Why Learn Interior Design?

Interior Design is a valuable skill that allows designers to create aesthetically pleasing, functional, and inviting spaces for a variety of purposes. Have you ever explored all of the things Interior Design can do? Learning this skill can open up versatile and exciting career pathways that include design journalism, set design, and visual merchandising in a variety of industries, from entertainment to retail to hospitality. Taking Interior Design classes can put you in a position to master color theory and materials, develop and strengthen industry connections, and enhance your career prospects. Here, you’ll learn more about the many careers that benefit from Interior Design and how it can enhance your professional life. Regardless of your overall goals, learning Interior Design is a valuable and impressive skill to add to your resume. 

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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Common Professional Uses for Interior Design

It’s possible to find interior design professionals in many different, and sometimes surprising, industries. Apart from the arts industry, you will also find interior design thriving in the hospitality, entertainment, and retail industries. These professionals can use their skills in many ways to bring about more environmentally sustainable designs, improve hotels and resorts, and design stage play sets.

While some of these interior design career paths are less known, the possibilities are diverse. A Set Designer is someone who uses interior design concepts to create sets for television, film, photography, and theater. It’s their job to create sets that help bring the director’s or photographer’s vision to life. As a Lighting Designer, you’ll be tasked with making the most out of the lighting in a variety of spaces from commercial areas to film sets by highlighting key features, creating the right ambiance, and using lighting schemes to enhance the overall design.

Other career paths include design journalism, which allows its professionals to write about interior design, innovations and trends in materials, and other aspects of the profession for various print and web publications; furniture design, which involves the designing and development of furniture, taking into consideration aesthetics, ergonomics, and the space it is planned for (like hotels, offices, or children’s bedrooms); and visual merchandising, which focuses on the in-store design and layout to maximize sales and to best showcase merchandise. According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the interior design field is growing at an average rate, making this field a desirable option.

Understanding Color Theory, Textures, and Materials

Interior design professionals know how to manipulate colors, textures, and materials to create illusions and influence emotions in a space. Color theory is the art of color mixing, harmony, contrast effects, schemes, and symbolism. The logical structure that color theory provides, allows designers to work with it in a more technical way that can be justified and replicated.

Knowing how to incorporate textures and the right materials into a space is also extremely useful when creating a complete design that works well for its intended use. A strong understanding of these three foundational concepts can help you unlock your creativity and create your own design style. You’ll be equipped to bring your vision to life in functional and emotionally resonant environments. 

Develop an Eye for Detail and Space Management

An interior design education teaches you how to analyze a space and optimize its functionality. This incorporates spatial planning, design elements, and an understanding of ergonomics. Enrolling in a SketchUp Pro Bootcamp will allow you to take advantage of this popular interior design software so you can more easily design harmonious, user-friendly spaces that meet the needs of the space and the users. With 2D and 3D modeling capabilities, you can manage a project from any angle.

The more projects you work on, the better your eye for detail will become, allowing you to better edit yourself and the requests of those you work with. Designers understand that the details are what matter the most. Those subtle influences can really make or break a space. You’ll learn what details to focus on and how to harness your focus to create a well-designed space that is aesthetically pleasing and functional.

Improve Industry Connections and Resources

Building a strong network can have a significant impact on your success. Being connected in your industry can lead to more opportunities, better clients, collaborations, and even a wealth of knowledge and support you can rely on as your career evolves. Being in the company of like-minded individuals who share your passion for interior design can give you access to countless resources. Some common resources can include materials libraries, professional organizations, and discounted design software and tools. Familiarity with other professionals in your industry and their work can also foster symbiotic relationships that foster the growth of your career.

Enhance Your Career Prospects

If you’re looking to solidify yourself as an interior design professional, an education from a reputable facility can only enhance your career prospects and instill trust in your abilities to handle projects well. Whether you want to go into business for yourself or work for a top-tier design firm, having some credentials like those you will receive in this Interior Design Bundle will make you a more desirable hire. It shows that you have been formally trained and that you have the focus to follow through on a project. 

People want to feel confident in your skills and professionalism. Having formally learned interior design will check that box for many. It also gives you a strong foundation to build upon with continuing education to help you stay on top of industry trends or segue into more niche areas of interior design like biophilic design or gaming interior design.

How to Start Learning Interior Design

Whether you choose in-person learning or live online learning, it is possible to prepare yourself for a successful career in interior design. Live classes offer more opportunities for hands-on and collaborative learning. If you thrive in social learning settings, want to network with peers, and enjoy structured routine and accountability, live classes are a great option for you. Live classes like Noble Desktop’s AutoCAD Bootcamp and AutoCAD Certification Program, can prepare you for working with this popular interior design tool and use its features expertly in your designs. The New York School of Interior Design offers live classes, including Introduction to Interior Design and A Guide to Upholstered Furniture.

Is your schedule very tight or unpredictable at times? Online self-paced classes can help you reach your interior design learning goals as your schedule permits. You can skip the commute, study while working a full-time job, and focus on your studies when you choose. Schools like the Virtual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI) offer classes that can move you toward a career in interior design with courses that are designed to help you learn the skills you need in the field and how to use the most popular interior design tools like SketchUp and Adobe Photoshop.

When you’re not sure if interior design is the right path for you, or you’d prefer to be self-taught, consider using high-quality free resources. Tutorials on vendor sites, written guides, and Noble Desktop free seminars and YouTube channels are just a few examples that can help you along your learning journey. Whether you’re on a tight budget or not, free resources can positively impact your learning journey. They can be leveraged to help you through difficult concepts, provide practice or deeper studying, or even provide you with a different perspective. 

Read the full guide on how to learn Interior Design.

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.