Best Free Interior Design Resources & Tutorials

There are plenty of professionals who are eager to learn Interior Design but hesitate because of the perceived up-front costs. While there are some up-front costs, these can be minimized and in some instances, eliminated. Other associated costs can include software and magazine subscriptions, website maintenance, and continuing education. However, there is a surprising amount of free resources available to help beginners get the hang of this exciting skill. 

Read on to learn more about the different types of free resources and tutorials available to help you learn Interior Design. 

What is Interior Design?

Interior design refers to the process of designing the interior floor plan of a public, commercial, or private building. This includes both the process of handling the aesthetic design of the interior (decisions related to things like furnishing and paint) and the practical concerns such as how different rooms are connected to one another. This can be distinct from the design of general layouts and building exteriors or it can be done as a part of the initial design phases of the project.

Interior design projects can be technical, creative, or both. While most people think of interior design in the same way they think of interior decorating (and these two fields do often overlap), several technical and technological skills are associated with interior design. Not only will you need to learn how to use applications like AutoCAD or SketchUp to design floor plans, but you’ll also need to learn how to work with clients, how to provide reasonable and actionable floor plans and you’ll need to have a basic understanding of the regulations and laws that govern how different buildings are designed (within reason, an interior designer who specializes in floor plans for commercial buildings probably won’t need to know the laws governing plumbing infrastructure but they should have a good idea how to avoid creating fire hazards in their designs).

Read more about what Interior Design is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Interior Design?

There are many ways for interior design to express itself, and just as many ways for you to express yourself or someone else through interior design. Some of the more well-known reasons to implement interior design include self-expression, increased functionality, enhanced comfort, and influence the mood and experience of those using a space. Whether you’re using interior design skills on residential or commercial properties, it is important to make the most of the space and meet not only the needs of those using the space but also work within the parameters of the space itself.

In addition to the more widely recognized uses for interior design, it’s also possible to increase the value of a property. Not only does interior design have some bearing on a property’s curb appeal but also its functionality. Oftentimes, interior design will require some updates and renovations. On such occasions, the quality of materials like flooring, cabinetry, and fixtures will factor into the property value. Likewise, incorporating more energy-efficient elements and market trends can also drive values upward. 

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Training Centers

Reputable training centers often offer free resources for prospective students and the wider general audience. These free learning resources can come in many formats, including videos, blogs, and free sample classes. Taking advantage of these freebies can help you decide whether or not interior design is the right career path for you, learn what parts you enjoy best about interior design, or how to apply your interior design skills. 

Software Vendors

Although free trials don’t last forever, you can take advantage of them to decide if the cost justifies your patronage. Even if you decide not to continue a paid subscription, you can use Adobe, Autodesk, and other software vendor sites to your advantage. Oftentimes, these companies offer case studies, tutorials, and other free online resources that you can use to enhance your interior design skills. If you decide in the future that you want to take advantage of their paid software, you’ll be prepared and have ideas of how to make it work best for your goals and projects.

Free Design Software and Web Applications

Software subscriptions can be an expense you’re not ready for. If you’d rather skip subscriptions, there are several free web applications like HomeByMe and SketchUp Free that you can leverage for computer-aided design (CAD) drawings and 2D and 3D modeling. These user-friendly apps allow you to create professional-quality designs and floor plans for your projects.

Libraries

There’s nothing better than a local library or a digital one when you need it. Libraries offer interior design books, magazines, and other resources for free. You can take advantage of their offerings with just a library card. If you do not need to take resources out of the library, you can use them there for free without a library card in most circumstances. And digital libraries like Project Gutenberg allow you free access to public domain materials from wherever you are.

YouTube

This popular video-sharing platform has seemingly endless resources on just about every topic, and YouTube’s interior design content makes it feel that way. Using YouTube as a learning resource is a great way to learn design principles and concepts, get familiar with interior design software, keep up with industry trends, and begin to develop a keen eye for interior design. You can learn how to do just about anything interior design related. It’s an interactive platform that gives you the freedom to take in information on your schedule, rewatch content, and follow along in real-time.

Social Media

With the power of social media, you can find your people and the content that enhances your interior design journey. Joining an interior design-focused Facebook group or a Reddit community can put you in a circle of like-minded individuals who are all working toward interior design goals. This shared interest in interior design will give you access to opportunities and resources you may not have been aware of before. You can expect to find inspiration, advice, and support from fellow enthusiasts when you take an active role in a topic-focused group.

Learn Interior Design with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

When you’re choosing an interior design class, you’ll want to look for some key features to ensure you’re getting a worthwhile education that will move you toward your dream career. Classes that fit your schedule and lifestyle will help you stay engaged and make it easier for you to succeed. The curriculum should be tailored to interior design topics that are fundamental and in demand if you’re looking to enter the workforce quickly. Expert instructors who are accessible and care about your success, small class sizes, and free retake options are all features that can propel your learning, help you achieve mastery, and reach your interior design learning goals. Luckily, Noble Desktop meets this criteria and is eager to help you get started with interior design today.

Interior Design classes and bootcamps can be taken as an Interior Design Professional Course Bundle. This course is designed to help you learn the tools and software most often used in this field, including AutoCAD, SketchUp Pro, and Photoshop. You’ll also learn how to create floor plans, 3D models, and professional and engaging presentations that get the right people excited about your designs. If you’d like to slow down your learning and master one topic at a time, you can start with this AutoCAD Certificate Program that will guide you from basic to advanced use in eight weeks on a part-time schedule or two weeks on a full-time schedule. This certificate program also includes six hours of private tutoring to further deepen your learning.

Whether you want to get started in the workforce as soon as possible or you’d prefer to take your time mastering each in-demand interior design tool or software, Noble Desktop wants to help you achieve your learning goals. With hard work and dedication, you’ll be on the path to building a great career in interior design.