The Honest Truth About Studying Interior Design
Hello and welcome back to the being at home blog, it’s been awhile since I have posted. I get asked a lot of questions about what it’s like to study interior design so I thought I would put my honest answers here on the blog. Grab a coffee and give it a quick read, enjoy!
1. Samples
After a short while you will be up to your ears in samples. Paint samples, flooring samples, fabric samples you name it. Make sure you have a good amount of storage before the samples take over.
2. Window Treatments
While it’s boring learning about the different styles and types of windows its actually very beneficial knowledge as an interior designer. The same goes for types of window treatments, the correct way to dress a window is frequently overlooked but has great potential to add interest and wow factor to a room.
3. Research before enrolling
Take your time to research courses available. Make sure the course in question is accredited and has good reviews. Make sure you look into the syllabus before enrolling, you want to understand exactly what you are going to learn and if it’s actually what you want to learn. I wasn’t in the position to go back to university (Oh hello 45K worth of university debt) but the more I looked into the world of interior design the more I realised many interior designers who run successful businesses didn’t study the discipline at university. While there is a lot to be learnt about good practise interior design is also a creative field, led by style, passion and creativity. Don’t let the idea of not doing a BA in interior design put you off.
4. Source list
When you are studying you will come across a number of different companies who supply all sorts of products. Make sure that you create your own source list - this will be one of the best resources you build up over time. Once you start winning clients this will be your bible of suppliers, with saving you time sourcing products.
5. Self motivation
Don’t underestimate the amount of time it will take. Not to mention that amount of self motivation you will need. I found the best way to progress the course was chip away at it gradually, taking it one step at a time. The workload can be quite daunting when you first look at it.
6. Expense
It can get expensive. Sample pots of paint cost £3 in most cases, when you need a few of these for a project It can really start to add up. Some suppliers do send out samples for free, so you can save yourself some money, but there are also equipment costs, soft-wear costs and the actual price of the course itself. Make sure you have a budget or a figure in mind when looking at courses and be aware the cost of actually studying is likely to be higher than you originally thought it might be.
7. Maths
Interior design may be a creative craft but there is maths involved. From estimating fabric quantities to taking a room survey. Don’t let this overwhelm you just remember that you are studying for a reason to learn all these new skills.
8. Friends
Until you start studying interior design you don’t realise how many other people have a secret passion for home decor. So many friends have confessed that they wanted to do a course. If you have the time and you want to get into the industry then here is your sign.
9. 3D Design Software
Getting your head around using design software is a process in itself. There are a number of new software programs that you will need to learn when studying interior design and not to mention pay for. Design softwares like Vectorworks, AutoCad and Sketchup are used in the industry so it’s worthwhile you learning how to use them if you want to work for other practises.
This is just a snapshot of my current thoughts and what I have learnt so far form studying interior design. I hope this post helps those are thinking about studying interior design and gave some insight. Good luck!