How Long Does it Take to Learn Interior Design?

Like many aspiringinterior designers, you might want to learn Interior Design but worry that it will take too much time. Although Interior Design is a multifaceted discipline that incorporates art, science, and technical skills, those who master it enjoy its complexity and variety. It’s widely agreed upon that learning Interior Design can take from six months to five years. Of course, this depends on several factors. Keep reading to learn about how you can learn Interior Design and some resources to help speed the process along.

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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Average Time It Takes to Learn Interior Design

The time it takes to learn interior design can vary widely, as several factors can impact how long it takes. On average, it takes three to six months to build your interior design foundation, design principles, color theory, and spatial planning. While a vocational program will be far shorter than a traditional degree program—bachelor’s or associate’s, which can take two to five years—you can expect comprehensive interior design training from centers like Noble Desktop to take about six months, covering interior design software.

Once you’ve got a strong foundation you may be ready for entry-level work as an interior design professional. To further develop your skills, it may be advantageous to enter into an internship or apprenticeship. This will help you learn the nuances of the profession like project management and client relationships and help you figure out which parts are best suited to your talents and expertise. This phase can last a year to three years, depending on your choices.

Remember, learning is a lifelong journey. Even interior design professionals that have been working in the field for decades take advantage of continuing education opportunities. Something as simple as a two-hour seminar or workshop are considered continuing education, as are online classes and reading materials. This helps professionals stay up to date with market trends, new software and tools, and other important changes that are shaping the interior design world. 

Some people may feel comfortable calling themselves interior designers after a few months of focused study and practice, while others may take years to reach that point. It all depends on your dedication, natural aptitude, and the depth of knowledge you’re after. Set realistic goals, embrace the learning process, and let your passion for design guide you. After all, the most important thing is not how long it takes, but the beauty and functionality you bring to the spaces you transform.

Other Factors

Every student is different and has unique circumstances that will influence their learning. Many factors will impact how long it takes to learn interior design. Beyond a person’s natural aptitude for interior design, the chosen education path, previous experience, and access to resources are going to be influential. 

Educational Path

Formal education, online courses, workshops, or self-taught exploration? The path you choose can significantly impact the time it takes to learn. A live, structured program typically provides a faster track, while self-learning allows for a more organic, yet potentially longer, journey of discovery. Be sure to examine your learning goals when choosing which educational path is best for you. 

Previous Experience

You may have a bit of a head start if you’ve had some previous experience with interior design, design software or tools, or even a love for art. These types of experiences can serve as a solid foundation for your education. Your natural aptitude for interior design will also have a huge bearing on your speed of course material mastery.

Reasons for Learning

Are you learning because you’re truly interested and have a passion for interior design? Or are you learning interior design because you’re certain this is the career for you? If you’re passionate about the topic and truly want to learn, you are more likely to be engaged and receptive to learning the technical, artistic, and scientific sides of interior design. If you’re only learning because you feel obligated to do so or you’re figuring out if this is something you’re truly interested in, you may find it difficult to stay motivated and engaged.

Access to Resources

The Internet, books, design software, and mentorship are all invaluable tools when learning interior design. The more resources you have at your disposal, the more you can learn and the faster you can refine your skills. Some in-person training centers offer computer or lab access that allows you to use different software and tools while you’re enrolled. 

Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, & Cost 

It’s important to remember that the difficulty or ease of learning a new skill is subjective. Some factors that will impact how challenging you find learning interior design to be include your prior experience with concepts and software, your natural aptitude, and your learning style. You’ll find that there are many ways to combat any difficulty you encounter, including using supplemental learning resources like YouTube, articles, online tutorials, and peer support. While it’s possible to be self-taught, you may find that learning interior design is much easier and less stressful when you have the support of a knowledgeable instructor. 

While learning interior design is certainly accessible to beginners with little technical experience, there is some prerequisite knowledge that can make your interior design learning journey go a bit more smoothly and feel less alien. Having a basic understanding of computers and how to perform fundamental tasks such as opening and closing applications, saving, opening, and closing files, and switching between applications can alleviate some of the stress of learning interior design software and tools like Revit. It’s also helpful to be familiar with design fundamentals like color theory and proportions and architectural elements like spatial planning. There’s no need to be an expert, but familiarity can shorten your learning curve.

The cost of learning interior design will depend largely on the educational route you take. If you decide to enroll in a two-year or four-year degree program, you can spend thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Certificate and vocational programs and bootcamps typically cost hundreds to several thousand dollars. You can also learn interior design for free using the many free resources found online, like free seminars, YouTube, and tutorials. You should also keep in mind that the cost of learning interior design will often include subscriptions to software like Photoshop, AutoCAD, and SketchUp.

Read more about how difficult it is to learn Interior Design.

Watch a Free Interior Design Online Course

Not sure if a full interior design course is the best option for you? You can get your feet wet by exploring interior design for free online. In this free Photoshop seminar, you’ll learn some Adobe Photoshop basics that can be leveraged in your interior design designs, including color corrections, layers, and choosing the right resolution for your projects. Although it’s difficult to learn some of the software and tools that Interior Designers use, free resources like YouTube, vendor sites, and blogs can get you through rough patches. 

Other free online resources that can help you learn interior design include open online course platforms like Udemy and Coursera. Taking advantage of sites like these is a great way to learn whether or not a career in interior design is right for you. Likewise, if you’re interested in going the self-taught route, online course platforms like this can be instrumental in providing you with some structure and support. You’ll find interior design classes that cover topics like 3D modeling software, home staging, and design theory. 

Read about more free Interior Design videos and online tutorials.

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.