A comprehensive look at the history, elements of construction, and all the steps in furniture design from an expert in the industry. Elements of Furniture Design is a resource of information gathered from 30 years of working as a professional furniture designer. These elements of design are essential, and there is no other resource where they are available in one place. The reader will gain a comprehensive knowledge of how furniture is designed, and can use this information to create new and exciting design concepts. This knowledge is provided in four sections: • A brief history and quick designer references (woods, veneers, wood joinery, comfort, architectural references, and drawing tools) • Illustrating furniture construction • Historic ornament used on furniture (molding, turning, carving) • The typical design process with a new client The work of cabinetmaker Thomas Day (a free man of color in the South in the mid-1800s) is used to tie the story together, and the reader will learn trade secrets of furniture design that have been lost to outsourcing and offshore manufacture.

As well as fulfilling a functional need, furniture has always been an index of status. From the throne of Tutankhamen or the bed of State of Louis XIV to the austere Shaker chest or the Charles Eames chair and later modern pieces from Europe, the Far East and the United States, the style of each piece tells much about the outlook of the makers and the needs and skills of the time. This absorbing history traces the development of furniture design and production, from the days of ancient Egypt to the present, describing what articles were made in each period, how they were made, and what were the social and economic conditions that affected style and finish. The author discusses techniques such as joinery, turning, veneering, marquetry, polishing, upholstery, bentwood work and lamination. Many examples are shown in the illustrations, which are invaluable recognition sources and a lively visual accompaniment to the text.

The new edition of the leading textbook remains the gold standard for interior design education. In this twelfth edition of Beginnings of Interior Environments, established interior designer and professor Lynn M. Jones, ASID, IDEC collaborates with innovator Heidi Plumb, IIDA, IDEC, to deliver a practical and balanced overview of commercial and residential interior design. Written to offer coverage of the creative and technical characteristics of the profession, the text also addresses Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) content. Part I opens with a discussion on the scope and value of the profession and includes a pictorial overview of the history of design. Subsequent parts cover design fundamentals, the spatial envelope—including space planning and systems—, products and materiality, and designing for a living. A new chapter addresses the art and science of visual communications. Hundreds of images from actual design projects, supplied by national and international design firms, illustrate quality examples. “Precedent Studies” include in-house production work from these practicing designers. Content, updated throughout, includes additional information on design thinking, inclusivity, WELL building standards, casework, and architectural millwork. New end-of-chapter self-directed projects provide students the opportunity to apply their knowledge. Written by two successful educators and practitioners, both NCIDQ certified with terminal degrees, the text applies a balance between education and practice. It is the ideal textbook for introductory interior design or interior architecture courses, and an invaluable resource for anyone looking to apply a holistic interior design perspective to their own home or business. As in previous editions, the text Introduces interior design with a foundation in its health, safety, and welfare benefits Explores design fundamentals, including visual literacy, and the elements and principles of design, with a special emphasis on color and now visual communications Discusses construction, including building components, codes, regulations, as well as lighting, electrical, and communication systems Offers an in-depth examination of the profession, including career pathways and professional organizations Reviews critical global issues such as sustainability, universal design, and culturally sensitive design Includes a dedicated section on interior materials and finishes—floorings, ceilings, wallcoverings, upholstery—and furnishings such as furniture, art, and accessories Leads students to analyze the needs of clients to design safe and sustainable environments that enhance the quality of life Includes a companion site for instructors featuring PowerPoint slides and an Instructor's manual with discussion points, objectives, lecture outlines, learning activities, and example quizzes with answers