There are many stereotypes about the interior design profession. Some people believe that without an architecture degree, there is no point in entering the field. Others think interior designers simply choose beautiful sofas and curtains. And some are convinced that you can only earn well if you live in a big city and work from an office.
Let’s look at 5 common myths and see how the profession of an interior designer-decorator really works.
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False.
An architect and an interior designer are not the same profession.
An interior designer mainly works with interior space: layout, zoning, furniture, lighting, color, materials and decoration.
That does not mean technical knowledge is unnecessary.
An interior designer should know how to:
So, an architecture degree is not mandatory. Professional training and practical skills are much more important.
This is a very simplified idea of the profession.
Before choosing a sofa, tiles or lighting fixtures, a designer has to solve much more important problems.
For example:
A beautiful interior that is uncomfortable to live in cannot really be called successful.
That is why a professional interior designer thinks not only about how a space looks, but also about how a person will actually use it.
Not exactly.
An interior designer usually works with the space more comprehensively: layout, furniture, lighting, materials and technical solutions.
An interior decorator usually works with an existing interior and changes its visual character.
This can include:
For example, if an apartment has already been renovated but still feels empty or visually inconsistent, an interior decorator may be exactly what is needed.
In practice, many professionals combine both roles.
False.
An interior designer does not have to start with a complete house or apartment project.
There are many different services a specialist can offer:
A beginner can start with smaller projects, build a portfolio and gradually move on to more complex and higher-value work.
Clients are not paying only for a beautiful visualization.
They are paying for a designer’s ability to solve problems, save time, avoid expensive mistakes and create a space that works within a specific budget.
Income depends on experience, the quality of the portfolio, the services offered and the ability to work professionally with clients.
This may have been more true in the past, but today a large part of an interior designer’s work can be done online.
A designer can remotely:
This means a designer can live in a small town and work with clients from other cities, regions or even countries.
Of course, some tasks may still require a visit to the site, such as precise measurements or project supervision.
But not every interior designer needs to be physically present at the construction site every day. Many professionals work fully online or combine remote work with occasional visits.
Not necessarily an architecture degree or advanced drawing skills.
What matters more is:
And, of course, practice.
In this profession, a strong portfolio often tells much more about a specialist than a long list of theoretical qualifications.
At the Italian E-learning Fashion and Design School, you can study online in the programs Interior Designer and Interior Decorator.
The courses are taught with Italian teachers and include residential and commercial interiors, space planning, color, lighting, materials, furniture, interior styles and professional design software.
During the course, students create their own interior projects and gradually build a professional portfolio for future work with clients.
You can study online from anywhere in the world.
