National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

may be significant in their own right as a work of art, as the product of an important interior
designer, or as the work of an important artist as in frescoed walls or painted ceilings.
Circulation and Spatial Arrangements
The floorplan, size, proportion, and layout of rooms and hallways, including the circulation and
transition from one interior to another define this element. Axiality, vistas, rooms en filade,
rooms en suite, the relationship of rooms to the landscape, and the relationship of public rooms
to private and service rooms are factors to be considered. Both the functional and visual
relationships between the spaces are integral to the historic character.
Furnishings and Interior Design Elements (E.g., Room Arrangement, Color, Texture)
All the individual objects within a historic furnished interior, and the interrelationships between
them, create an ensemble that defines the historic character of the space. An understanding of
the style, form, materials and craftsmanship of individual objects, combined with a contextual
understanding of similar furnished interiors, provides the basis for defining the character of the
assemblage as a whole. The specific use of the interior space defines the nature of the
furnishings, as in a bedroom needs a bed. The character of furnishings is derived from style,
design, construction, color, materials, upholstery, scale, and proportion in relation to the size
and definition of each interior space. Furnishings may be designed for a specific interior,
selected as individual pieces or suites, purchased or handed down over generations, massproduced,
or adapted for reuse. The furnishings are the dynamic component of the interior's
character. The treatment of historic interiors must also recognize the continual changes in
furnishings: they are altered, rearranged, redesigned, and functionally redefined. Furnishings
may be significant in their own right as a works of art - the product of a master or traditional
craftsperson, or a well-known artist.
The floorplan and layout within a room or hallway, including circulation, the placement and
relationship of elements within the room, and the relationship of furnishings to architectural
features define room arrangement. Both the functional and visual grouping of elements is
integral to the historic character. How the architectural elements dictate furnishing
arrangement and how the furnishings dictate the architecture should be considered.
Mechanical Systems
The existence and practical use of heating and air conditioning, lighting and plumbing systems,
elevators, and communication devices influences certain structural and decorative decisions.
The visible features of historic mechanical systems such as grilles, radiators, lighting fixtures,
and switch plates contribute to the overall historic character of the furnished interior. These
mechanical systems may still be operational and special attention must be given to their physical
condition, efficiency, and safety. Consideration may also be required due to seasonal changes.
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