Interior Decorating School Basics

Have you ever wondered who decorates the inside of the famous Waldorf Astoria in New York City or even the family restaurant surroundings of the Olive Garden? There is a creative professional behind every restaurant, hotel and most residential homes. The main goal of an interior decorator is to modify a room’s atmosphere by utilizing adequate lighting, paint selection, curtains and furniture.

It may seem easy setting a pattern and a scheme for a house or a business. Interior decorating requires good planning. As an interior decorator you have to know what theme to use on each project. You have to know what type of materials to use, and the type of furniture that fits the needs of the people who will be using it. For example, a good interior decorator would not choose the same color scheme and design layout of Victoria Secret that one would see in the clothing department at Wal-Mart.

Although an interior decorator does not require a degree or licensing, one should consider investing their time and a few dollars in attending an interior decorating school. Competition is fierce in the marketplace. Taking a course or two will help you stay on top of trends and help improve your quality of work.

There are several schools that offer interior design courses such as, The Art Institute Online, Collins College, American InterContinental University and Brooks College, to name a few. Some interior decorating schools even offer internships programs, this will give you a taste of the real interior design world.

Upon course completion at an interior decorating school, what will life be like as an interior decorator? Many interior decorators work out of their homes and are self-employed. As an independent interior decorator, it is important that you have a strong portfolio if you want to attract business. You will learn how to create a design portfolio during your tenure in interior design school.

If you decide to work in a showroom, you will most likely start off as a design assistant to the head designer. The advantage to working in a showroom is that you may land jobs a little faster than you would if you choose the independent route.

Interior designers work a variety of hours and the earning potential is unlimited. Interior- Design-Schools-Search.com states, “In 2002, the average annual earnings for interior designers were $51,000. Over fifty percent earned between $35,500 and $76,000. The bottom 10 percent earned less than $25,000 and the top 10 percent earned more than $105,000.”

Having a career in interior design can be fun and rewarding. The United States Department of Labor states, "Rising demand for interior design of private homes, offices, restaurants and other retail establishments, and institutions that care for the rapidly growing elderly population should spur employment growth of interior designers."

So, if you are interested in a attending an interior decorating school, now is the time to get started.