I have done work with some very successful interior designers who have less relevant backgrounds than you who also don't have interior design degrees. They have however worked hard for their success, and they have been focussed on it. I don't have any specific tips for you since it's not my world, but there are many paths to a successful career.

Designer is a state regulated term that requires a design education and the passing of an exam--much like a teacher. You cannot call yourself a designer legally. Know what else you can and cannot do legally. If you don't have insurance, don't step foot into a client's home. If you don't have a business license, ditto. Understand that design isn't décor. Design is about building codes, health and safety, and understanding how to make décor work within a legal safe framework.

If you are willing to obtain the education and licensing to follow through with your idea, then by all means, proceed. If you are bored and want a hobby that brings in some income, look at MLM for home furnishings, or take up oil painting, or go to work part time at a department store, or Williams Sonoma. There are plenty of jobs out there that will tap into creativity and artistic ability that don't involve more years in school. Design is not one of those hobby careers.

You could start by seeing if you could get on at a furniture store as a decorator to help with layouts in the store and sales as stated Designers have a much broader scope of knowledge that requires actual schooling . In fact I am not that into the decorating part but love the actual redoing of space to make it function better and I have often given the decor part to a friend if a job is more traditional as my bag is contemporary and I love designing kitchens but had to go to school to do this.

Sophie, I have a Diploma in Graphic Design. A 2 year undergraduate diploma in Graphic Design & Illustration and soon to be a BA degree in Illustration with a research proposal that focuses on Urban Planning Design and Built Environment in the context of Environmental Psychology upon the populous.

I do plan to some point get an MA in Interior Design or Interior Architecture.

However, I want to build up some practical experience first and build some form of "portfolio" of work. In order to go onto the next level. Plus, I need to save for the finance.

No, I'm not looking for a "hobby", I understand the principles of design in terms of specifications, research and

working within tight deadlines and managing a budget.

My objective is to eventually work in renovations for residential and commercial properties. However, "first things, first".

Patricia, thanks at some point I did consider that years ago, before I went to University and then Art School. but in the UK the Visual merchandiser profession is a separate field. It's more about playing with props.

I have a question, what type of Camera did you use for your project photos?