perceptible through the sense of touch. It gives valuable character and beauty to objects, interiors, buildings and gardens. One of the first decisions to be made in furnishing a room is the choice of wood furniture, for all other textures used must be in harmony with wood. The texture of any single article is not considered separately but as a contribution to the total effect of the room. When the full possibility of this element is utilized, plastic, glass, metal, wood, cork, leather and fabrics will be combined into a symphony of texture.

6.Pattern: The term pattern refers to surface enrichment and applies to both two dimensional and three dimensional objects. Surface pattern contributes liveliness and interest to a room. Many rooms are dull because of a lack of pattern, whereas a room that is restless and exciting usually has too much pattern. One should use pattern on at least 1/4th of the total surface area.

7.Light: It is an art element as well as a utilitarian element. It has certain emotional effects also. Light that is too brilliant exhausts us physically and is offensive aesthetically, as loud noise. Therefore, light must be controlled according to the needs of various places. Artificial light is not only a functional utility but also a marvelous flexible art medium. It produces unity by diffusion through the entire room. Show contrast and emphasis by bringing bright light to important areas, while subordinate areas can remain in shows. One can bring rhythm and community to a room’s furnishings by lighting together various points of emphasis.

8.Spaces: A sense of beauty and space makes us want large undecorated walls and floors which abound in space. Appreciation of space is the cause of our using small amount of furniture and concentrating it in groups.

9.Colour: The presence of colour creates a depth. It is the most powerful tool of a designer. It brings life, beauty and appeal to a room regardless of cost. When choosing colours for any establishment it needs to be remembered that there are certain architectural and psychological aspects of colour. Thus colours can apparently alter the size or shape of a room, or add to its warmth, cheerfulness, peace and quiet. Eg: reds, yellows, browns and the darker shades of most colours are warm and advancing colours and when used on an end wall may shorten the apparent length of the room or if on ceiling may lessen its apparent height. Cool colours, pale greens and blues and lighter shades in general are receding colours and make a small room look larger but should be avoided in rooms with northerly or asterly aspects because of their cold appearance.

While some people have a preference for one colour more than another, it is recognized that many colour have similar effect on different people. So, in order that the occupants of the room should not be disturbed by the colours, the function of the room should not be forgotten when colours are chosen. The entrance hall should look inviting, the lounge, suites and bedroom restful, bathrooms clean but not cold (peach and pink may therefore be preferable colours than white); restaurants should have a relaxed atmosphere, while bars should be bright and cheerful.

Colours may unify an area but may be affected by

(a)the amount of light falling on them- will appear different in different areas of light and shade

(b)the type of surface- a rough surface casts small shadows and so appears darker than a smooth, glossy one, and

Colour is frequently used in conjunction with pattern and texture and this adds interest to a decorative scheme. This may help to create illusion of greater or smaller space. Vertical stripes or designs which tend to move the eye upwards will make a room seem higher and a narrow room looks narrower and vice versa with horizontal lines. Too much of patter is disturbing to eye so it should be used with restraint. If too patterns are necessary they should be different in character and one should be dominant than other. Similarly with variety in texture such as soft, smooth, mat finish, rubbery and rough surfaces much more attention is required.

Therefore for good decoration, the colours, patterns and texture should be best suited for the particular rooms. All three should be introduced to the room by floor and wall coverings, furniture, furnishings and fittings. In hotels a maintenance programme may be planned so that wall coverings are renewed every two to three years, soft furnishings every four to five years and a complete change of decoration will take place when the room is refurbished.

4.FLOORINGS

Flooring often outlast other furnishings, so many decrative schemes have to be planned to fit in with the existing floors. The tendency is where possible, to have fitted carpets throughout the house as these provide only one floor surface to be cleaned, gives a warmer appearance, seem to add space ad make for easier furniture arrangement. A carpet square or a number of small rugs may break up a floor area and reduce room space. A plain carpet is suitable for small rooms, rooms with patterned wall or upholstery and gives an appearance of spaceness. While a patterned carpet should have a design keeping with the size, style, function and atmosphere of the room and is normally chosen for large rooms with plain walls and upholstery, where staining and soiling can be expected and where the floor has to give a good appearance at all times.

5. HEATING AND VENTILATION

The comfort of a human body is dependent on its being surrounded by moving air of a suitable temperature, humidity and composition. And it is important that these should be produced with the minimum amount of cost and inconvenience and with some consideration of design and decoration of the place. Individuals vary as to their idea of suitable conditions but it is generally accepted that there should be a temperature of between 15- 20 C, a relative humidity of 40-60% and not less than 2800cm3 of fresh air per person per hour.

