What you need to know

- The ability to read and design blue prints
- Knowledge of color coordination and painting
- Difference between furniture brands and styles
- How to coordinate and organize a room to create a comfortable environment.
- How to correctly estimate the length and size of materials needed
- How to correctly estimate the amount of paints or wallpapers needed
- How to maximize interior space to the room's advantage.
- How to communicate your ideas effectively to your client
- Basic marketing skills are needed to further your business
- How to correctly identify different types of furnishings, and to incorporate that knowledge into a legitimate design plan.
- How to create an environmental plan because this is a practical, conducive and esthetic approach to your eventual goal of raising productivity, and selling your merchandise.
- How to explain space planning, lighting, layout and color schemes to your clients. People often like to know why you are doing the things that you are doing.
- How to arrange carpets, accessories, drapes and wall coverings.
- Knowledge of fine arts, sculptures, music etc. These will often be included in your design changes and must incorporate properly into the area. (you would not want to hang a Picasso in a Victorian themed room)

This is just an idea of the things that you will be taught in accordance to your specialty. Interior designing for a home is slightly different than commercial design. The needs for a home are quite different. Materials are different as well. When you chose a specialty, you will learn all of the basics in design, but also how to deal with, and get clients effectively. That is where things are quite different. You would not approach a company in the same manner that you might approach a homeowner.