Interior Design vs Interior Decorating: What You Need to Know
Welcome back to my channel, I’m Kristen, and today, I’d like to touch on a topic I have been meaning to cover since I started this channel. If you have been watching my channel for a while, you probably know that I’m educated in interior design. I have my Bachelors in interior design and went to college for four years to obtain my degree.
I have received numerous messages from viewers asking how to get into interior design school, what their next steps should be, and what they need to do. So, I decided to create this video to help you guys. If I had this video back when I was applying to school, it would have helped me so much. Thus, I am excited to share all the information you need to know about interior design, the program, and how to get started.
Let’s start with the difference between interior design and interior decorating. A lot of people may think that interior decorating is the same as interior design, but they are not the same thing. Interior decorating focuses on finishing touches, such as styling, fabrics, and painting the walls. It is all about making the room look pretty. On the other hand, interior design is more technical, and it is similar to interior architecture.
As an interior design student, you will be learning about architecture, floor plans, drafting, and psychology. Interior design focuses on creating functional spaces that are aesthetically pleasing, making it all about function over form. You will learn about HVAC, electrical lighting, and even drawing plans. You will feel like a construction worker or architect because you will have to wear many hats.
As an interior designer, you need to be educated, and you need to have a Bachelor’s degree in interior design. It is essential to apply to a school that is CITA accredited to ensure that you get a full education. Interior design requires technical skills, and you need to be qualified and knowledgeable about building codes, walls, and how to build a house.
It is crucial to know the difference between interior design and interior decorating before you start applying to schools for interior design. Interior decorating does not require a degree, and you only need to have a good sense of style. If you decide to pursue interior design, be aware that it is a challenging program, and many people drop out because they do not realize how technical it is.
If you are interested in interior design, make sure you know the difference between interior design and interior decorating. Make sure to apply to a school that is CITA accredited and be prepared to work hard because it is a challenging program. With this knowledge, you will be on your way to becoming an excellent interior designer.
Becoming an interior designer is a process that requires a lot of work and dedication. There are many things you can do to prepare for a career in interior design. One of the most important things is to take as many classes as possible that are related to art, woodshop, AutoCAD, and computer technology. Classes in Adobe Suites, Illustrator, and Photoshop can be particularly useful. These skills will come in handy when you start your interior design program.
Another crucial aspect of preparing for a career in interior design is creating a portfolio. Starting early is key. If you are a freshman, start collecting your art and keep all your art classes from grade 9 to grade 12. In your portfolio, you will be able to show progress over years of work, including paintings, sketches, perspective drawings, sculptures, and 3D designs.
Different schools have different requirements for portfolios. They may ask for a staircase, a bicycle, a room, a building, or a still life, so make sure you meet all these requirements. The appearance of your portfolio is also essential. It should be clean, bound, and presentable. Interior design is all about style and professionalism, so make sure that your work reflects this.
When preparing your portfolio, you will need to photograph all of your artwork. This can be a challenge, as you will need to ensure good lighting and no shadows. You may need to iron out a sheet or use an easel and photograph your work well for your portfolio, as this will make a significant difference.
Letters and interviews are also part of the application process. A letter can showcase who you are, what you know, and your passion for interior design. You can explain what qualities you possess that make you a good fit for interior design. This is also an opportunity to explain yourself and what you know about interior design.
Some schools require interviews and drawing tests. These are designed to weed out candidates who cannot think outside the box or push concepts further. Drawing tests can be super abstract, and you may have to draw things that you have no idea what they are. However, this is a crucial step in determining whether you are a good fit for interior design school.
In conclusion, becoming an interior designer takes time and dedication. You need to be willing to put in the work and take as many relevant classes as possible. Creating a portfolio is also essential, as it showcases your progress over time. Finally, letters, interviews, and drawing tests are all part of the application process, and you must be prepared to demonstrate your passion and creativity. With dedication and hard work, you can become a successful interior designer.