How to Learn Interior Design Online

If you’re just starting to learn a new skill, you can find dozens of tips and resources online; learning Interior Design is no different.Interior Design is a field of study that incorporates color theory, design theory, spatial planning, and technical knowledge in the design of physical and virtual spaces. Its goal is to create aesthetically pleasing, user-friendly, mood-enhancing, and functional spaces that fit the needs of the user and the space. If you’ve always wanted to learn Interior Design, there are plenty of options at your fingertips. From free tutorials to live classes, your options are outlined here so you can decide how to learn in a way that works best for you. 

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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Live Online Interior Design Training

Live online training is very reminiscent of in-person classes. While there are some differences, the biggest difference, and perhaps the biggest advantage, is that students do not have to commute to class, allowing them to attend from their location. Classes are held through a video sharing platform, so sessions can be recorded and shared. Other benefits of attending live online interior design training include not having to worry about geographic barriers, making fewer adjustments to your schedule, and oftentimes, better pricing options. You’ll still get to interact with peers and instructors and receive real-time feedback as well. Drawbacks of this learning format can include less student engagement, not always having a distraction-free environment, managing technological issues, and accessibility issues for those with certain disabilities.

When choosing live online Interior Design classes, be sure to check out VDCI SketchUp Pro Fundamentals Bundle to gain a solid foundation in 3D modeling and rendering with this software; BIM Certificate Program to gain skills in Revit and BIM; and Photoshop Fundamentals Bundle to master Adobe Photoshop. You’ll also find courses like Design Essentials: How to Accessorize Rooms at the New York School of Interior Design, Revit Architecture Masterclass from the Knowledge Academy, and AutoCAD Map 3D Essentials from LANTEC of Louisiana Corporate Training Center. 

On-Demand Interior Design Classes

Another popular interior design learning format is on-demand or self-paced. These pre-recorded classes are offered online. They allow students to start, stop, pause, and rewind as they see fit without any scheduling constraints. Because the classes are pre-recorded, commuting to class is not a problem, and there are no geographic limitations. Some of the drawbacks to on-demand learning include isolation, the absence of real-time feedback, no hands-on instructor assistance, and a lack of accountability and motivation. On-demand classes are best suited for learners with very tight schedules or budgets and self-starters who are highly motivated.

You’ll find that on-demand interior design classes can vary widely. Some are free while others have a fee. Courses will vary in length and the amount of time you have access to them. Because each enrollee will complete the course on their own time, these classes are measured in course material hours instead of weeks or months like live classes. On-demand interior design classes are sometimes strictly foundational and others will teach advanced skills and topics. This 30-hour VDCI Introduction to AutoCAD on-demand class may appeal to you. It provides a strong foundation with the software for those who have no experience with the software. If you’re already familiar with AutoCAD, perhaps you need to learn Revit and BIM integration. This 60-hour Revit Fundamentals Bundle may appeal to you. Or this 10-hour Blueprint Reading for Residential Construction self-paced course that covers the fundamentals of blueprint reading and interpreting complex construction documents.

Free Intro Courses & Tutorials

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.

Comparing Online Methods with In-Person Learning 

Three of the most popular training formats for interior design are in-person, live online, and on-demand or self-paced. While each has its merits, it’s helpful to be clear on which criteria is a must-have to best fit your needs as a learner. Everyone is different, so consider your learning style, your schedule, and your preferences when choosing the right learning format for you.

Live online and in-person classes are widely recognized as the most interactive and engaging learning formats. There is healthy competition among peers, peer-to-peer networking, a higher level of accountability, and real-time feedback. Many people appreciate live classes for the interaction they provide and real-time instructor guidance. There are plenty of merits to live interior design classes including networking opportunities, access to computer labs, and free, up-to-date software. 

The differences between live online and in-person learning are not that different. The main difference is that you can skip the commute with live online classes and attend classes from wherever you are in the world. Many people find live online classes preferable because they can choose their classes based on a specific training center or instructor. Geographic limitations are eliminated and the possibilities expand exponentially. In-person classes require you to be physically present. This will limit your interior design class choices to what is geographically accessible to you. You’ll also experience a relatively distraction-free learning environment and have access to hands-on instructor guidance.

On-demand or self-paced interior design learning formats are quite different from live classes. They are pre-recorded lessons that you control. You’ll be able to start and stop lessons as your schedule permits, revisit lessons that you already completed, and attend the classes wherever you have access to reliable wi-fi. Another benefit that comes with on-demand interior design classes is that it is often the most affordable option, but it doesn’t have some of the advantages that come with live classes. You’ll miss out on real-time feedback and interaction, and it’s possible to get an outdated education if the training facility has not been updating it. 

Tips to Succeed when Learning Interior Design Online

Once you’ve decided that you’re going to learn interior design online, you’ll need to have a game plan for success. Your first order of business should be to decide what you want to learn. There are many aspects to interior design, so be clear on if you want to learn a particular software or something more comprehensive or a particular skill. Think about why you’re taking the course if you need help. Are you interested in designing as a hobby or in your own home? Do you want to become a professional Interior Designer? 

When taking online classes you’ll want to do your best to set yourself up in a distraction-free, design-friendly learning space so you can focus on the course material and better interact with your instructor and peers. Since you’re able to attend on-demand online classes at will, you’ll want to set a schedule for yourself to help keep you motivated and focused on completing the course. This is especially important if you have limited access to the course content, and must complete the course material within a specified time. 

A major key to success is to master the fundamentals of interior design. Color and design theory, spatial planning, and textures are some basic building blocks that any comprehensive interior design class should have. You’ll also want to stay organized because this is a real class. Keep a notebook and writing utensil on hand and stick to deadlines to make the most of your time. It also helps to stay engaged. Online learning makes it easier not to engage, particularly in on-demand classes where you’re essentially learning alone. If there are discussion boards or scheduled live chats, get in there and connect with others to help deepen your learning experience and create a professional network. 

When you’re learning design software like SketchUp or AutoCAD, be sure to practice your skills to ensure that you become proficient. Follow professional interior designers on social media platforms, subscribe to design blogs and magazines, and consume plenty of interior design content from other sources to supplement your online learning. As you mature your interior design skills and knowledge, develop your eye for detail, ask questions, embrace feedback, and be patient with yourself.

Finally, don’t forget to explore your creativity and get your hands dirty. Implementing what you’re learning in real-life is a great way to help you keep what you’re learning fresh and accessible. Remember that you’ll need discipline and self-motivation to succeed when learning interior design online, and you’ll want to have realistic expectations. Don’t expect to be an overnight success story. Instead, expect to grow every day. 

Remember to celebrate your wins. Every small or big success is a step in the right direction and can help keep you engaged and motivated to continue your interior design education. And make sure to put yourself out there and network, especially if you’re interested in a career in interior design. Having some industry connections is never a bad thing. It can open up many roads for you, including internships, mentorships, and job opportunities. You may even be able to save money on software subscriptions or gain entry into professional societies by attending conferences, virtual meetings, and trade shows.

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.