Abstract
This paper explores the intersection of materiality, illusion, and interior design through the lens of my practice as a custom textile and surface designer. By focusing on large-scale works that incorporate innovative techniques, the study delves into how materials can be manipulated to create visual and tactile illusions, blurring the boundaries between reality and perception. Drawing on historical examples from art, technology, and design—such as trompe l’oeil in Renaissance painting, the illusionary effects of Rococo interiors, and the use of synthetic materials in mid-20th-century design—this study demonstrates how these age-old methods continue to influence contemporary practices. Specifically, I showcase projects where surface treatments, textiles, and layering techniques are used to create dynamic, multi-sensory environments. These works not only challenge the viewer’s expectations but also engage them in a deeper conversation about the relationship between texture, light, and space. By examining the broader historical context, we can better understand the role of illusion in interior finishes, from early examples of optical deception in decorative arts to modern-day digital and material manipulations. Ultimately, the paper seeks to highlight how today’s interior designers can leverage material trickery to create immersive, compelling environments that invite new ways of seeing and experiencing space. The discussion concludes with insights on how material innovation continues to redefine the possibilities of interior design in a rapidly changing world.
Presenters
Ingrid SchmidtAssistant Professor, School of Interiors, University of Kentucky, Kentucky, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Textiles, Interior Design, Surface, Finishes, Perceptual Psychology
