2 answers
McKenna
Student
Saint Petersburg, Florida
3
Questions
Asked
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I want to become an interior designer how could I start preparation in middle school?
I’m in 8th grade and want to know how i can start to prepare in middle school?
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2 answers
Mauricio Chaves
Interior Designer
42
Answers
Doorn, Netherlands
Updated
Mauricio’s Answer
Dear McKenna,
I'm really glad you asked this — it shows you're already thinking ahead, which is exactly what a good designer does.
Even though you're still in middle school, there are actually quite a few things you can start doing now that will help you prepare for a future in interior design. Here's what I’d suggest:
1. Pay attention to art and design.
If your school offers any art classes — or even things like graphic design or woodwork — try to get involved. Learning about shapes, colours, balance and proportion will help you more than you might think. Even doodling or sketching ideas at home counts!
2. Explore your own space.
Try looking at your own room differently: how would you rearrange it? What would you change to make it feel better or more practical? Sometimes I ask myself: “how would I improve this space if it were part of a real project?” That’s how I got started too.
3. Get curious online.
There are online courses that explain the basics of interior design in a way that’s easy to follow, even at your age. One of the most well-known schools in the UK is the National Design Academy. They offer beginner-friendly courses and even have full diploma and degree programmes if you decide to continue later on. But for now, just exploring their free resources and videos can be inspiring.
4. Start collecting ideas.
Make a Pinterest board or keep a folder where you save interiors you like — bedrooms, shops, cafés, anything. Pay attention to colours, textures, lighting... it’s all part of design thinking.
5. Stay open and creative.
Interior design is about more than just choosing furniture. It’s about understanding how people live and making spaces work for them. So read, travel if you can, visit museums or public buildings, and just observe the spaces around you. Designers are always observing.
When I was starting out, I didn’t have access to fancy tools or degrees — I just had a passion for creating better spaces and a willingness to keep learning. That’s what truly matters.
Let’s keep talking about this whenever you want. You’ve already taken the most important first step: showing interest.
May the force be with you!
I'm really glad you asked this — it shows you're already thinking ahead, which is exactly what a good designer does.
Even though you're still in middle school, there are actually quite a few things you can start doing now that will help you prepare for a future in interior design. Here's what I’d suggest:
1. Pay attention to art and design.
If your school offers any art classes — or even things like graphic design or woodwork — try to get involved. Learning about shapes, colours, balance and proportion will help you more than you might think. Even doodling or sketching ideas at home counts!
2. Explore your own space.
Try looking at your own room differently: how would you rearrange it? What would you change to make it feel better or more practical? Sometimes I ask myself: “how would I improve this space if it were part of a real project?” That’s how I got started too.
3. Get curious online.
There are online courses that explain the basics of interior design in a way that’s easy to follow, even at your age. One of the most well-known schools in the UK is the National Design Academy. They offer beginner-friendly courses and even have full diploma and degree programmes if you decide to continue later on. But for now, just exploring their free resources and videos can be inspiring.
4. Start collecting ideas.
Make a Pinterest board or keep a folder where you save interiors you like — bedrooms, shops, cafés, anything. Pay attention to colours, textures, lighting... it’s all part of design thinking.
5. Stay open and creative.
Interior design is about more than just choosing furniture. It’s about understanding how people live and making spaces work for them. So read, travel if you can, visit museums or public buildings, and just observe the spaces around you. Designers are always observing.
When I was starting out, I didn’t have access to fancy tools or degrees — I just had a passion for creating better spaces and a willingness to keep learning. That’s what truly matters.
Let’s keep talking about this whenever you want. You’ve already taken the most important first step: showing interest.
May the force be with you!
Thanks for the advice.
McKenna
Karen Huffman
Interior Design
2
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Karen’s Answer
It's never to soon to start learning on your own. Check out books from the library on Architecture, Art and Design. Particularly helpful is learning the history of art and design. It helps you to understand the "Why" to design. Middle and high school art classes are an excellent way to prepare you as you move towards studying Interior Design in college.
Your advice was so helpful!
McKenna