It may seem like all you need to be a good interior designer is a sense of aesthetics and a flair for design. That’s a good start, yes, but it moves you about five feet forward in terms of your career. The first thing to do is convert an innate and latent talent into an effective tool. Just because you can figure out what looks good and what doesn’t doesn’t make you a good designer or decorator. You may know how to use light and color, how to synthesize architectural elements with design details, and how to integrate space and design, but that’s about five percent of the job. Most of the real work begins when you get to execution.
Some formal education in the basics of interior design is absolutely essential. There are many schools that will give you a basic preparation course, and most of them are diploma courses, but they are all very basic in terms of the knowledge and skills that they give you. You can take a full course at a reputable institute, preferably one with accreditation; Or you could learn by working with someone who is a storehouse of talent. Work with the best, work for free if you have to, because it will be worth it. But regardless of where you get your education and for how long, the one thing an interior designer should always remember is that he or she is a lifelong student. Every day gives you the opportunity to learn something new about the craft and explore another aspect of your limitless potential.
If you have an eye for design, be sure to turn it into an artful skill, practicing at every opportunity. Read as much as you can, look at aspects of the design wherever you go… make mental notes and, if possible, keep a journal of the points you collect along the way. There is no substitute for hands-on experience, so do it as soon as possible. If you don’t get paid for it, don’t worry…learn as much as you can and explore every opportunity to test your knowledge. Because it will tell you everything you don’t know how. Use your home and any space that is offered to you as a guinea pig. Work out your concepts and present your vision. Explore the dimensions of your own creativity before asking others to trust you with their money, time, and space.
Create a portfolio of your work. Try to do as many varied projects as possible. It will teach you everything you need to know first hand and will also function as a showcase for your talent. Interior design or decorating is all about space planning, conceptual genius, and a lot of hard work. While design is an important aspect, if you don’t have fundamental business skills, you can never be successful independently. When you strip it down to glamorous styling and accessories, what you are left with is a wealth of planning and time management skills, labor management, client management, cost analysis, and execution skills. If you can’t turn what’s in your head into something concrete, maybe you’re better prepared for the drawing board.
Research all aspects of your trade. Find suppliers, understand products and build relationships. These people will be your backbone. The stronger they are, the more upright their professional position will be. They can get better deals, which means you can offer customers a better deal, and that’s one way a new kid on the block does business. Once you are familiar with different styles, concepts in flooring, wallcovering, furniture, accessories, and art, you need to find the vendors that will actually deliver the products.
While meeting clients, learn to do one thing. It will determine your success as an interior designer. It’s not your design ability. It is your ability to LISTEN. Understand your customer. Find out what their lifestyle is. Find out what their likes and dislikes are. Find out what they need and want. You will find that it may not necessarily match what you would instinctively recommend. Which leaves you with two options. If you can find a convergence point, try to assimilate their wishes into your presentation as much as possible. If you can’t find a meeting point, you’re better off recommending someone who can deliver the products rather than work on a project where you won’t get satisfaction and the customer won’t offer appreciation. At the end of the day, your design style and requirements have to be half met. To make it a worthwhile company.
One smart thing to do while training to become an interior designer is to specialize. You can always branch out later, but initially it’s a good idea to find a niche for yourself. If you want to do residential interiors, focus on that for a few years. If commercial spaces are your cup of tea, gain experience in these types of contracts. If you think you want to go with the design alone and stay away from the rest of the craze, then go with the design alone. If organizational skills are your forte, turn to project management. Find out what your skills are, and then start honing them. Until you get to a stage where you can start honing another skill.
A good interior designer should be able to work well with anyone from architect to civil contractor. If he just wants to do his own thing, regardless of his suggestions or requirements, the simplest project will turn into a nightmare. At the end of the day, if you, along with everyone else involved in the project, including your client, cannot be a cohesive team, the whole thing will fall apart.
If your creative genius can be combined with practical ability, you are well on your way to becoming a successful interior designer.
Learn the ABC of being a good designer
–Integrate concepts and styles to give a unified decoration
–Maintain a sense of balance. Balance is the key.
–Know your field. Know your customer. Never presume to be greater than either of the two.
–Never stop learning–Never stop listening
–Innovate. Don’t get caught up in predictable design.
–Never underestimate the value of good service. It tends to pay higher dividends than design.
–Time management and scheduling skills. Plan and execute.
–Coordination and teamwork skills.
–Business experience. Get an MBA if necessary, but understand your business concepts well.
–Patience–Eye for detail–Design skills–Style
–Know the latest trends. Information keeps you ten steps ahead.
–Understand different styles of decoration, their uses and limitations