Introducing readers to the creative, technical and business skills required to be an interior designer, this book takes a service approach and focuses on creating safe, comfortable, aesthetically pleasing spaces for residential and contract clients. After an overview of the development of historical styles, the book talks the reader through every stage of the design process and illustrates each step with work by both professionals and students. Presentations on the accompanying CD-ROM reinforce readers' understanding of the subject. These include animations demonstrating professional skills and technical concepts, video interviews with recent graduates and suppliers of products/services, timelines of period styles and links to useful Websites.