Can You Self-Study Interior Design? 6 Ways Interior Design Can Be Self Taught

Designers, like Rome, aren’t built in a day. Still, if you’re in a hurry to get into interior design, and are considering skipping the degree pathway, here’s what you need to know.

---

---

Are you passionate about interior design but wondering if it’s possible to learn the trade without formal schooling? You’re not alone. Many aspiring designers dream of entering the field without the time or financial investment that traditional degree programs demand.

In this post, I’ll show you six practical ways to break into the world of interior design through self-study. Whether you’re looking to become a decorator, design assistant, or even run your own home staging business, there’s a path for you.

---

What Does It Mean to Be Self-Taught in Interior Design?

When we talk about being “self-taught” in interior design, it can mean a range of things. Maybe you’re relying on free online resources, books, and real-world experience to learn, or perhaps you’re taking affordable short courses but avoiding formal degree programs. The key is that you are responsible for your own education.

You’ll need to be self-motivated and disciplined if you want to succeed in a field where your portfolio can sometimes speak louder than your diploma. It’s not easy, but with determination, it’s definitely doable.

So, can you teach yourself interior design? Absolutely.

Will you? That’s up to you.

---

Useful links for understanding interior design certification

Please note: There are some places in the world where you need licensure and certification to be able to call yourself an interior designer. If you do happen to live somewhere where certification is required by law, these resources might be useful.

NCIDQ Certification Information
Link: NCIDQ Exam
What you’ll find: Information about the NCIDQ exam for becoming a certified interior designer.

American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
Link: ASID
What you’ll find: A leading organization for interior designers, offering resources, certifications, and professional development.

---

6 Ways to Learn Interior Design Without a Degree

Let’s dive into six actionable ways you can gain interior design skills and start building a career in this exciting field—no formal education required!

1. Become a self taught decorator
2. Become a self taught residential interior designer 
3. Become a self-taught designer through courses and experience 
4. Work in the interior design industry (without being a designer)
5. Become a real or virtual home stager
6. Become a virtual design assistant (VDA)

---

1. Become a Self-Taught Decorator

1. Become a Self-Taught Decorator

---

If you love home decor and have an eye for color and layout, becoming a self-taught decorator could be your perfect entry point into the interior design world.

Here’s how to get started:

• Magazines and Blogs: Interior design magazines and blogs are packed with inspiration. Explore trends, styles, and ideas to broaden your understanding of aesthetics.
• Mood Boards: Use tools like Pinterest to create digital mood boards. This will help you develop your style and start thinking like a designer.
• Vignettes: A vignette is a small, stylized grouping of objects. Practice arranging these in your own home, and document them with photos. Share these online to build a portfolio.

Pro Tip: Volunteer to decorate spaces—whether it’s for friends, local shops, or charities. This builds your portfolio and helps you gain valuable experience.

---

Pinterest – Interior Design Inspiration
Link: Pinterest Interior Design
What you’ll find: An excellent platform for gathering interior design and decor inspiration.

---

Why consider decorating?

There are plenty of resources to help you start decorating, from home magazines to online courses, books, Pinterest boards, and Etsy inspiration. Decorating is often the favorite aspect of interior design, and while professionals do decorate, the level depends on their focus.

For instance, a retail designer may concentrate more on branding, while residential or virtual designers often specialize in specific styles like Hollywood Regency or bohemian. If style and seasonal trends excite you, becoming a professional decorator could be the perfect fit. Think of it as the gateway to interior design learning.

---

2. Become a Self-Taught Residential Designer

---

While commercial designers must adhere to strict regulations, residential designers often have more freedom. You can work with homeowners to help them realize their visions without needing a license in most states or countries.

Here’s what you need to start:

• Basic Design Software: Learn how to use programs like SketchUp or AutoCAD to create floor plans and renderings.
• Portfolio: Start small by working with friends or family, and be sure to document every project for your portfolio.
• Networking: Build relationships with local contractors, furniture suppliers, and other professionals who can help bring your designs to life.

---

Houzz – Interior Design Ideas
Link: Houzz
What you’ll find: A platform for home design inspiration, including a wide range of decorating and interior design ideas.

---

Why consider residential interior design?

In most of the U.S., homeowners are free to make modifications to their homes, provided they adhere to building codes. This flexibility also applies to hiring someone for design suggestions, improvements, or purchases. However, always verify regulations for your specific area.

