Interior Materials: What I Learned Fall 2011

I have learned a lot through the Interior Materials class offered here at Texas Tech. As the year draws to a close I wanted to take a little time to look back at everything this class has covered and the information I have obtained. We started off learning about fibers in their natural form and are ending with the details and components of LEED certification in a finished and established structure.

This transition through all the aspects of design materials has proven to be quite interesting. In August we began looking at the variety of fibers. We discussed natural versus manmade fibers, and staple versus filament fibers. We talked about the positives and negatives of all the different fiber sources, such as natural cotton, linen, wool, or synthetics, like polyester and nylon. Learning things such facts that nylon is the main component of most carpets. We got o witness firsthand the making of actual cloth from fibers at the Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute. From fibers, we went on to discuss the coloring of cloth. Whether and in what situation it would be most convenient to stock dye or piece dye. Then fabric got much more complicated as we studied the design, textures, and weaves of each. I am now able to look at a fabric sample and tell you that it is in fact a jacquard weave with a tossed pillar print. We were exposed to all these prints and textile options at Lubbock’s quaint shop, All About Looks. After, studying the fabric types, our class discovered finishes that would enhance the chosen fabrics. And with these specific finishes how it could effect and determine the use of that particular fabric.

Once we were very thoroughly trained in the ways of fabric, we began to explore other materials. We spent a little class time searching for unusual materials that are not commonly used, such as, newspapers, old recycled street signs, water bottles, tires, and so much more. Form there we went on to see more commonly used products like wood flooring, stone, and tile. Until we had visited both, Collins Tile and Stone, and Leftwich Chapman Flooring, I had no idea that the industry had so many options to offer. There are literally countless possibilities for flooring in both commercial and residential spaces. We saw things like, treated leather floors, bamboo floors, blue granite, countertop stone still containing shell imprints and particles, and countless other materials.

During the later end of this class, we were able to learn how to take these amazing materials and turn them into an aesthetically pleasing space.  We reviewed the elements and principles of design that should be incorporated into every building and every room to make it a design success.  Then we saw examples of this success, through Jeff Seal’s Homes of Distinction. His use of all the materials mentioned throughout the class, with the exception of finishing touches, really made it obvious the importance of knowing and then choosing the correct materials for each project. When creating a home to replicate the style of the French Provence, he knew what materials and finishes would complete the space and make every aspect authentic.  It was really through this experience, in a real world situation, that I realized that all of the information I had learned over the course of the semester really was beneficial and crucial to becoming a successful and established interior designer.