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Depending on the design, church interiors can either be wonderfully spiritually guiding spaces, or a psychological disaster. Most designers, however, will have put in utmost care to deal with acoustical concerns, finishes, to create an environment of sanctity and respect. Church renovations also require considerable thought in matching materials, evoking the spiritual and updating the religious bent of the space.

Materials and lighting conditions make space what it is to the human eye and body. Churches are thought best in terms of polished wood and stone, a serious palette of colors, use of stained glass, lighting fixtures, dramatic elements, day light and other symbolic forms. Designers need to really work for the concerns of the congregation which will inevitably utilize the space for religious purposes from formal to informal.

Generally designers consider it necessary, in a spiritual setting, to observe acoustics and sounds. Much of religion is based upon listening to music or voice. Religion is associated with bells, footsteps, instruments and high ceilings, there for specific acoustics. Design should include much attention to acoustics and build them into the drama of the pulpit, or the solitude of ancillary spaces for prayer or study.

Color should be carefully applied and befitting the space's religion. Too much red is horrifying, while white is cold and certain patterns such as checks or flowers are too residential. Likewise, fabrics should be durable but not slick. A space of worship needs to be comfortable and reflect the fact that people spend several hours there each week, or are in need of comfort as well as formality, during ceremonies.

World renowned architects have created some of the most photographed and revered spaces of worship. Using simply sunlight and wood, or interesting windows, these spaces and buildings are not only nice, they tell a story of religion with great acoustics and daylight utilized to bring pleasing sounds, reflective patterns, and a sense of history to the space.

Cathedrals and synagogues have almost always been made from stone. Stone can be used now to connect to this past. Polished stone is pleasing to look at. Stone sounds lovely when walked on and smells good when damp. It can lend sculptural appearance and important weight to the altar.

Church interiors can be all kinds in today's contemporary religion landscape of pluralism. However, they almost always reflect special values for their worshipers and should be designed with care, respecting the act of listening to the practitioner. They are also active spaces for singing and silence.