In most places such as bedrooms and lounges should be ventilated naturally by use of windows but for places like bathrooms, cloakrooms, kitchen and restaurants, some mechanical means may be necessary to introduce fresh air and extract the stale air. In modern establishments full air conditioning plants are installed when filtered air, at controlled degrees of temperature and relative humidity enters the individual rooms.

6. FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS IN HOTELS

In hotels, flowers are used extensively. There may be a large arrangement of flowers in the foyer and in lounges and restaurants, as well as smaller arrangements in the suites. Some hotels provide a bud vase in every room. VIP rooms may even have more than one arrangement.

Figure 26.1 shows an arrangement appropriate in a VIP room. Guests appreciate the time and trouble spent on the arrangements and the pleasing atmosphere they create.

Various types of arrangements are chosen, as appropriate to the area and occasion. Medium-sized ‘round’ arrangements are often provided at the guest relations executives’ desk in the lobby and on coffee tables in the lounges. In most five-star hotels, one can see huge, spectacular arrangements in the lobbies. Restaurants generally have bud vases on each table, with one or two flowers in them. Table arrangements for conferences must be low so guests may see over them. At informal banquets, large arrangements may be seen. At wedding banquets, wall arrangements using gerberas are very popular nowadays. On special occasions and festivals, a large amount of flowers is required for making up various types of arrangements—some hotels even make beautiful traditional flower carpets for the lobby. The extent to which flowers are used in hotel interiors depends on the degree of luxury provided, the number of special functions held there and, of course, the hotel policy.

The housekeeper is responsible for all flower arrangements and their placement in most hotels. He or she may arrange them personally or delegate the task to an assistant. Another possibility is employing a part-time or full-time florist. Simple arrangements such as a bud in a vase can be done by room attendants themselves. Alternatively, flower arrangements may be provided on contract, in which case the arrangements are brought in and taken away at agreed times and little or no floral work is carried out on the premises.

Unless the decorations are provided by a contractor, the housekeeping department needs to have a flower room equipped with all the necessities for making up arrangements, including a sink with running water, containers, buckets, vases, scissors, and so on.

In all hotels, flowers are used in different parts in the form of flower arrangements; sometimes the other types like garlands and bouquets are used to welcome guests. The arrangement used vary in size from place to place, area to area – like the large ones are used in the entrance hall or in lobbies, restaurants, coffee shops and suites. Medium-size arrangements are used in banquet halls, staircases, corridors etc. Small ones are used on tables, buffet counters, reception counter, and staff offices. Very small ones are placed on the dining tables in restaurants, coffee shops, centre tables, bathroom counter or similar places. It is the responsibility of the housekeeping department to up-keep the arrangement, to place them at proper spots and change the old arrangements. Sometimes, it is the job of the Housekeeper to prepare the arrangement or it is done by any florist on a contract or part-time basis.

6.1 PURPOSE OF FLOWER ARRANGEMENT:

Flower arrangements are a very important part of hotel housekeeping. This is because:

The presence of fresh flowers and foliage visually brings nature indoors.
As fresh flowers are changed almost daily, a new detail is added to the interior on a regular basis.
Flowers fundamentally create a positive bias in the human mind. This perception of the guest can be utilized to the hotels advantage in creating an impressive ambience.
A good flower arrangement can convert a dull corner into a beautiful, lively place.

6.2 PRINCIPLE OF FLOWER ARRANGEMENT

Flower arranging is an art and requires creativity. It is not a mechanical process but something that must bring pleasure not only on completion but also while making it. Its purpose should be to bring in cheerfulness.
Flower arrangement is a composition of form and colour.
The composition can be of flower and foliage together or separately but it must embrace the four basic principles:

Design

Scale and proportion

Balance and harmony

6.3 TYPES OF FLOWER ARRANGEMENT FOR DIFFERENT PLACES AND OCCASIONS

Triangular shape: They are placed on the reception counter, lobby, corner table, side table and alcoves. The right or left facing triangular shapes are always meant for corner tables.

Crescent shape: It is always placed along the wall and not the centre so that only one side is visible because the crescent arrangement is a one-sided arrangement.

Torch shape: This arrangement can be one-sided or both-sided and is placed on buffet table, corner table, reception counter. The large ones are used in a banquet hall or lobby. It should always be placed against the wall. As it is a tall arrangement, it should not be used on the dining table.

