IDI Journal
The IDI Journal
Perspectives on Southern California design, the craft of interior design, and stories from the IDI community.
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The NCIDQ Exam: Your Complete Preparation Guide
Everything you need to know about the NCIDQ examination, from eligibility requirements and exam structure to study strategies and practice resources for aspiring interior designers.
Sustainable Design in Southern California: Beyond the Green Label
Sustainable interior design in Southern California goes beyond eco-labels and green certifications to encompass a holistic approach to material sourcing, energy performance, indoor air quality, and the long-term durability of design decisions.
Luxury Residential Design in Orange County: What Defines the Market
Orange County's luxury residential design market is one of the most active in the nation, characterized by discerning clients, exceptional properties, and a design vocabulary that balances sophistication with the ease of the California coastal lifestyle.
Healthcare Design: Evidence-Based Interiors That Promote Healing
Understand how evidence-based design principles guide healthcare interior environments that reduce stress, support clinical outcomes, and improve satisfaction for patients and staff.
Mid-Century Modern in Palm Springs: Preserving and Reimagining a Design Legacy
Palm Springs is home to the largest concentration of mid-century modern architecture in the world, and its ongoing preservation and adaptive reuse offer essential lessons for contemporary designers working in Southern California.
The Power of Small Classes: How IDI's Intimate Learning Environment Shapes Better Designers
With a fifteen-to-one student-to-faculty ratio, IDI offers a learning experience that large design schools simply cannot match. Students and faculty explain why small classes produce stronger designers.
Hospitality Design: Creating Memorable Guest Experiences Through Interiors
Explore the specialized discipline of hospitality interior design, from boutique hotels to restaurants, and learn how designers craft environments that delight guests and drive revenue.
Why Interior Design Education Matters More Than Ever
Interior design is often misunderstood as purely aesthetic—choosing colors, furniture, and finishes.
Biophilic Design in Southern California: Bringing Nature Inside the Built Environment
Southern California's mild climate and rich natural landscapes make it an ideal laboratory for biophilic design, an evidence-based approach that integrates natural elements into interior spaces to improve health, productivity, and well-being.
Revit vs. SketchUp vs. AutoCAD: Choosing the Right Design Software
An in-depth comparison of the three dominant software platforms in interior design, with guidance on which tool fits different project types, firm sizes, and career goals.
The Stonemill Design Center: Orange County's Premier Material Resource
The Stonemill Design Center in Laguna Hills brings together natural stone, tile, and hardscape specialists under one roof, offering designers a comprehensive material resource for flooring, countertops, and architectural surfaces.
The Business of Interior Design: Running a Successful Practice
Learn the essential business skills that separate thriving interior design practices from struggling ones, including pricing strategies, client management, contracts, and marketing.
Student Competition Wins: IDI at Regional Design Awards
IDI students have a strong track record of competing — and winning — at regional and national design competitions. We celebrate recent victories and explore how competitive design sharpens professional skills.
Newport Beach Architecture and Interior Design: A Heritage of Coastal Luxury
Newport Beach has long been one of Southern California's most distinguished addresses for residential design, blending coastal elegance with architectural ambition across neighborhoods from Corona del Mar to Balboa Peninsula.
Lighting Design for Interiors: Layers, Sources, and Strategies
Discover how professional designers use layered lighting to enhance ambiance, support function, and transform interior spaces through strategic fixture selection and placement.
Coastal Modernism: The Defining Aesthetic of Southern California Design
Coastal modernism merges the clean lines and open plans of mid-century architecture with the breezy materiality and light-filled spaces that define life along the Southern California coastline.
From Concept to Construction Documents: Navigating the Design Process
A step-by-step walkthrough of the professional interior design process, from initial concept development through construction documentation and contract administration.
Inside the Laguna Design Center: A Trade Professional's Guide
The Laguna Design Center in Laguna Niguel is one of Southern California's premier trade-only resources, offering curated showrooms, to-the-trade pricing, and a personalized experience that sets it apart from larger design centers.
Material Specification: The Designer's Guide to Selecting and Specifying Finishes
Learn the professional process of selecting, evaluating, and specifying materials and finishes for interior design projects, from performance criteria to sustainability standards.
