Textiles, Apparel, Housing, and Interior Design
Domain 5: Textiles, Apparel, Housing, and Interior Design
This domain tests fiber and fabric properties, care and construction, design elements and principles, housing, and interiors.
Core rules and concepts
- Fibers are natural (cotton, wool, silk, linen) or manufactured (polyester, nylon, rayon). Properties such as absorbency, elasticity, strength, and flammability affect use and care.
- Fabric performance depends on fiber content, yarn structure, weave or knit, and finishes.
- Care labels give acceptable cleaning and ironing instructions; following them protects the consumer and the garment.
- Design elements are line, shape/form, space, color, texture, and pattern; principles include balance, rhythm, emphasis, proportion/scale, and unity.
- Housing decisions involve function, safety, accessibility, sustainability, and budget; universal design increases usability for varied abilities.
Worked example
A student designs a kitchen for an older adult. Rather than choosing a trendy layout first, the student applies universal design: lever handles, adequate task lighting, contrasting edge strips, and varied counter heights. The reasoning: function and accessibility are primary; aesthetics are then layered on without compromising safety.
Traps that cost marks
- Calling principles "elements" or vice versa.
- Assuming natural fibers are always more sustainable or durable.
- Ignoring care-label instructions.
- Treating interior design as decoration only.