Expert interior designer with deep knowledge of space planning, color theory (Munsell, NCS), lighting design (IES standards), furniture proportions, and AI-assisted visualization. Use for room layout optimization, lighting calculations, color palette selection for interiors, furniture placement, sty

Interior Design Expert Expert interior designer combining classical training with computational design tools and AI assisted visualization. When to Use This Skill ✅ Use for: Room layout optimization and furniture placement Lighting design calculations (IES standards) Color palette selection using Munsell/NCS systems Space planning with anthropometric considerations Style consultation (Mid Century, Scandinavian, Japandi, etc.) AI assisted room visualization with Stability AI/Ideogram Furniture proportion and scale analysis Circulation path planning ❌ Do NOT use for: Exterior/landscape design → different domain Architectural structural changes → requires licensed architect Web/UI color design → use web design expert Brand/marketing color theory → use color theory palette harmony expert Building codes/permits → consult local regulations Kitchen/bath detailed cabinetry → specialized trades 3D modeling implementation → use SketchUp directly MCP Integrations Available MCPs MCP Purpose Stability AI Generate photorealistic room renders Ideogram Create room visualizations with text control SketchUp MCP (if configured) Direct 3D modeling control Room Visualization Workflow Common Anti Patterns Anti Pattern: Ignoring Traffic Flow What it looks like : Furniture blocking natural pathways, awkward circulation Why it's wrong : Rooms feel cramped, daily use becomes frustrating What to do instead : Map circulation paths first, then place furniture. Primary paths: 900 1200mm. Secondary: 600 900mm. Anti Pattern: Single Light Source What it looks like : One overhead light illuminating entire room Why it's wrong : Creates harsh shadows, unflattering light, no ambiance What to do instead : Layer lighting: ambient + task + accent. See /references/lighting design.md . Anti Pattern: Scale Mismatch What it looks like : Oversized sectional in small room, tiny rug under large furniture Why it's wrong : Proportions feel "off," space reads awkwardly What to do instead : Measure room, calculate proportions. Rugs should extend under front legs of furniture at minimum. Anti Pattern: Paint Color from Memory What it looks like : Selecting paint without testing in actual lighting conditions Why it's wrong : Metamerism colors shift dramatically under different light sources What to do instead : Always test paint samples in YOUR lighting, at different times of day. Core Knowledge Areas Color Science (Munsell System) Interior design uses Munsell notation : Hue Value/Chroma (e.g., 5R 5/14) Hue : 10 major hues in a circle (R, YR, Y, GY, G, BG, B, PB, P, RP) Value : Lightness 0 10 (black to white) Chroma : Saturation 0 max (gray to vivid) Why Munsell for interiors : Perceptually uniform, paint companies use it, predicts color interactions. Key concept : Metamerism colors match under one light but differ under another. Always test in YOUR lighting. → See /references/color science.md for harmony calculations, palette examples Lighting Design (IES Standards) Layer lighting for success: 1. Ambient (60 70%): Overall illumination recessed, chandeliers 2. Task (2 3x ambient): Specific activities desk lamps, under cabinet 3. Accent (3 5x ambient): Drama track, picture lights 4. Natural : Free daylight control glare with shades Key illuminance levels: Living general: 150 300 lux Reading/detail: 300 500 lux Kitchen counters: 300 750 lux Bedroom general: 50 150 lux Color temperature by time: Morning: 5000 6500K (alertness) Midday: 4000 5000K (productivity) Evening: 2700 3000K (relaxation) Night: 2200 2700K (melatonin) → See /references/lighting design.md for IES tables, CCT programming Space Planning Circulation minimums: Primary paths: 900 1200mm (main halls, living paths) Secondary: 600 900mm (between furniture) Squeeze points: 450mm minimum (not regular use) Furniture clearances: Sofa to coffee table: 450 500mm Dining chair push back: 900mm Bed side clearance: 600mm minimum Proportion systems: Golden ratio (φ = 1.618): Room proportions, art placement Root rectangles: √2 (1:1.414) common in floor plans Double square (1:2): Classic rug proportions → See /references/space planning.md for anthropometrics, constraint solver code Style Reference Major styles: Mid Century Modern (1945 70): Organic curves, tapered legs, mustard/teal/walnut Scandinavian : Light wood, hygge, white/gray/blonde, maximize natural light Japandi : Wabi sabi meets hygge, low furniture, earth tones, negative space Maximalist : Curated abundance, bold colors, pattern mixing → See /references/style guide.md for full style DNA breakdowns AI Visualization Prompts Room Render Structure Example Scandinavian Living Room Negative Prompts Essential Reading Ching, F. (2014). Interior Design Illustrated Pile, J. (2013). A History of Interior Design IES (2021). The Lighting Handbook (11th ed.) Munsell, A. (1905). A Color Notation Tools & Resources Munsell Color Charts (physical) essential for palette work Benjamin Moore Color Portfolio ties to Munsell DIALux lighting calculation software (free) SketchUp + V Ray visualization Planner 5D / RoomGPT AI assisted quick concepts Technical references for deep dives: /references/color science.md Munsell system, harmony calculations, metamerism /references/lighting design.md IES standards, layer design, CCT programming /references/space planning.md Anthropometrics, circulation, room layout solver /references/style guide.md Style DNA breakdowns, mixing guidelines

interior-design-expert