This is where the role of a residential interior designer comes in—helping homeowners transform their spaces while ensuring everything aligns with building standards.

---

Good to know:

The residential field overlaps with decorators, DIY experts, home goods stores, and furniture sales. To break in, consider partnering with local stores that offer design services or collaborating with construction professionals expanding their offerings.

Large design firms typically focus on commercial projects, but some handle both residential and commercial work, often catering to wealthy clients. However, the middle-class residential market is growing, especially with the rise of e-design services.

---

The goal: Learn enough about design to create plans based on clients’ visions, then help bring them to life. With practice, you could start your own interior design business!

---

3. Become a Self-Taught Designer Through Courses and Experience

---

Why consider becoming a self-taught designer through courses and experience?

One of the best ways to enter the field of interior design is by combining self-study through online courses with hands-on experience. There are numerous short courses available that can help you develop key skills like CAD drafting, 3D modeling, and color theory. Even without formal education, taking these specialized courses allows you to build a solid foundation, particularly if you supplement it with practical experience.

How to Get Started:

• Choose Specialized Courses: There are many platforms offering courses in interior design or specific areas like lighting design, space planning, or design software (such as SketchUp, AutoCAD, and Revit).
• Build a Portfolio: Apply what you learn by working on small projects for friends, family, or local clients to develop a portfolio.
• Freelance Work: Many self-taught designers start by taking on small freelance projects to gain experience and build their reputation.
• E-Design Services: If you prefer to work remotely, consider offering e-design services, where you create virtual design plans and let the client handle the implementation. This is a popular option for those who want to focus on the creative process while working with clients digitally.

---

MasterClass: Kelly Wearstler Teaches Interior Design
Link: MasterClass
What you’ll find: A course by renowned designer Kelly Wearstler, offering practical design tips and creative inspiration.

Interior Design Institute (IDI)
Link: The Interior Design Institute
What you’ll find: A comprehensive, self-paced online interior design course for those looking to get certified.

See also: How to Get a Diploma in Interior Design Totally Online From Anywhere

---

Why consider becoming a self-taught designer through courses and experience?

For those who are passionate about design but can’t commit to a full-time educational program, learning through online courses and hands-on experience is a flexible and accessible option.

Many online courses provide the fundamentals of interior design, covering everything from color theory and space planning to more technical skills like CAD drafting and 3D modeling. These courses are often self-paced, allowing you to study on your own schedule while building the foundational knowledge needed to pursue a career in design.

---

Additionally, gaining practical experience—whether through personal projects, internships, or assisting established designers—can help solidify your skills. The combination of formal learning and real-world application allows you to grow at your own pace, refining your design abilities as you gain confidence.

As a self-taught designer, you have the opportunity to develop a unique style, grow your portfolio, and even start your own business, all while honing your craft through continuous learning and experience. When you combine self-study with real-world projects, you’ll be able to build your skills and prove your abilities in interior design without needing a degree.

---

4. Work in the Interior Design Industry (Without Being a Designer)

---

If you’re not quite ready to dive into design, there are still ways to work in the industry. There are plenty of supporting roles in an interior design studio or architectural firm that don’t require design credentials but can give you valuable industry experience.

Consider These Interior Design Adjacent Industry Roles:

• Interior Photographer: Become the go-to photographer for real estate, architecture and interior designer’s media shoots.
• Project Manager: Oversee design projects from start to finish.
• Purchasing Agent: Source furniture, fixtures, and materials for designers.
• Office Manager: Keep the studio running smoothly and help organize client presentations.

---

Why consider working in the interior design industry (without being a designer)?

If you’re passionate about interior design but aren’t keen on the responsibilities or pressures that come with being a designer, there are plenty of rewarding career paths that allow you to stay immersed in the design world. Working in the interior design industry without being a designer offers the opportunity to contribute creatively while enjoying the flexibility and variety of non-design roles.

One of the biggest advantages is that you still get to work in the exciting environment of design, collaborating with creative professionals, and contributing to beautiful projects, but without the need to handle the heavy lifting of technical design work. Whether it’s working as a photographer, design assistant, showroom consultant, project coordinator, or in marketing for design firms, you can help bring stunning spaces to life without the added pressure of managing the design process from start to finish. Win-win!

---

Good to know:

Understand, that many of these interior design-adjacent roles also offer great opportunities to build industry connections, deepen your understanding of design principles, and develop specialized skills, such as sourcing materials, project management, or client relations. Plus, it’s a great way to explore whether you might want to pursue a more hands-on design role in the future, while staying in a field you’re passionate about.

