Interior design sketching is the language designers need for communication and to deliver ideas effectively. It is the bridge between a wisp of an idea and proportioned form space. It will give a vital test of how your ideas work in three-dimensional space. This work in interior design sketching is associated with top luxury designers, but the skill is equally useful for working professionals and freshmen. In this post, we will cover some of the key techniques used in interior design sketching and explain why hand-drawn concepts are still very much at the heart of the design process.
The Magic of Interior Design Sketching
Interior design sketches are far more than just beautiful drawings; they embody a commitment to authenticity and true artistry amidst a sea of online inspirations. If your interior designer comes up with sketches, be assured that you will receive a unique and creative design tailor-made for you. That is precisely why the ability to sketch should be among your top priorities in choosing your interior designer.
Hand sketching today is a rarity and valued skill. But though it may take years to master, the basic setup needed to get started drawing rooms surprisingly isn't. In fact, we go over this in our online course INTERIOR DESIGN SKETCHING IN PROCREATE. Join us to learn how to easily create detailed, unique designs from scratch.
Interior design sketching seems to be overlooked today in the face of AI; there are very few designers who actually master it. It's way beyond illustrating—beautiful forms translated onto paper.
It's in this sense that sketching is similar to the culinary arts—a process by which you season and taste the food before serving. Similarly, sketching refines and perfects the design concept. That's perhaps why hand drawing may be an intrinsic component of thinking about interior design.
Hand sketching today is a rarity and valued skill. But though it may take years to master, the basic setup needed to get started drawing rooms surprisingly isn't. In fact, we go over this in our online course INTERIOR DESIGN SKETCHING IN PROCREATE. Join us to learn how to easily create detailed, unique designs from scratch.
Interior design sketching seems to be overlooked today in the face of AI; there are very few designers who actually master it. It's way beyond illustrating—beautiful forms translated onto paper.
It's in this sense that sketching is similar to the culinary arts—a process by which you season and taste the food before serving. Similarly, sketching refines and perfects the design concept. That's perhaps why hand drawing may be an intrinsic component of thinking about interior design.
Evolvement of a Hand-Drawn Interior Design Concept
Hand-drawn concepts are an intrinsic part of the interior design process, occurring right after initial research, development of ideas, and the most basic space planning. First of all, a designer will outline broader angles of the whole space in order to notate general layout and proportions of the room. This primary sketch reveals the story of a room and is a base for further detailing.
After the general lines have been established, we focus on sketching the specific details small by small, eventually refining it. This is a lot like putting together a jigsaw puzzle, slowly resolving each area of the space.
After the general lines have been established, we focus on sketching the specific details small by small, eventually refining it. This is a lot like putting together a jigsaw puzzle, slowly resolving each area of the space.
Interior Design Detail Sketching
The detailed sketch would be more refined and accurate, and many drafts are usually made because of choices fiddled around the proportions until that ultimate design is reached. In other instances, as inspiration strikes, they jot it down in the piece of paper available, whichever it might be: on the side of a newspaper or a notebook.
Collectible Value of Interior Design Hand Drawing Sketches
High-quality, hand-drawn sketches, especially by famous interior designers, are highly collectible. It's great, given the rarity factor, to add to any collection of an art appreciator. Imagine having the original sketch of a house before it was built, right on your wall. That's almost like having a signature on a painting—a kind of unique, authentic architectural certificate.
Interior Design Sketching Techniques
There are different types of interior design sketching techniques depending on the tools available, the needed level of precision, and the intended purpose.
Quick Sketches to Go
Quick sketches are very important in picking up ideas that may elude one if not immediately put on paper. A pen or pencil will be enough with any available paper, like a newspaper or notebook, in coming up with drafts that will serve in retaining spontaneous thoughts. They are especially useful during client or contractor discussions to quickly communicate concepts and show the creativity of the interior designer.