The SoCal Design Corridor: Mapping Southern California's Creative Epicenter
From the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood to the Laguna Design Center in Orange County, Southern California's design corridor represents one of the most concentrated creative ecosystems in the world.
Space Planning Fundamentals Every Designer Must Know
Explore the essential principles of space planning, from traffic flow and zoning to furniture arrangement and ADA compliance, that define functional interior environments.
Color Theory in Practice: A Designer's Complete Guide
Master the principles of color theory and learn how professional interior designers use color to transform spaces, evoke emotions, and create cohesive palettes.
The Top Interior Design Trends for 2026
Interior design in 2026 shifts toward intelligent comfort, soulful spaces, and a deeper connection to nature and craftsmanship.
The Allure of Abstract Rugs: A Perfect Fusion of Art and Function
Abstract rugs have become a central element in modern interior design, combining vibrant art with functionality to enhance living spaces.
How to Decorate with Global Style at Home
If you've been scrolling design inspiration lately, you've probably noticed a shift: homes are becoming more global in style.
What Is Dopamine Décor? The Interior Design Trend That Sparks Joy
In the world of interior design, trends come and go—but the best ones tap into something deeper than aesthetics.
Design Solutions – The Power of First Impressions
When we talk about home improvement, interiors often get the spotlight.
From Dorm Room Dreams to Digital Influencer
Every designer has a space that changed everything for them.
How Often Should You Repaint Different Areas of Your Home?
Repainting different areas of your home is not just about maintaining aesthetics—it's also about protecting surfaces and keeping your living spaces comfortable.
Biophilic Color Influences
Biophilic color influences draw inspiration from nature's natural color palette, integrating tones that evoke a sense of calm, well-being, and connection to the environment.
It's the Holiday Season – How Do You Celebrate?
As the chill of winter settles in, homes across the world begin to glow with the warmth and cheer of Christmas decorations.
Thanksgiving Decorations – Set The Tone For Your Holiday
Thanksgiving decorations play an important role in setting the tone for the holiday and contributing to the atmosphere of gratitude, warmth, and celebration that defines the season.
The 2025 Colors of the Year Are Wildly Different, Yet They All Have This in Common
IT'S THE YEAR OF THE RICH AUNTIE!
Five Luxurious Features to Transform Your Bath Into a Spa
Level up your life with these simple steps that will turn any bath into a sanctuary.
Here's how to help victims of Southern California wildfires
The Line, Bridge and Airport fires have burned thousands of acres in Southern California over the last week, forcing evacuations and destroying homes and other structures.
Workers with 4-year degrees will hold most good jobs in 2031, report predicts
Georgetown University researchers expect 15 million more good jobs will be created for workers with bachelor's diplomas in the decade following 2021.
How To Design Hospitality Environments That Blend Luxury And Fun—And Encourage Guests To Reconnect By Disconnecting
The McBride Company is setting a new standard in the hospitality industry by blending luxury and fun.
IIDA Student Charrette 2024 – IDI students Place 1st, 2nd & 3rd
IIDA invited all Southern California interior design programs to nominate their students to compete in an all-day design charrette.
Maria Monaci Gallenga (1880–1944) Textile Designer
Working in the early decades of the twentieth century, Italian designer Maria Monaci Gallenga captivated contemporaries with her luminous and richly patterned textiles, which were the basis for striking women's fashions...
5 Unique Ways To Find Design Inspiration For Your Home
Whether you're staging your home for sale or you're getting a little bored of your current interior, you might be wondering where to start looking for new ideas.
MEAN GIRLS
From film…to Broadway musical…to musical film!
Upcycling and Eco-Art: Fusing Creativity with Sustainability
In an age where environmental consciousness meets artistic expression, the world of upcycling and eco-art is emerging as a powerful force for positive change.
The Designers Have Spoken: These Are the Top 10 Kitchen Trends of 2024
According to the 2024 National Kitchen & Bath Association report, more than 600 industry experts agree that clients want "sociable, welcoming kitchens that encourage healthy habits with simple clean designs.
7 Exterior Trends That Will Boost Your Curb Appeal in 2024
New year, new trends.
Introducing the IDI Student Council
As the current Student Council President, I am enthusiastic to have the privilege of advocating for the student body.
