Most people have jobs that they don't like. They work from 9 to 5 at a job they hate just to make ends meet, to save money and wait for retirement when they plan to enjoy themselves. But why not get a job that you love and enjoy, right from day one. And if you like interior decorating, there's plenty of room in the field.



When you enter someone's home, or office, do you take one look around and see how things could be changed to improve the lighting, ease of access, or just the general attractiveness of the space? If so, you probably have a flair for interior design, and there's no reason why you shouldn't take that flair and run with it. In other words, build yourself a career in a field that you love to do anyway. Indeed, doing what you love and getting paid for it is the recipe for a happy life.

Of course, even if you have all the instinctive knowledge of what fabrics and textures go good together and what colors clash, you still need to get a bit of official training in the field - something to put on your resume so that you can go out and get those jobs. As with any other field, typically you'll cut your teeth going to work as an entry-level decorator, and work your way up after designing several attractive spaces for clients such that you'll be able to open your own business.

There are many, many schools that offer degrees in interior design...but please be aware that these are different from degrees in interior decorating. The two fields are related but they are two different fields.

Colleges that offer degrees in interior decorating include Brooks College in Long Beach, CA, Harrington College of Design in Chicago, IL, and the Arts Institute International in Minneapolis, MN.

It is by attending formal classes in interior decoration from vo-techs or colleges that you'll be able to get hands-on experience in your desired profession and come across a wide variety of spaces and how they can be decorated to enhance their appeal for your clients. After completing your courses you will become a C.I.D., or certified interior decorator.

When taking classes in interior design you'll learn the reasons behind what you instinctively know works. You'll take classes in design graphics and color theory, space planning, lighting design, and much more, as well as a class that is just as important - professional ethics and practice.

Just as important as knowing how to decorate a space is knowing how to interact with your client - giving them what they want, as well as what they need. They'll also have classes on how to start up your own business.

So there are quite a few reasons to put your interior decorating skills on a professional level. If you have a love for it, and if you have a knack for it... go out and do it!