Interior design or decorating?

I’m a textiles, maths and physics student from England and am struggling to differentiate the difference and perks involved between interior design and interior decorating.

Someone who designs room layouts and aesthetic, colour palette, furniture and form; Simone who designs office spaces for clients- what are they called? And which course should I study if I want to become one, a successful one.

I was planning on studying physics, but have recently discovered interior design and as a creative I can see it as a career that will be fulfilling. Should i study physics- what I want to study, but not have a career in, or design- my dream career.

(edited 3 years ago)

Reply 1

PQ

Clearing and Applications Advisor

21

Where have you seen a decorating degree? Decorating training tends to be vocational/apprentice based and focused on the practical skills of wallpapering/paintings/carpentry.

Interior degrees tend to split roughly into interior architecture (which includes remodelling/structural work as well as colour/materials/furnishings decisions), interior design (which tends to focus mainly on wall coverings/flooring/furnishings/fabric design) and degrees which cover both interior architecture and design.

The latter sort of degree covering design and interior architecture is probably the best choice if you have limited experience in the business and aren’t sure where you might want to specialise.

Reply 2

PQ

Clearing and Applications Advisor

21

You might also want to look into textiles (or textiles and surface design) if you have a specific interest in specialising in designing/making/manufacturing fabrics or wallpaper/tiling.

Reply 3

Char, 6th form

OP

14

Thanks for the reply!
I'd agree I have limited experience- this is what I want to expand on and why I'm considering this over physics. I want to learn these skills to progress. Ultimately I was thinking about becoming an interior designer for clients or as you say maybe an interior architect. I think my goals are more about composition and transforming a space to meet a need, whilst maintaining style and niche, than textile exclusively. But, I'd still like to be really creative and flexible and explore my own style. Is this something that is possible within this course?

Also, are these only careers where you are self employed, as that could be quite limiting to having little guidance or direction. Or, are there jobs where you can work for existing companies, while still having your own style. I just don't really know how this industry works, as its new to me.

I guess I know what I want to do, but don’t know whether a course in it will be right for me.

Reply 4

PQ

Clearing and Applications Advisor

21

Original post by Char, 6th form

Thanks for the reply!
I'd agree I have limited experience- this is what I want to expand on and why I'm considering this over physics. I want to learn these skills to progress. Ultimately I was thinking about becoming an interior designer for clients or as you say maybe an interior architect. I think my goals are more about composition and transforming a space to meet a need, whilst maintaining style and niche, than textile exclusively. But, I'd still like to be really creative and flexible and explore my own style. Is this something that is possible within this course?

Also, are these only careers where you are self employed, as that could be quite limiting to having little guidance or direction. Or, are there jobs where you can work for existing companies, while still having your own style. I just don't really know how this industry works, as its new to me.

I guess I know what I want to do, but don’t know whether a course in it will be right for me.

There are a few jobs that aren’t self employment. They’re generally working in kitchen/bathroom/wardrobe design for companies that sell a full design and fit service so it’s quite limited in terms of adding flourishes and more about functionality - but it can be a good job :smile:

If you’re really not sure then I would suggest that you detour slightly and try out studying design full time for a year on an Art & Design Foundation Diploma (FAD). There’s an FAQ about these courses at the top of the art and design forum that explains more about these courses. It would give you time and space to explore and try out studying full time creative subjects - if you enjoy it then you’ll be applying for degrees with a better portfolio, more support from your college and more understanding of the sorts of degrees and careers available. If you hate it then you can go back to apply for physics courses :smile:

it’s a really good way to figure things out without jumping in with both feet!

Reply 5

Char, 6th form

OP

14

Thanks!! That sounds like a really good idea. If it so comes to that, I guess it will be better to do it that way round- creative subject for a year then physics if not, as oppose to committing to a degree in a creative subject then missing the academic side. I honestly don’t know if there’s another way to decide 😂
I’ll have a look into it, thanks again