High-Quality Presentation Drawings
These are the refined sketches normally used for client presentations. They have more detail and color, with precision varying based on client preference. While some may want an artistic flair with freehand drawing, others may demand the exactitude of ruler-assisted lines
Quick Sketches to Go
Quick sketches are very important in picking up ideas that may elude one if not immediately put on paper. A pen or pencil will be enough with any available paper, like a newspaper or notebook, in coming up with drafts that will serve in retaining spontaneous thoughts. They are especially useful during client or contractor discussions to quickly communicate concepts and show the creativity of the interior designer.
High-Quality Presentation Drawings
These are the refined sketches normally used for client presentations. They have more detail and color, with precision varying based on client preference. While some may want an artistic flair with freehand drawing, others may demand the exactitude of ruler-assisted lines
Pencil Drawings on Paper
Most of the drawings I have done are with a pencil on some lightly textured paper. First, I use a fine 0.5 mm HB pencil for detailed work, enhancing any of the key edges with a softer 2B, offering dark lines. The 2B acts as a finale in adding depth and emphasis.
Pen Drawings on Tracing Paper
I outline my pencil sketches with a pen on tracing paper to make them more dynamic and dramatic. This step gives the pen lines movement on top of the shapes that were simply defined. To avoid smudging the color, to fill in the markers or watercolors, the back of the tracing paper is used, a trick from architects.
Coloring and Shading with Markers or Watercolors
Adding color to the sketches really can bring out the color and material scheme in the drawing. Markers and watercolors help in comparing how the dark and light areas are balanced from one another; markers are generally much quicker and easier to apply for most of my sketches.
Most of the drawings I have done are with a pencil on some lightly textured paper. First, I use a fine 0.5 mm HB pencil for detailed work, enhancing any of the key edges with a softer 2B, offering dark lines. The 2B acts as a finale in adding depth and emphasis.
Pen Drawings on Tracing Paper
I outline my pencil sketches with a pen on tracing paper to make them more dynamic and dramatic. This step gives the pen lines movement on top of the shapes that were simply defined. To avoid smudging the color, to fill in the markers or watercolors, the back of the tracing paper is used, a trick from architects.
Coloring and Shading with Markers or Watercolors
Adding color to the sketches really can bring out the color and material scheme in the drawing. Markers and watercolors help in comparing how the dark and light areas are balanced from one another; markers are generally much quicker and easier to apply for most of my sketches.
The Rules Are Simple, but It Takes Practice
The basic rules of interior design perspective sketching are simple. There are basically three kinds of perspective drawing in common use:
One-Point Perspective
This is the simplest form, where all lines converge to a single central point, called the vanishing point.
Two-Point Perspective
Here, lines lead to two points on the horizon, depending on the angle of the view.
Three-Point Perspective
Used for looking up or down, as when you stand beside a skyscraper and look up. The third point represents this view.
You will have to practice these perspectives. If you want to learn more about these techniques, register for our online course on Interior Design Sketching.
One-Point Perspective
This is the simplest form, where all lines converge to a single central point, called the vanishing point.
Two-Point Perspective
Here, lines lead to two points on the horizon, depending on the angle of the view.
Three-Point Perspective
Used for looking up or down, as when you stand beside a skyscraper and look up. The third point represents this view.
You will have to practice these perspectives. If you want to learn more about these techniques, register for our online course on Interior Design Sketching.
Conclusion
In conclusion, interior design sketching is the stepping stone toward really original and creative designs. Moreover, it gives ideas a shape and correct proportions; hence, any professional interior designer needs to acquire this skill. Take my sketching course to learn how to do it like a pro. Meanwhile, top-quality sketches can possess collectible value, especially if they are sketched by leading interior designers.
Among top used techniques for sketching are:
While the basic rules are straightforward, mastering them can take years of dedicated practice.
Among top used techniques for sketching are:
- Fast sketches to go
- Good presentation drawings (either freehand or with a ruler)
- Pencil sketches onto textured paper
- Pen sketches onto tracing paper
- Marker or watercolor coloring and shading
While the basic rules are straightforward, mastering them can take years of dedicated practice.