Fan shape: It is a one-sided arrangement and is to be placed along the wall, side table, and corner tables only.

Hograth shape: It is also one-sided arrangement and is to be placed along the wall or corner tables only.

Christmas Tree: It is used during Christmas or New Year. It is placed in the lobby, foyer and banquet hall only.

Flower arrangements on a Dining Table.

a. The flowers and foliages should be fresh and clean.

b. No such flowers should be chosen that are infected by insects.

c. Aromatic or fragrant flowers should not be used.

d. The flower arrangement should be small is size so that people sitting opposite can see each other.

e. The colours of the flowers should be chosen according to the container, table lay out and theme. Very bright flowers should be avoided.

6.4 General guidelines for Flower Arrangements

The following are some general guidelines for flower arrangement.

a.Make a definite plan for any flower arrangement based on the purpose, room area, and location of the arrangement in the room.

b. Select containers, flowers, and foliage that express the mood of the room, the occasion, and the colour scheme of the interiors.

c. Use flowers with stems of different sizes and select flowers according to the size of the vase.

d. Arrange the tallest stems first and then others according to the type of arrangement, namely mass, line, line-mass, Japanese, and so on.

e. Large flowers with bright, bold colours can be used in small numbers and at the centre in tall vases. Small, short stemmed flowers may be easily arranged in groups in low vases.

f. Avoid mixing up fresh flowers and artificial flowers.

g. Extend some low material forward to create depth.

h. Avoid regular spacing and stair-step sequences.

i. Distinctive flowers should usually be placed alone.

j. Small flowers such as violets may be in tight bunches.

k. Use large, medium, and small leaves or flowers together instead of having them in the same sizes.

l. Low containers are suitable for all types of arrangements.

m. Practice using bases under containers.

n. Small arrangements look good grouped with other objects and accessories.

o. Always cover the stem holders.

p. Pour enough water into the vases.

q. Follow the points given for the care and conditioning of flowers.

7. LIGHTING

Lighting plays a very important part in the comfort and safety of the occupants of a building. Like colour, texture and pattern, lighting contributes to the décor of a room. However, beside aesthetic considerations, the housekeeper also has to think about the efficiency and safety of lighting.

7.1 GOOD LIGHTING

Good lighting should be in harmony with the function of the area for which it is intended. The basic purpose of lighting is to eliminate darkness as well as to light up the area in the most decorative, practical and efficient ways.

It is a well-known fact that without light, there is no colour and hence, its importance. In the darkness no colour is visible but we can feel the texture, so visual significance is not there unless there is a source of light. As light rays strike a surface, they are either absorbed or reflected. The colour and texture of the substance depends upon the light rays that fall on them and further shows the reflective quality.

Lighting is given a lot of importance by the hotelier, decorator and engineer mainly because light is a science which has to be blended with the beauty of the building/structure. Lighting fixtures and their placement are developed after taking their aesthetic as well as functional aspect into consideration.

The most significant problem in the design of any lighting system lies in understanding what good lighting is. A good lighting design is realized if:

A.All spaces (entry, work area, public area, exit, etc.) are composed properly in a clear hierarchy of important and purpose.

B. Makes it possible to see quickly without strain.

C. The lighting mood is consistent with the function and design of each space and is also pleasing to the eye.

D. It promotes productivity.

E. Eliminates hazards.

F. It is readily maintainable.

G.It is energy saving.

HIt has fully utilized the potential of daylight when it is available.

7.2 DIFFERENT TYPES OF LIGHTING USED IN VARIOUS AREAS OF A HOTEL

Different types of lighting used in a hotel are according to the requirement of the area because each and every area has its own importance. Light is used in every part of hotel such as – entrance and lobby, rooms, bathrooms, stair cases, food outlets, corridor, reception desk, cloak room etc.

(a) Entrance and Lobby: This area should be well lit and illuminated. The types of lighting that can be used are high power pendant lighting, chandelier, illuminated ceiling, lighting wall and false ceiling. This is done to create an atmosphere of welcome and cheer so that the guests can feel the warmth and the welcome. Mirrors can also be used to provide reflection so that the amount of light gets encouraged.

(b) Reception desk: This area should also be well lit but not very brightly illuminated. The lighting can be done by light fitting or light can be provided along the panel on top of the counter. This is done to attract the guest attention towards the counter when he enters the lobby.

