How to Become an Interior Designer, Bri Style!
It seems like a dream job to most people – and in truth, well, it is!
If you’re an aspiring interior designer, know that you really can make it happen. Here’s how to do it the way I did!
The Moment You Realize You Want to Become an Interior Designer
I was born loving interior design, I just didn’t know it until I attended career day in middle school. I was in awe when a classmate’s mother came in to share information about her career in interior design.
While growing up, my family would constantly change and rearrange rooms. My mom has a natural talent for making inexpensive items look like treasures. She could really make the home feel welcoming on a limited budget. To this day she makes my holiday wreaths by “doctoring up” store-bought ones.
My Dad was a painter, a talented carpenter, and a fixer of all things. I often visited his job sites and stirred up ideas of how I would build a home or decorate rooms. I found joy in selecting paint colors for my bedroom and rearranging my furniture to change the energy of my space.
The Real Joy and Satisfaction of Design
This will be different for everyone, depending on what you like. My favorite component is textiles because I feel it can really make or break a space. It warms, excites or perfectly brings a room together when done well.
I also enjoy preparing for client proposals in the digital age (most would probably call this the boring part of the job). In school (years ago) before it was common to give digital presentations, I would put together digital boards in PowerPoint to submit with my required color boards. I detested color boards. They were bulky and finicky. I always liked the idea of loose materials so the client would have access to touch and fully experience the samples.
Juggling Career and Family
I don’t have a magical formula for this. I take it a day at a time and I could not do it without the support of my husband, family, and my design family at Inside Style. There have been days where I quickly went home to snag a penny out of a child’s nose or comfort a sick toddler. My calling as a wife and mother is important to me and I feel blessed to be a part of interior design, as it also feeds my soul.
(Stay tuned for my next post on how to balance career and family!)
Let Your Family Inspire Your Work
I know what it’s like to clean up messes and “protect” furniture. I’ve become very aware of selecting furnishings and textiles that will function well for a family since starting my own!
My children have inspired me to use, appreciate and experiment more with color. Just think about that childlike love for experimenting with colors. Don’t lose that by getting wrapped up in what “matches” or is “supposed” to go together!
My Tips to Aspiring Designers
If you have a passion for interior design, it’s likely you have a talent for some part of it. There will be naysayers who would like to hold you back from what you believe about yourself and your talent.
It’s important to be ignited and driven in your path to speed past them. I knew my future was in interior design in some way. Keep hold of your dreams, go to school and believe in yourself. School gives you an education, working gives you the experience. Ask lots of questions; there is always something to learn no matter how much you already know.
Pursuing a career in design? Let’s talk about your obstacles in the comments! Already a designer? Share your tips, too!
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