what type of interior designer are you?

Bathroom Design – Specialize in designing bathrooms that are elegant and restful as well as functional.

Corporate Interior Design – Design comfortable and efficient work spaces that will fit with a company’s image and goals.

Exhibit Design – Create exhibits for clients ranging from art galleries to zoos, or help companies design exhibits for tradeshows and showrooms.

Feng Shui Interior Design – Use the principles of Feng Shui to get the energy flowing and create balance in an environment.

Green Interior Design – Become an expert in designing spaces using products and methods that are environmentally friendly.

Health Care Interior Design – Help make health care centers such as hospitals, cancer centers, drug treatment centers, nursing homes, social services providers, doctors' offices, dental offices, etc. more efficient and welcoming through interior design.

Hotel Interior Design – Create inviting spaces for the hotel industry while considering several important factors such as: comfort, function, aesthetic appeal, concept and budget.

Japanese and Asian Interior Design – Bring the graceful, uncluttered aesthetic of Japanese and Asian interior design to clients in any geographic location.

Kitchen Design – Give your clients the kitchen they've always wanted. Develop expertise on appliances and efficient kitchen design.

Modern Interior Design – Incorporate the sleek look and practical principles of modern design into your work.

Residential Interior Design – Work with clients to improve the form and function of their living spaces, while helping them define and reflect their personal style.

Restaurant Interior Design – Develop design concepts that will contribute to positive customer experiences and the success of restaurant businesses.

Set Design – Use your design skills to work in film, television or theater.

Zen Interior Design – Create beautiful interior spaces using the minimalist style of Zen

While traditional style is still the most popular style in the United States, contemporary style decorating is probably in very close second place.

Influenced by the sights, sounds, smells, and colors of the intriguing North African country, Moroccan style has gained popularity over the last few years.

Country style decorating, which reached its height of popularity in the late 80s and early 90s, is still quite popular.

French country decorating brings the colors and textures of rural France into your home to create a warm, inviting interior.

Mission style decorating focuses on natural elements, beautiful woods, and quality, hand-crafted details.

Tuscan style decorating, which is hugely popular right now, brings to the senses the colors and textures of the Italian countryside.

The art deco style was made popular in the 1920s and 1930s, and is characterized by the use of mirrored surfaces, aluminum, stainless steel, and glass.

Mexican style decorating celebrates the vibrant colors and beautiful textiles of Mexico.

Victorian style decorating is all about ornate details, opulence, and formality.

Shabby Chic is a style that was created and made popular by designer Rachel Ashwell in the late 80's and early 90's. This style continues to be popular today.

self employed vs. design firm

Work Hours – If you are self-employed or work for a small firm, you are more likely to work flexible hours as you adjust your schedule around your clients' needs and deadlines. If you start your interior design career in a large design firm, you will probably have more predictable hours.

Environment – Large design firms may have the resources for a more comfortable work environment and state-of-the-art equipment. They also have established connections with related firms and specialists. This can be an important consideration for anyone starting an interior design career.

Clients – If you are self-employed, you may have more say in which jobs you take; however, you are responsible for finding your own clients and connections.

Self-employed/ work for small consulting firms tend to have erratic and variable work weeks, quite often meeting with clients during evening or weekends when necessary. Their workloads are sporadic and depend on how busy they happen to be at a given time, and they tend to work in relatively small and somewhat congested environments.

Employed designers work more normal hours in a relatively comfortable setting.

basics to coming up with a design

~ First choose a style you’d like base your room off of.
casual style: simple details, textured elements in fabrics and accessories, restful horizontal lines, soft upholstery, low-luster surfaces, and arrangements that avoid perfect symmetry.
formal style: fits best in a home with high ceilings, large and tall windows, and architectural features such as a large fireplace mantle or beautifully paneled walls.
contemporary style : fits best in a home with high ceilings, large and tall windows, and architectural features such as a large fireplace mantle or beautifully paneled walls.
Traditional: calm, orderly, and predictable. There is nothing wild or chaotic in a traditional room.
~ Then decide if you have any influences from around the world. For example,
french country style
tuscan style
swedish style
paris apartment style
~ After that pick your favorite colors.
~ Finally express your style.

things you should be able to do

Understand the person’s personality and behavior and made an atmosphere where he/she feel comfortable and happy.
Incorporate their personality into the design so it reflects them not the designer

Understand the requirement of your client.
Examine the space
Listen to the client’s needs
Determine whether building permits are required for work involved
Create a design that he thinks will satisfy the client
Client’s desires, likes, and dislikes are known by the designer


Imagine, imagine, imagine = creative

Must be able to read blueprints, understand building and fire codes, and know how to make space accessible to people who are disabled.

Postsecondary education
Have strong communication skills
Multi- taskers and problem solvers
Concerned with achievement