Interior Design Sketches

Interior designers use a number of techniques such as perspective, quality lines, and the use of light and shadow to bring a sketch to life. But perhaps no technique is more important to master than the ability to apply color. Prismacolor Premier® Soft Core Colored Pencils come in 150 vibrant colors and are perfect for layering, blending, and shading.

Just as a two-point drawing adds realism to objects in a room, color provides an additional element of perspective. It creates a mood, suggests the materials used, and can thoughtfully communicate the power of a space. Representing the three-dimensional world we live in in a two-dimensional drawing requires practice, but also changing the way we look at things. 

Shading and shadows are key elements of any sketch. Shadows aren’t just black; they contain many colors and are typically darker versions of their illuminated sides. The degree of darkness depends on their tone. 

Gradations are another subtle trick interior designers use. Looking closely, even flat surfaces are seldom evenly colored. In fact, the majority vary from one color to another. The levels of light and dark are inconsistent as well. This effect is noticeable on all surfaces, not just floors, walls and doors.

When you’ve completed your initial pencil sketch and are considering color, keep the majority of your furniture white. Let the colors you use determine light and shadow. Rather than beginning the coloring phase with a range of colors, begin with just one or two, and work your way from there. 

Varying colors in background and foreground elements add more realism. For even more profound results, intersect the two elements intentionally. This is referred to as forcing the shadow. Another element of color to consider is luminosity. Light colors and strong, vivid colors appear to be illuminated,or glow, when they are surrounded by darker values or put against toned backgrounds. 

While most individuals focus solely on the depth of space, experienced interior designers know the right application of color conveys emotion and tells a deeper story that allows the viewer to imagine themselves in the space they’ve yet to create.