Interior Design--A Matter of Personal Taste

Although your home interior design always has to be your personal taste, employing an interior designer means that you will have professional help for your new designs.

by Mary Hobson
mary.hobson@interiordesignschoolssearch.com
Interior Design Schools Search Columnist

There’s more to interior decorating than putting up pictures and selecting colors for the walls. Interior designers and decorators are not only talented stylists, but also have the technical expertise to make sure the job is done right.

I have often wondered why I would employ anyone to help me with interior design in my house. I can understand employing an interior designer to design offices, shops, hospitals or other public places, because these interiors have to project a professional aura—neutral, but with a defined purpose. However, providing an interior design that is suited to someone’s personal living space has always seemed counterproductive to me because surely you would want to design your own living space.

Online Programs from Interior Design Schools

Since then, however, I have had the opportunity to appraise the online programs offered by a variety of interior design schools. Most of these courses were for an associate level interior design degree and covered a range of subjects.

The first thing that occurred to me was the level of technical knowledge covered by the interior design degrees. These programs include courses on architectural and construction techniques, textiles and other decoration materials, and even some plumbing and electrical principles that may influence design.

Style Consultant

I talked to some interior design college faculty, and asked them how they handled the issues of personal taste, and personal touch. They understood the reservations that clients could have about this, but said that interior design was primarily a case of taking ideas from clients, clarifying what they had in mind and then making the ideas work within the limitations of the home.

In some few cases, clients asked the designers to suggest ideas. But most would have a fairly clear idea of the look they wanted, and consulted with the decorator about design trends and practical issues.

When it comes to designing an interior, it pays to find a professional consultant. Interior design college allows talented designers to develop the skills they need to achieve your vision.

Sources

American Society of Interior Designers
Aoraki Polytechnic
International Interior Design Association

About the Author

Mary Hobson is a consultant for technology start-ups in Russia. She has also worked as an executive officer in a defense facility and as a university lecturer in computer science.

Posted on April 19, 2007 at 5:54 PM

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