How Difficult is it to Learn Interior Design?

Are you curious about learning Interior Design but worried that it might be too hard? Of course, the difficulty that comes with learning a new skill is somewhat subjective. The challenges of learning Interior Design depend on factors like your natural aptitude, learning style, learning format, and the course you enroll in. Any previous experience with design principles and design software will also greatly impact the difficulty you find in Interior Design. Being patient and persistent in your Interior Design study will help you succeed in reaching your learning goals.

No matter your current schedule or comfort level with Interior Design, there are plenty of tools available to help make learning easier than you might think.

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.

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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. 

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Interior Design?

Some find that mastering the art of spatial planning is a lot easier said than done. Combining a design vision and client or project requirements with a space often takes the ability to creatively problem-solve. Learning how to make the most of a space while also incorporating must-have elements and not turning it into a cluttered obstacle course of furniture and decor requires a delicate balance and a detail-oriented eye. The best way to combat this is to practice, practice, practice. The more you put spatial planning to work and see how others approach it, will help you acquire the skill.

Another challenging part of learning interior design is learning how to use industry-standard software like SketchUp and AutoCAD. This very technical aspect of interior design is a necessary part of the design process, but it requires that you stay on top of the many technical updates. As technology evolves, you may need to learn new software. Continuing interior design education throughout your career is imperative if you want to stay aware of market trends, design essentials, and other useful skills to bolster or improve your effectiveness.

How Does Learning Interior Design Compare to Other Fields?

There are many fields that relate to Interior Design, including architectural designing, interior landscaping, and CAD designing. They all combine technical skills, art, and design to create spaces that are inviting, functional, and user-friendly. Architectural planning and principles are key to forming the bones of a space, and it is the foundation that upholds Interior Design. 

Different Interior Design career paths have different educational paths that can range in length from six months to five years. The cost can range from several hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Earning a bachelor’s or associate’s degree will give you a more in-depth and comprehensive education, but the learning path you choose should match your career goals. Certificate programs and bootcamps are also desirable educational paths to becoming an interior design professional.

Architectural Designers and CAD Designers are a big part of interior design and architecture. These interior design career paths are not required to have specific credentials or accreditation, although some in these fields do have a two or four-year degree. Those in these fields translate designs from an abstract idea or a detailed description into tangible, technical, and detailed visual representations to ensure that design requirements are met. They often work closely with Architects and Interior Designers and are typically involved in the design and planning phases of projects. Some of their most commonly used tools include software like AutoCAD and Photoshop.

Why It’s Worthwhile to Learn Interior Design

Learning interior design takes you on a journey of self-discovery, aesthetics, functionality, and self-expression. Not only will you learn basic design principles and fundamental concepts, but you’ll also be honing your artistic voice. Interior design allows you to improve the quality of life for others by giving them more functional and inviting spaces to use that are inviting, productive, and resonate with the soul.

Interior design career opportunities are growing according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics with prospects in commercial, residential, and hospitality sectors. It’s a dynamic field with plenty of opportunities to work on a variety of projects from revamping an innovative co-working office space to creating inviting luxury hotel suites that cater to the needs of high-profile business people. 

As you learn interior design, you’ll begin to see the opportunities for you to be a part of promoting health through the use and study of ergonomics, safety through the use of spatial planning and designing around building codes, ADA accessibility, and OSHA regulations, and environmental sustainability through the use of eco-friendly materials. This skill is useful and worthwhile for those impacted by interior design and the designers themselves. 

How to Make Your Interior Design Learning Process Easier

Making your learning process easier will largely depend on your learning style, learning format, and what aspects of learning interior design you find difficult. Most learners find that 1-on-1 tutoring or mentorship is very helpful in navigating challenges and uncertainties. Most learners would also agree that attending a reputable interior design course also facilitates their learning process because it allows them to have a structured learning path and guidance from a knowledgeable instructor. While there’s nothing wrong with being self-taught, learning interior design is a lot easier when you have structured support. 

Other ways to make your interior design learning process easier include leveraging supplemental materials like free tutorials, watching YouTube videos, reading articles and books, and paying attention to the interior design in the spaces that you visit and see in films and television. Luckily, interior design is all around, and with an attentive and critical eye, you can start to see the concepts and principles you’re learning being put into practice. And lastly, don’t compare your learning journey to anyone else’s. Everyone is unique and has their own creative viewpoint, stay focused on what works for you and you’ll begin to see yourself grow daily.

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.