---

Pro tip: These jobs will get you in the door, allow you to observe the design process firsthand, and make connections that could lead to bigger opportunities.

---

5. Become a Real or Virtual Home Stager

---

If you prefer working with aesthetics but want to avoid calling yourself an “interior designer,” consider becoming a real or virtual home stager. Home stagers help property sellers prepare their homes to look their best for potential buyers, either by physically staging a space or virtually, using digital tools.

How to Get Started:

• Learn Staging Techniques: Study how to arrange furniture, declutter, and create inviting atmospheres.
• Virtual Staging Software: Master online tools that allow you to stage homes digitally, such as Roomstyler or SketchUp.
• Build a Portfolio: Start by staging homes for friends, family, or real estate agents. Document your work to create a professional portfolio.
• Offer Virtual Staging Services: With virtual staging, you can work from anywhere and offer your services to clients around the world, making it a flexible career choice.

---

Why Become a Real or Virtual Home Stager?

Home staging is a rewarding career that allows you to transform spaces in a way that appeals to potential buyers, making homes more attractive and easier to sell. As a real home stager, you’ll work directly in physical spaces, using your design skills to highlight a home’s best features and create an inviting atmosphere.

This role lets you flex your creativity while having a direct impact on the sale of properties, and it’s a career that can offer both flexibility and growth as you build your portfolio and reputation.

---

Virtual home staging, on the other hand, opens up even more opportunities in the digital space. With the growing demand for online property listings, virtual stagers use software to digitally stage homes, making it a cost-effective and efficient way to help real estate professionals showcase properties.

This option is perfect for those who prefer working remotely or want to tap into a global market, all while honing their design skills and offering a valuable service to clients looking to make their properties stand out online. Real estate is a hot market and a smart one to tap into as an aspiring interior designer!

---

6. Become a Virtual Design Assistant

---

The rise of online design businesses has created a need for Virtual Design Assistants who help interior designers with various tasks, from creating renderings and floor plans to sourcing materials. This is a great entry point into the industry, especially for those who have learned to use design software without a formal background in design. Platforms like E-Design Tribe (now under MyDoma) have communities of virtual assistants who assist established design businesses. You can also find these types of freelance jobs in communities for interior design project management software, like the one run by Design Files.

---

How to Get Started:

• Learn Design Software: Master software like SketchUp, AutoCAD, and Photoshop. These tools are essential for creating design concepts, renderings, and plans.
• Join a Virtual Design Community: Platforms like E-Design Tribe offer resources, courses, and a network of designers who may need your assistance.
• Offer Your Services: As a Virtual Design Assistant, you can work from anywhere, providing crucial support to interior designers by helping them execute their creative vision.
• Build Relationships with Designers: Many design businesses are eager to outsource certain tasks, such as sourcing furniture or preparing presentations, which can open doors to more extensive project involvement.

---

Why consider becoming a virtual design assistant (VDA)?

Becoming a virtual design assistant (VDA) is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the design world without the full responsibility of being a lead designer. You’ll have the opportunity to work with established designers, assisting them with tasks like sourcing materials, creating mood boards, or managing client communications, all from the comfort of your home.

This role allows you to gain hands-on experience and develop your skills in real-world projects while learning from seasoned professionals.

---

Another advantage of being a virtual design assistant is the flexibility and accessibility it offers. You can work with designers and clients from anywhere in the world, gaining exposure to different styles and approaches.

This role can also serve as a stepping stone for those who want to eventually move into independent design work, providing invaluable insights into the industry while allowing you to build a strong portfolio and professional network.

---

Conclusion: Your Path to Becoming a Self-Taught Interior Designer

The world of interior design is more accessible than ever, with countless online resources, short courses, and real-world experiences available. Whether you’re dreaming of becoming a residential designer, virtual decorator, or simply want to work within the industry, self-study can get you there.

It takes dedication, persistence, and a passion for design, but if you’re willing to put in the work, you can create a fulfilling and successful career.

---

Ready to Start Your Interior Design Journey?

If you’re serious about self-study, consider signing up for one of the top interior design courses or workshops to get started. And don’t forget to check out our other articles on becoming a virtual designer and building a standout portfolio.

---

We are on a mission at Design Baddie to make basic interior design information accessible and free to all! Get our introductory interior design e-book absolutely free when you sign up for our newsletter.

---