How Do I Start Interior Designing for Beginners?
Ever walked into a room and felt calm, happy, or inspired without knowing exactly why? That’s the power of interior design. It’s not just about putting pretty things together — it’s about making a space feel right. Good design balances beauty, comfort, and function.
The truth is, many interior designers (including myself!) started small — just by decorating our own homes or helping friends. If you love creating beautiful spaces and want to learn how to do it for real, this guide is for you.
Understand the Basics: The Foundation of Interior Design
Before buying furniture or painting walls, let’s cover the building blocks of design.
Learn the Core Elements of Design
Here are six things every good design includes:
- Space: This is how everything fits in a room. You need a mix of open (negative) space and filled (positive) space. Overfilling a room makes it feel tight.
- Line: Lines guide your eyes. Horizontal lines (like shelves) make things look calm. Vertical lines (like curtains) add height. Dynamic lines (like zig-zags) give movement.
- Form: Think of shapes — square, round, or abstract. Furniture and décor all have form. Mixing different shapes adds personality.
- Color: Color affects your mood. Light colors can make a room feel bigger. Warm tones feel cozy. Cool tones feel calm.
- Texture: This is how something feels or looks like it feels — soft, rough, smooth. Mixing textures adds depth.
- Light: Use both natural light (windows) and artificial light (lamps). Different lights create different moods — bright for tasks, soft for relaxing.
Master the Core Principles of Design
These are the rules that help your design "make sense":
- Balance — Everything shouldn’t sit on one side. Distribute items evenly across the space.
- Rhythm — Repeat similar colors or patterns around the room.
- Emphasis — Choose one main point to focus on, like a statement wall or artwork.
- Proportion & Scale — A tiny rug under a big sofa looks off. Size things wisely.
- Unity — All items should feel like they belong together.
Expert Tip: Make a mood board before buying anything! Use apps like Canva or Pinterest and add photos, colors, and styles you love. This keeps you focused.
Learn More: How to be an Interior Designer in Bangladesh
Learn Color Theory — The Beginner’s Secret Weapon
Color can make or break a space. Here’s how to get it right:
- Warm tones (reds, oranges) feel energetic.
- Cool tones (blues, greens) feel calm.
- Neutrals (beige, grey, white) go with everything.
Try the 60-30-10 Rule:
- 60% of the room = main color (walls)
- 30% = secondary color (furniture)
- 10% = accent color (pillows, art)
Supposed Beginner Palettes That Always Work:
- Beige + White + Olive Green
- Grey + Navy Blue + Mustard Yellow
- Soft Pink + White + Gold
Remember: Light changes how color looks. Always test your paint in natural and artificial lighting.
Start Practicing — Design Your Own Space First
The best way to learn is to try!
Begin with Small Projects
- Redesign your bedroom, home office, or a small nook.
- Help a family member or friend update their space.
- This lets you build skills and gain confidence.
Build Concept Boards Before Buying Anything
Use free tools like:
- Canva
- Milanote
Add paint colors, furniture, layouts, and lighting samples to see how everything fits together.
Create a Scaled Floor Plan
Try tools like:
- Roomstyler
- SketchUp
They help you play with layouts before moving furniture. A floor plan makes sure your table doesn’t block the door!
Work Within a Budget
Start with must-have items (like a comfy sofa), then add décor slowly. Even designers like us stick to a budget plan — it keeps the project stress-free and smart.
Learn More: Where to Learn Interior Design
Build a Beginner Portfolio — Even Without Clients
A good portfolio shows what you can do, even if it’s just your own room!
Here’s how to build one:
- Take before-and-after pictures
- Include mood boards, sketches, and materials used
- Use Canva or a free WordPress website to show your work
- Post on Instagram, Pinterest, or Behance
Professional Tip: Clients don’t just care about the final photo — they want to see your creative process.
Learn from the Industry — Keep Educating Yourself
Interior design is always changing. Stay curious and keep learning!
Take Online Courses
Try beginner courses on:
- Udemy (Interior Design Basics)
- Coursera
- Skillshare
- MasterClass
Search for “How to learn interior design yourself” to find the right courses.
Read and Watch
Books I recommend:
- “The Interior Design Reference & Specification Book”
- “Styled” by Emily Henderson
Watch YouTube channels like:
- Mr. Kate
- Studio McGee
- House & Home
Follow Trends Wisely
Know what’s trending but focus on timeless styles.
Popular now:
- Minimalism (clean, simple spaces)
- Sustainable design (eco-friendly choices)
These are great styles for beginners!
Learn More: Is Interior Design Easy to Learn
Network and Learn from Professionals
Join design communities like:
- IIDA (International Interior Design Association)
- Online interior design Facebook groups
Also, try to:
- Attend local design expos or workshops in Bangladesh
- Join webinars or online events
- Reach out to mentors for advice or internships
At Archiconnect, many team members started just like you — learning from real projects and professionals, step by step.
Key Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid
Common design mistakes:
- Copying Pinterest without adapting to your own space
- Ignoring furniture proportion
- Adding too much décor — less is more!
- Forgetting about lighting and practicality
Expert Tip: Design with function first, then add beauty.
When to Work with a Professional Interior Designer
Sometimes it's best to get help from experts — like us at Archiconnect.
Here’s when:
- You’re redesigning multiple rooms
- You’re stuck on color choices or furniture layout
- You want to save time, avoid mistakes, and get it right the first time
Let us help you visualize and plan your dream space. Check out Archiconnect’s Interior Design Services.
Final Thoughts: Every Great Designer Starts Small
If you’re passionate about design, keep going. You don’t have to be perfect on day one.
Start small, learn from others, practice every day — and ask for help when you need it.
FAQs: Interior Designing for Beginners
Q: Can I learn interior design myself?
Yes! With online resources, practice, and dedication, many people become skilled without a formal degree.
Q: How long does it take to learn interior design?
It depends, but 3-12 months of consistent learning can give you a strong beginner foundation.
Q: What are the basics of interior design?
Learn the elements (space, line, form, color), principles (balance, rhythm, scale), and practice with real spaces.
Q: What app can I use for interior design practice?
Try Roomstyler, SketchUp, Milanote, or Canva for mood boards and design layout.
Q: How to learn interior design step by step?
- Learn design basics, 2) Practice on your space, 3) Build a portfolio, 4) Take online courses, 5) Seek feedback and grow.
