The Beginning - Interior Design

The long road to how I became an Interior Designer.

Welcome to the 1849 Design Blog! I thought I would take a couple of minutes to introduce myself. I am a very creative and hands-on individual. I have always been a dreamer; I do act on my goals, but always hesitate and revert back to what I know how to do well, and not necessary what I want to do. I have to be honest; it has been a long, winding road getting to where I am today in my professional life! I have had many diverse jobs, most of which I became so incredibly bored with. All until I found the world of design. Even when I was making the most money per hour I had ever made before as a Staff Accountant, I was still lost and looking for something more. They always say money isn't everything and can't buy happiness; that is so true! I chose to go back to school to become an interior designer and haven't looked back!

Back to College

So, at the age of 38, I embarked on another college journey. Yes, I did say another! I have two previous degrees; an Associates degree in Tourism Management (I received fresh out of high school) and a Bachelors degree in Computer Graphics. Of course, the tourism degree helped me further complete the computer graphics degree. I really only count that as one and I told you it was a very long road!

Once I was back in college, I realized that I was almost alone in my age group or at least in my graduating class. It isn't super rare that a 38 year old goes back to college, but it is rare in my field. I did meet a couple older people within the department that were there for the same reason as I was; to finally do what I wanted to once I grew up! The program itself was very rigorous with many projects happening throughout the semesters, and all needing to be completed within a certain timeframe. This was difficult as I was still working part-time in finance, but at the same college where I was attending. I had to start from scratch and take all of the basic drawing and foundations classes since my computer graphics degree focused more on digital graphics. I found I enjoyed creating art so much more throughout this degree and what I was especially talented in. Interior design was exactly for me and I made it through with honors.

What is Interior Design?

When I first thought about interior design, I thought, "let's make things pretty!" Most think of interior design as that; decorating and choosing a color scheme. But I soon found out how wrong I was. There is so much more that the projects consist of. Some of the first design rules stem around evidence-based design and research of the area, the history, and the situation. All of the factors in play need to be evaluated before the process of design can even begin. Once these factors come together, the design inception can then take place along with following an inspiration or a feeling. I believe that in the design process, creating a feeling is one of the most important aspects of the project from concept to the finished product.

LET'S TAKE A JOURNEY!

In my next few blogs, I will take you on a tour of some of my favorite design styles, projects, and ideas, whether they be interior and/or exterior pictures. Please stay tuned and join me in this journey through design!

A picture of one of my garden ponds; a peaceful place to design.