I want to be an interior designer when I grow up.Are there any books or websites that I could use?

Question

I want to be an interior designer when I grow up.Are there any books or websites that I could use?

Answer 1

There are lots of sites and a lot on tv.....but I would go to real estate open houses and see what people are doing.......everytime you and your family are some where look and start to carry a notebook and camera.......I've been a builder all by life..........save pictures and notes.........things change every year and you have to be willing to change with them..........but you also need construction detail.......if you are going to be a good designer...........how you going to hold up a dining room ceiling when you take the kichen wall out....??? So , you should go out and help a remodeling contractor one to four summers.........would be good for you. Enough said...........enjoy your career..........learn to talk and listen........people have idea's also..........you have to careful not to hurt feelings. bye Use natures color schemes.....flowers plants trees.....all great ideas for interior colors.....drapes,,,,you name it........it works fantastic.

Answer 2

Hi. I was a Interior Design major, but I had to change it because I started at community college and spent 3 years there and then was told by a four-year school that in order to get my degree it would be 4-5 more years. So i'm suggesting to you that if you really want to be a designer then start at the 4 year school. I had to give you that piece of advise. As for your question, I would suggest getting designer magazines from the store and go to Lowes or Home Depot and get their remodeling type books. Also, subscribe to catalogs like Pottery Parn, Pier 1, places like that. Usually they're free and you get to see all the placement of furniture, wall colors, etc. I always liked watching HGTV so I would highly suggest that and perhaps check out their website. If you want to learn stuff then I can't suggest any books, but I would suggest going to a local design place and seeing if you can job shadow someone. My senior year in high school we had to do a senior project where we had to job shadow someone and I chose to shadow a designer and I loved it!

Good luck in your search and please take my advise...I don't want anyone else to get caught in the trap I did.

Answer 3

I would start at this website:  http://www.home-decorating-room-by-room....

And then try this one, which is a little less organized but still contains a lot of information:  http://www.interiordezine.com/

At both websites, download their free templates and worksheets so you can see the actual thought process that goes into designing a room for a client; it's not like the shows on TV that do home makeovers overnight. It helps to see the combination of art and logic involved.

Also, I would start an interior design notebook full of ideas, pictures, and magazine clippings of rooms that you find interesting. Read architectural and interior design magazines for inspiration, and watch a lot of HGTV for the basics :)

Good luck!