Discover the Unexpected: Top 6 Fun Facts About Interior Design You Never Knew!

1. Ancient Egyptians: The OG Interior Designers

Before Marie Kondo sparked joy in our homes and HGTV turned fixer-uppers into binge-worthy entertainment, there were the Ancient Romans, who took their frescoes and mosaics seriously – but not as seriously as "first interior designers" seriously: In reality, the origins of interior design trace back even further, with evidence found in ancient Egyptian tombs and Greek homes.
Source => getty.edu

2. Tutankhamun's Divine Color Palette

When Tutankhamun's decorator was asked to add a splash of color, you could say they took "Paleolithic Pantone" to the next level: ancient Egyptian interior design utilized colors imbued with symbolism and magic, like red for life or green for resurrection, created from natural elements and applied with divine accuracy in depicting everything from daily life to godly tales.
Source => worldhistory.org

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3. Eiffel's Cozy Tower-top Apartment

When your home is your castle (plus, an architectural wonder) and you need somewhere to entertain the likes of Thomas Edison: Gustave Eiffel had a private apartment at the top of his eponymous tower, decorated with a romantically cozy vibe including paisley wallpaper, wood furniture, and oil paintings – quite the departure from the lavish opulence of the time. Today, fans of his (and his tower) can tour the 1,000-foot-high space, offering a unique and whimsical insight into the interior design tastes of this iconic architect.
Source => architecturaldigest.com

4. The Rise and Fall of Sunken Living Rooms

Long before the disastrous avocado-hued appliances of the 1970s, there once emerged a trend that truly rocked the living room boat and bid a fond farewell to the humble, level floor: behold, the sunken living room! Alas, 'twas but a nostalgic remnant of mid-century innovation that plunged deep into the annals of history: first conceived by architect Bruce Goff in the 1920s, the sunken living room gained extensive popularity in magazines like LIFE and House & Garden throughout the 50s and 60s, but faced harsh criticism due to safety concerns; nevertheless, mid-century modern enthusiasts have been slowly resurrecting this cozy, concave conversation nook in contemporary homes.
Source => clickamericana.com

5. The Unexpected Kennedy-Johnson Friendship

When Jackie met Lyndon: a pen pal love story for the ages, but without the romantic subplot: First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy and Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson maintained a heartfelt and supportive correspondence over a decade, bonding over shared experiences and even standing side by side during LBJ's presidential oath – painting a picture of camaraderie rather than the rumored mutual dislike.
Source => americanheritage.com

6. Greeks: Masters of Reclining, Wining, and Dining

Talk about a Greek "bed and breakfast": Ancient Greeks used to recline on single beds while dining during their symposia - male drinking parties where they'd prop themselves up on pillows, balance on one elbow, and use their right hand for eating and drinking. With wine dregs as game pieces and entertainment, these chaps really knew how to turn a simple dining experience into a reclining, wining, and dining extravaganza.
Source => blogs.getty.edu