Studio N highlights textured materials with lighting at Dubai spa
Dubai-based Studio N has created a lighting scheme to emphasise the natural materials used in the Sensasia Stories Spa designed by interiors studio Roar in the Kempinski Hotel Mall in the UAE.
Keith Haring: Art Is for Everybody through Oct 08, 2023
The Broad presents the first-ever museum exhibition in Los Angeles of Keith Haring's expansive body of work and features over 120 artworks and archival materials.
Interior Design Trends on Their Way Out in 2024
If you have a quote poster hanging in your room, be warned, its days are numbered.
Did the 'Barbie' movie really cause a run on pink paint? Let's get the full picture.
As any Barbie fan knows, life in plastic is fantastic — and also very pink.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Tipsy Elves HQ
How Tipsy Elves is Creating Inclusivity, Opportunity, and Fun for its Team.
Industrial Design Students Go Junkyard Diving
Students from Swiss design school ÉCAL have worked with Philippe Malouin to make furniture from metal objects salvaged from the scrapheap in a project called Junkyard Diving.
Buckingham Palace, The Interiors
Interior designer and artist Ashley Hicks presents his photographs and description of the interior design of Buckingham Palace, home of Britain's royal family since 1837.
The 7 Pieces of Furniture (& Surprising Book) Real Estate Experts Swear by for Boosting a Home's Value
Whether you're thinking about putting your home on the market or launching your own house-flipping business, one thing's for sure: The way you present your home to potential buyers matters.
To Experience the Future of Retail, You'll Want to Go to the Store
Despite the growth of online shopping, brick-and-mortar retail remains dominant.
ELVIS
The deep collaboration between Set Decorator Bev Dunn SDSA, Production Designer Karen Murphy and Production Designer/Costume Designer/Producer Catherine Martin, creative and life partner of Writer/Director Baz Luhrman,...
5 Groundbreaking Airports That Are Must-See Destinations in Their Own Right
From massive cocoons in Azerbaijan to a sprawling public park in Berlin, you'd be surprised at what you can find at these world-class airports.
Inside the World of Luxury Jet Interior Design
Flying commercial is so 2019 — at least for today's jet set.
Decorating with Bright Colors
Bright colors are having their day and are no longer relegated only to kids' rooms.
10 Playroom Ideas That Are As Cool As They Are Kid-Friendly
Of all the rooms in your home, a playroom is one where function often trumps form.
20 New Hotels to Visit in 2022
COVID-19 did its best to surprise us at every turn, but one thing that's unsurprising about a post-COVID-19 world?
Property Brother Jonathan Scott & Zooey Deschanel Offer Sneak Peek of Newly Renovated Home
It's official: The renovation on Jonathan Scott and Zooey Deschanel's "dream home" is finally complete.
Godiva goes to Dubai
Godiva Chocolatier's new flagship at the Mirdif City Centre Mall in Dubai was designed by The First Ferry, an international premium design house that specializes in luxury interior designs.
Inside The Mansions of HBO's 'Gilded Age' with Set Decorator Regina Graves
HBO's late-19th-century drama The Gilded Age is largely set within the well-appointed homes of New York's high society.
Home Office Ideas That Will Inspire Productivity
These office design ideas will actually make you want to sit down and complete your to-do list.
Storage Built-in Style
Almost every space needs storage; tall spaces, small spaces, and every size in between.
This Vibrant Mumbai Home by Baldiwala Edge Draws Inspiration from the Memphis Group
Inspired by the asymmetrical shapes and bold colors that the Memphis Group popularized in the 1980s, Ali Baldiwala, founder of his namesake design studio, created a whimsical two-bedroom apartment in South Mumbai.
A Historic Victorian in San Francisco Is Meticulously Transformed Into a Modern Family Home
In San Francisco's Alamo Square, Jensen Architects turns to the past to boldly reinterpret a storied historic home.
An eclectic art home in Manhattan by Pembrooke & Ives
While the specs for a pre-war apartment in Manhattan by Pembrooke & Ives didn't flag the project as unusual, they belied its true nature.
Hotel Britomart in Auckland
Hotel Britomart has 99 rooms and is located in downtown Auckland, New Zealand.
