Imagine Yourself as an Interior Designer

By Francine L. Huff
Learning & Life Columnist
October 23, 2007

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Not everyone knows how to decorate their home. That's why many people hire interior designers or decorators to help them choose the right style, colors, and furnishings for their home. A degree in interior design can help you begin a career in this creative profession.

What Interior Designers Do

While many people think of interior designers and interior decorators as the same thing, there are some differences in their roles. Interior designers are trained to create functional spaces based upon their clients' lifestyles and needs. Designers organize spaces according to their function, select furniture and fixtures, and make sure projects meet building and safety codes. Some states require interior designers to be licensed to make sure they've met certain education and training requirements. Generally, you'll need an interior design bachelor's degree to get entry-level jobs.

What Interior Decorators Do

Interior decorators are mostly concerned with the actual decorations of a room, such as paint, furniture, and fabrics. Decorators focus more on how the room will actually look, as opposed to focusing on efficiency, safety, and function. Interior decorators aren't required to have a degree, but taking decorating and design courses can help you get the experience needed to land a job in this competitive field. Courses in art can also be an asset.

Working for Clients

To be successful as an interior designer or decorator, you'll need to work well under pressure and have good people skills. Your job will be to please your clients, so it's important to be able to communicate well with them. The popularity of home improvement TV shows has recently sparked more interest in hiring interior decorators and designers, so the job outlook is strong. Interior designers earned a median annual salary of $40,670 in 2004, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If you decide to become an interior designer, expect to do an apprenticeship in addition to earning your degree. You'll need this experience in order to get national licensure and membership in a professional organization.

Sources

Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Interior Designers"

About the Author
Francine L. Huff is a freelance journalist and the author of The 25-Day Financial Makeover: A Practical Guide for Women. She has appeared on a variety of TV and radio shows.

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