Think about the most amazing room youve ever walked into.

What struck you the most?

Interior designers are behind the design,decor and aesthetic behind the most welcoming homesand impressive commercial buildings.

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In this article

What Does an Interior Designer Do?

Interior designers are professionals who develop, stylize, decorate, and arrange rooms in both homes and buildings.

Some may specialize in a particular industry, like restaurants or hotels, while others work for-hire.

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Designers do far more than simply pick out what furniture looks good in any given space.

They use their artistic eye as well as key principles to create a desired aesthetic and mood.

They may have some formal training, but many are self-taught and rely on their own style and experience.

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Most designers have earned a degree and become certified or registered in their state.

Many attend art schools while others attend a traditional university.

They tend to work on building strong portfolios, which help them attract more clients.

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The greatest differences between a home decorator and interior designer is their level of education and abilities.

Does an Interior Designer Need a Degree?

For the majority, this means holding either an associates or bachelors in interior design.

This is the leading credential among professionals throughout the industry.

How Long Does It Take to Earn an Interior Design Degree?

Throughout their program, students study a variety of design theories and principles.

Schools introduce students to foundational design theory and principles before they begin delving into the interior design process.

They work throughout their course to learn everything from color and lighting to textiles and presentation.

They also gain core business skills necessary to communicate ideas effectively to their clients.

Emphasis is placed on presentation, documentation and review for build confident professionals who deliver phenomenal results.

How Much Does an Interior Design Degree Cost?

A student loan from a private lender can help youbalance the cost of educationwith your future budget.

How Much Does an Interior Designer Make Per Year?

You may qualify to earn more depending on your location and credentials.

You may decide that relocating is part of your greater career roadmap as well.

When you eventually enter a program, youll feel more confident than ever about your future.

A free course by Allison is perfect for someone who wants to learn more about interior design principles.

There are also paid options on sites like Udemy that cost $50 to $150.

These are low-risk ways for you to explore the industry and decide if you want to pursue a degree.

Start Practicing in Your Own Home

You dont have to wait to begin your work!

Your house is your own blank canvas.

Draw up floor plans, and work with what you have.

This can be a fun challenge for beginners who want to put principles theyre learning into practice.

Note how changing the position of a piece of furniture affects the overall flow of the room.

Ask friends and family members if they would let you redecorate their homes.

verify you focus on communication here.

Treat them like clients, and confirm you pay close attention to capturing a space that reflects their personalities.

What makes this room feel the way it does?

What does thecolor of the wallsremind me of?

How could I change this space to feel different?

These simple questions help you train your mind to be more detail-oriented.