Stranger than fiction: A giant sideways spiral bookcase is the spectacular main attraction in this surreal new bookstore in China
Is this the world's wackiest bookstore?
Louis Vuitton is Celebrating 160 Years
Over the past 160 years Louis Vuitton has collaborated with many leading artists.
Shaker it Up!
Take a look at the many ways to incorporate Shaker style into your design.
Hermès Opens Pop-up Gym Experience in Brooklyn
Hermès has popped up in Brooklyn with a temporary gym that takes aesthetic cues from its signature accessory designs.
The Modern Chair Exhibition
Palm Springs Art Museum has reopened the Architecture and Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion with the exhibition The Modern Chair.
Philip Johnson's AT&T Building Lobby Reimagined by Gensler
The postmodernist AT&T building in Midtown Manhattan was redesigned by Gensler's New York studio.
Adding Marble for a Touch of Luxury to the Bathroom
Marble is a metamorphic stone known for its smooth appearance and veining.
Check Out idi's Photoshop Class
Photoshop is the first computer class that the AA students explore.
idi's Fall Term is Starting Soon
As we prepare for the upcoming fall semester we are reminded of warm color palettes and rich textures.
A Peek Inside the CAD 1 Class
In the Associate of Arts Degree in Interior Design, students will learn how to tackle AutoCAD.
1,000-year-old Italian Castle Repurposed into a Hotel
Hotel Castello di Reschio opened in spring 2021, situated at the northernmost tip of the 3,700-acre Reschio estate owned by Count Benedikt Bolza and his family.
Historic Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles Gets a New Look!
Apple Tower Theatre has just opened in the heart of downtown Los Angeles.
NEWH has Awarded Over $6,800,000.00+ in Scholarships to Over 2,555 Students
Did you know… NEWH has awarded over $6,800,000.
Sustainable, Energy Efficient Environments
Sustainable, energy efficient environments are in high demand and growing globally.
Happy Memorial Day
Happy Memorial Day From all of us at...
Dream Big at idi
An interior design degree opens the door to many exciting opportunities.
The Design Industry Transitions More Online
As the design industry transitions more to online, web based design programs, the right knowledge and skills are essential.
Color and the Impact it has in Interior Design
There is so much to learn about color and the impact it has in interior design.
idi's Spring/Summer Term is Starting Soon
idi's Spring/Summer term is starting soon which means warmer weather is just around the corner.
Congratulations to Koleta Charun on Her Team Winning 1st Place
Congratulations Koleta Charun, IDI Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design student, on her team winning 1st place at the IIDA Virtual Student Design Charette held on Saturday March 6th.
AutoCAD Classes at idi
AutoCAD is just one of the exciting classes in the AA degree program at idi.
Start Your Interior Design Journey Today
Start your interior design journey today!
Color and Patterns are Crucial
Color and Patterns are a crucial part of interior design.
Home Offices and Work Spaces have Become Essential
Home offices and work spaces have become essential and are an important part of home design.
Happy New Year and welcome 2021!
IDI's winter 2021 term has started and we are looking forward to all the new trends and exciting opportunities that 2021 will bring!
idi's BA Degree Program
In our BA degree program, idi students are able to explore "advanced levels of commercial projects including resorts and hotels in the hospitality industry.
idi's 12 Week Certificate Course
In our 12 week certificate course idi students are introduced to the fundamentals, tools and techniques used in space planning.
Textiles are a Major Part of the Design Process
IDI students gain comprehensive knowledge on how to correctly specify textiles including fiber content, cost, and the types of textiles required for a space.
Focal points are important when designing a space.
They are the first thing to catch your eye when you walk into a room.
idi students get creative with color and design
A fun way to freshen up your interior is to add seasonal pops of color!
Beautiful kitchens and Luxurious Baths
"Beautiful kitchens" and "Luxurious Baths" are two of the exciting, informative lectures in the 12 week certificate course.
2020 Emmys Set Design
Set design is one of the many types of employment available with an interior design degree from idi.
Residential design is a favorite at idi
Students learn how to create and define different interior design styles.
Choosing the Right Flooring
Choosing the right flooring is an important part of any design project.
