In a world where Pinterest and Instagram are the inspiration for everything from businesses to bedrooms, some HT students are taking a more academic approach to design.

The new Fundamentals of Interior Design class is offered to 11th and 12th grade students, and is taught by junior high art teacher Jennifer Bergendahl, who has a background in interior design. The class was initially proposed to Bergendahl by Holy Trinity’s yearbook and graphic art teacher Aileen Carlson, who has had several students who pursued careers in architecture and interior design after they graduated from HT. 

“The basic description of the course is that it introduces students to the fundamentals of interior design, focusing on the applications of the design principles in various interior spaces,” said Bergendahl. “Students will explore key concepts such as textiles, color theory, basic drafting, drawing, and material selection. Through hands-on projects, students will learn to create aesthetically pleasing and functional interior environments.”

Currently, the students are learning about the principles of interior design and will later cover topics including color psychology, the history of furniture, and more. Students will also learn how to use drafting tools in order to create their own designs during the year. 

The main goal of this course is to give students a deeper understanding and appreciation of the thought process and effort that goes into designing and creating spaces. “I hope that my students walk away with a better understanding of what goes into a design,” said Bergendahl. “One of the first things we talked about is that a good design is not only aesthetically pleasing, but is also functional and has great structural character. Those three things put together are what makes a really good design. I hope that when they leave this class, they walk into public spaces and have a better understanding or more of a personal connection to them.”

Senior Niki Stanoch enrolled in the class as a creative outlet and an opportunity to learn more about designing spaces. “My understanding has changed because I now see that interior design is not just about decorating, but also about balance, function, and detail,” said Stanoch. 

Senior Ella Shepherd shares a similar sentiment to Stanoch, and has come to realize that interior design covers more than just decoration. “The class has changed my understanding of interior design as I’ve learned more about color theory and how different textures and shapes enhance the positive aspects of a space,” said Shepherd.