Interior design is more than just decorating a space for aesthetic value. Many designers choose to study interior design for the opportunity to explore how people interact with physical spaces. If you are studying interior design, you may be asked to conduct a study or write a research paper concerning a specific subject of design. In order to complete this project, you will need to develop a thesis that you can use to focus your argument.

Make a Comparison

One of the easiest ways to define your thesis proposal is to make a comparison between two subjects. Your thesis paper could explore the differences and similarities between these two ideas. For example, you could compare traditional and contemporary interior design, gothic and baroque architecture, green building practices and traditional building methods or commercial and home design. Further focus this thesis proposal idea by breaking these larger ideas down into smaller elements. For instance, you could refine your study to churches or homes within gothic and baroque architecture, or how these two styles flourished in different areas around the world.

Analyze an Issue

You can find inspiration for your thesis proposal by analyzing an issue that is faced often in interior design. Think about issues designers face or unique design challenges. Then build your thesis proposal on the origin of this problem or your theory as to how it can be resolved. For example, you could explore how construction and renovations effect the environment. To further focus this idea, hone in one aspect of the design/environment relationship. Materials like carpets, for instance, have been used for decades in interior design, but have negative environmental associations due to the fact that they contain toxic chemicals and are difficult to recycle.

Explore an Area

One thesis proposal idea would be to focus your studies on one particular geographical area. For example, you could choose to study the traditional interior design of castles in England, government buildings in Rome or restaurants in France. As you begin to focus your studies on a certain location, elements of this specific design will reveal themselves to you and may provide inspiration for your thesis proposal. Think about the elements of interior design, such as lighting, colors, pattern and flooring. Analyze the origins of these elements in this specific design realm. Refine your thesis to make a sound argument about these elements of design and their relationship with the geographical location you are studying.