The Importance of Selecting Window Treatments
IDI students learn the importance of selecting window treatments for both style and function.
The History of the Chair
IDI students learn about the historic and contemporary styles of chairs from the 1900's to current.
Historic Preservation is a favorite class at idi
Students learn about preserving and protecting historical buildings and staying within the guidelines of historical architecture.
SET DÉCOR STAR TREK: "PICARD"
Students at idi like the creative magic that happens with set design.
Bathroom Design and Remodel
Bathrooms are a popular space to design and remodel.
The Psychology of Color
Warm colors such as yellow, orange and red tend to make us feel energetic and happy while cool colors such as blue, green and purple can be calming and soothing.
idi offers AutoCAD, Photoshop, Revit, 3D printing and digital presentation.
Visualize your designs, visualize your future!
Kitchen Design
A kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home.
History of Interiors and Architecture
IDI offers exciting classes exploring interior and architectural history.
Coastal Design Style
Inspired by the ocean, coastal design has always been a favorite design choice.
Environmental Design at idi
At idi we believe eco-friendly design is an important part of interior design.
Wicker is Trending
Almost all of us have had a piece of wicker in their lifetime.
IDI Students Create Their Own Textile Designs
IDI students gained hands-on experience while exploring the world of fabrics and fibers.
idi Environmentally Designed Projects
One of our favorite days at idi is when the students bring in their custom designed lighting projects for our Design Thinking Class.
Meet Erica Bryen – IDI Graduate, Principal Designer and Owner of Erica Bryen Design
Today we welcome Erica Bryen – Principal Designer and Owner of Erica Bryen Design.
Congratulations to Martha Duque, IDI Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design Student, 2019 IA Interior Architects Diversity In Design Scholarship Recipient
Deepening Design through Diversity.
Meet Megan Stone IDI Graduate, Interior Designer and Founder of The High Road Design Studio
A disrupter, innovator and entrepreneur, Megan Stone is the grand dame of dispensary design.
IDI Student team wins IIDA Student Design Charette
IDI student, Soon-Young Kwon and her team, won first place at the recent IIDA Student Design Charette.
Congratulations Rona Graf, named HGTV Designer of the Year – Color & Pattern for her work on the Lido House Hotel in Newport Beach
Rona has been in the Interior design community for eleven years and specializes in residential new construction and major re-models.
Fall Home Decor Trends For Those Who Are Obsessed With Neutrals
When it comes to decorating with neutral colors, there are two sides: Those who are obsessed with them, and those who consider them a snooze.
These Will Be the Hottest Paint Colors in 2020, According to Behr
If you're still pumped over Pantone's energetic pick for their 2019 Color of the Year, Living Coral, now is the time to come back down to earth.
IDI is an ACCSC School of Excellence Award recipient
Interior Designers Institute is proud to announce it is an ACCSC School of Excellence Award recipient.
Meet Lisa McDennon, IDI Graduate, IDI Excellence in Design award winner & Accomplished Interior Designer
Today we welcome Lisa McDennon of Lisa McDennon Design and NUANCE Home Boutique, both based out of Laguna Beach, CA.
COLOR TREND ALERT TEAL
Teal is a medium to deep blue-green color.
ROCKETMAN Set Decor
"The idea," says Director Dexter Fletcher, "was to create something that would genuinely explode off the screen, a riotous joy-ride of imagination, celebration and drama.
Meet Wendi Young, IDI graduate and the recipient of the 2019 IDI Excellence in Design Award
With over twenty years in the design business, Wendi, along with her talented design team, has completed hundreds of full scale interior design projects for clients near and far.
Design Your Break
If you're reading this it's likely that an attempt to get away from the everyday required data gathering or task completion work in your life is very intentionally on hold.
What's New in Restaurant Paint Color Palettes and Design?
Delicious insights about dining design from commercial designers across the country.
The "Artichoke" Lamp
PH lamps are iconic and were designed by Poul Henningsen for the Danish lighting manufacturer Louis Poulsen, founded in 1874.
Barcelona Chair
The iconic Barcelona chair was designed in 1929 for the Spanish Royal Family by German designer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
Start Your Design Journey
Explore accredited interior design programs at IDI and take the first step toward a creative career.