Decoration
In its widest sense, 'decoration' refers to the process of making something more attractive, or to the items that are used to make something more attractive.
In the construction industry, decoration refers to the ‘dressing’ of a room or interior space. It can be referred to as ‘interior decoration’ or 'decor' and relates to the aesthetics of a space and its furniture, furnishings, surface finishes, lighting, and so on. It generally does not include the shape of the space, position of walls, and so on.
The purpose of decoration is to make the space more aesthetically pleasing and functionally useful for the occupants, but this may include consideration of wider contextual issues such as fashion, culture, and so on.
In a domestic context, decoration is something that may be undertaken by the homeowner (DIY) or by hiring tradespeople (such as a painter and decorator). On higher-value projects, a professional interior designer (or other designer, such as an architect) may be responsible for designing decorations, and sometimes their role will extend beyond this to include the layout and use of the space.
For more information, see Interior designer.
Redecorating involves changing the appearance or furnishings of an interior space, for example, repainting or applying new or replacement wallpaper, and so on. These ‘cosmetic’ renovations may be part of a wider a project.
In non-domestic projects, decoration can be complex and disruptive and may involve a number of professionals. It may also be influenced by the corporate brand of the occupants.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Drew Plunkett - Revolution: Interior Design from 1950.
- Finishes.
- Furnishings.
- Furniture.
- Historic paintwork
- How to fit skirting boards.
- How to paint walls in eight steps.
- Interior designer.
- Lighting designer.
- Making good.
- Master bedroom renovations.
- Maximalism.
- Mood board.
- Paint.
- Patination.
- Recent history of interior design.
- Refurbishment.
- Space planning.
- The Anatomy of Colour.
- Tiles.
- Wainscoting.
Featured articles and news
Do you take the lead in a circular construction economy?
Help us develop and expand this wiki as a resource for academia and industry alike.
Warm Homes Plan Workforce Taskforce
Risks of undermining UK’s energy transition due to lack of electrotechnical industry representation, says ECA.
Cost Optimal Domestic Electrification CODE
Modelling retrofits only on costs that directly impact the consumer: upfront cost of equipment, energy costs and maintenance costs.
The Warm Homes Plan details released
What's new and what is not, with industry reactions.
Could AI and VR cause an increase the value of heritage?
The Orange book: 2026 Amendment 4 to BS 7671:2018
ECA welcomes IET and BSI content sign off.
How neural technologies could transform the design future
Enhancing legacy parametric engines, offering novel ways to explore solutions and generate geometry.
Key AI related terms to be aware of
With explanations from the UK government and other bodies.
From QS to further education teacher
Applying real world skills with the next generation.
A guide on how children can use LEGO to mirror real engineering processes.
Data infrastructure for next-generation materials science
Research Data Express to automate data processing and create AI-ready datasets for materials research.
Wired for the Future with ECA; powering skills and progress
ECA South Wales Business Day 2025, a day to remember.
AI for the conservation professional
A level of sophistication previously reserved for science fiction.
Biomass harvested in cycles of less than ten years.
An interview with the new CIAT President
Usman Yaqub BSc (Hons) PCIAT MFPWS.
Cost benefit model report of building safety regime in Wales
Proposed policy option costs for design and construction stage of the new building safety regime in Wales.
Do you receive our free biweekly newsletter?
If not you can sign up to receive it in your mailbox here.
Comments