(c) Bars and lounges: In the lounge, pools of soft light from table lamps make this area welcoming and attractive by creating small focal points. In bars, the buffet should be well illuminated with natural coloured lamps so as not to distort the colour of the food. The tables should be with a small table lamp with a steady base, not trailing flex, yet the overall effect may be of subdued light, creating an intimate atmosphere.

(d)Restaurants: These are often dimly lit to create an atmosphere, but there should be attractive pools of light. An overall dimness is oppressive and the human eye takes 30 seconds to adjust from normal daylight to another level of light.

Fast food restaurants and cafeterias require a brisk atmosphere for a fast turn over, the lighting should be quite bright but not harsh or glaring and adequate to see the contents lying on the table. A hotel restaurant or luxury restaurant requires soft lighting for a relaxed atmosphere. Individual lamps on the table or candles give adequate task lighting to read the menu and see the food on the table. The lighting should not distort the colour of the food or skin colour of the customer. Lowered suspended lamps should be adjustable to protect the guest’s eyes, and illuminate the table but exclude the rest of the room.

(e) Rooms: They should also be well lit but not very bright. For bedroom we don’t require general lighting, but they should be adequate light in the different parts of the room. There should be the bedside lamp for each bed & there lamps may be wall mounted. This light should be enough for a person to be able to read a book. The light switch should be very near to the bed, there should be adequate light near the writing table & dresser. The room should have a dim glowing light, which is achieved by using incandescent bulb in the light fitting at the different points in the bedroom.

(f) Bathroom: Should be properly illuminated. The lighting used should be vapour proof and should have covering. The switch should be outside the bathroom and the light fitting should be on the top of the mirror. This is done to provide full lighting in the room by the reflection.

(g) Stair Cases: Staircase again should be light carefully with adequate light so that people can see the steps & accidents are avoided. The lighting used can be placed at different places like – along the wall, below the handrail, or overhead lighting along the wall. If overhead lighting is provided, it should be placed at each and very step of a staircase.

(h) Public area toilets should be light brightly as in the case of guest bathroom.

(i) Corridor: There areas should be provided with subdued lighting but should not be dark. A dimly light corridor can be scary for the guest & also a security threat. The lighting should be enough to see the room number clearly on the door. The types of lighting can be wall fitting, ceiling lighting or bracket lighting.

(j) Food Outlets: The lighting in these areas should be subdued. This is to provide privacy and to avoid extra glare. The types of lighting can be concealed wall fitting and pendant lighting. Banquets can be lit up with fluorescent lighting.

(k) Pool Side: The poolside does not require to be brightly illuminated because the water reflects the light; this encourages brightness of the area. The types of lighting used are lampshades and poles.

(l) Cloakroom and toilet areas: These areas should have diffused lighting. This is enough to see inside the washbasin. The mirror area should be well illuminated. This can be done with wall fittings near the mirror and diffused lighting form the top of the rest. Mirror lights and shades should be natural in order not to distort make up colour.

(m)Kitchen- Kitchen and back area should be well light for the staff to carry out their function easily large amount of general lighting with the help of energy saving florescent lamp or HID lamps is required. They should be placed on the day today working of the kitchen & back areas.

(n) Banquets: Banquet are area where people conduct social & business transactions, therefore there is a requirement of great quantity of good general lighting & specific area may have spot lighted. E.g., The dance floor in a ball room, the stage area & the podium. The uses of energy efficient bulb are important. Generally yellow light is preferred; therefore nowadays HID lamps with sodium vapour have become popular.

Thus, lighting plays a important role in creating a right atmospheric beauty within an area. It should be decorative as well as functional; it should contribute to character and atmosphere of the room and adequate (enough) for general and particular purposes without causing glare or appearing flat and dull to achieve this in any given room. The direction and quality and quantity of lighting have to be chosen for the right effect and function they normally have to be balanced. There has to be a balance between direct, indirect and defuse lighting systems. The amount of light required in an area depends upon the function of the area and on the main colours used in the furnishing and floor covering. And in areas where strong clear light is required the overall decorative lighting may be supplemented by purely functional lighting. When considering the lighting plan not only gives decorative but also energy efficiency should be taken into consideration. Therefore the positioning of light is very important.

SUMMARY

In the past it was thought that the rooms in a hotel should as far, as possible give the appearance of “home from home”, but it is now realised that guests, while still wanting to feel at home expect something different in way of decoration . Colours and designs suitable for home often have a cold and unfriendly look in the impersonal environment of a hotel. The trend for simpler architectural exteriors and simpler designs in furniture and furnishings has lent itself to the use of bolder and brighter colors.

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