Getting started in interior design can feel overwhelming – there’s so much to learn, and it’s easy to think you need costly programs, formal courses, or a polished portfolio before you can begin. But in reality, the best way to learn is by doing.

Think about learning to cook. You don’t need a high-end kitchen or professional knives to make a great meal – just a recipe, a few basic tools, and the excitement to experiment. Interior design works the same way.

You don’t need to master every skill at once, you just need to start. This means, that the best way to begin is to dive in and experiment! With the right tools and a step-by-step approach, you can start designing without the stress.

The best part? You don’t need to break the bank. There are plenty of free tools and many interior design software options offer a free plan or free service, allowing you to use various design tools without upfront costs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need – from software to resources – so you can take your first steps with confidence.

Step 1: Understand What Interior Design Is (And What It’s Not)

Interior design is often mistaken for just decorating, but it’s so much more than choosing colours and arranging furniture.

At its core, it’s about shaping how a space functions, flows, and feels. It’s a mix of creativity and problem-solving – balancing aesthetics with practicality to create spaces that aren’t just beautiful, but also work in everyday life.

Think about a stunning kitchen with no counter space or a cosy living room where there’s nowhere to put your coffee. It might look great in photos, but living in it would be frustrating! Good design isn’t just about appearances – it’s about making spaces both stylish and functional.

As you get started, start paying attention to the spaces around you. Notice how a well-designed cafe keeps people moving comfortably or how a tiny hotel room still manages to feel inviting and efficient. The best way to learn interior design is by observing what works – and what doesn’t!

Step 2: Develop an Eye for Design

Great interior designers train themselves to see details others might miss. Developing a strong design sense takes time, but the good news is, you can start right now just by observing and exploring.

If you’re not sure where to begin, we’ve got you covered. Watch this free webinar to learn how professional designers sharpen their eye and turn inspiration into action.

Build a Visual Library

Interior design comes in all shapes and forms – minimalist, industrial, bohemian, modern, and so much more. Learning about different styles helps you understand the language of design. Try to identify what makes each style unique, from colour palettes to furniture choices.

Study Different Styles & Trends

Good software should feel intuitive, even if you’ve never used it before. And often comes with how-to guides to help beginners get started. If it takes hours just to figure out the basics, it might not be the right fit. The best beginner tools let you jump in and start designing with minimal setup.

Look at Spaces Critically

Next time you walk into a room, ask yourself ‘What makes it feel inviting or not?’ Is it the lighting, the layout, the textures? Try to break down why certain spaces feel balanced and functional while others don’t quite work. The more you analyse, the better you’ll get at making design decisions in your own projects.

Step 3: Learn the Basics of Interior Design Principles

Understanding a few key design principles will help you make choices that are both stylish and functional. Here are some fundamentals that every beginner should know:

Space Planning – Making a Room Work

A beautiful room isn’t much use if it doesn’t function well. Space planning is about arranging furniture and decor in a way that allows for easy movement and a natural flow.

Think about how people will use the space – does it feel open and inviting or does it feel cramped? Good design ensures that every piece has a purpose and fits seamlessly into the layout.

Colour Theory – Setting the Right Mood

Colours do more than just decorate a space – they influence how it feels. Warm tones like reds and oranges create a cosy, energetic vibe, while cool tones like blues and greens promote relaxation. Even small changes, like painting a wall or swapping out textiles, can dramatically shift the atmosphere of a room.

Lighting Design – The Power of Natural & Artificial Light

Lighting can completely transform a space. Natural light makes a room feel airy and open, while the right combination of artificial lights – overhead, task, and accent lighting – can add depth and warmth. A well-lit space doesn’t just look better, it’s more functional too.

Materials & Textures – Bringing Depth to a Space

Great design is about what you feel. Combining different textures like smooth wood, soft fabrics, and rough stone adds dimension and interest. Choosing the right materials also ensures durability, especially in high-usability areas where practicality matters just as much as aesthetics.

Step 4: Start Practicing with Free & Beginner-Friendly Tools

As we’ve already said, the best way to learn interior design is by doing. You don’t need expensive software to start experimenting. There are plenty of free tools that help you build your skills without the frustration of complicated setups. Here are some beginner-friendly options to get you started.

Plenty of good options

thesheet – For Organising Projects & Creating Spec Sheets

Its really important as an interior designer to stay organised. thesheet helps you keep track of your projects with easy-to-use spec sheets, product library, and project details – all in one place. This makes it easier to structure your work, stay on top of selections, and build a professional workflow early on.

SketchUp Free – For Learning 3D Space Planning

SketchUp’s free web version is a great starting point for beginners learning how to create and visualise 3D spaces. It allows you to experiment with layouts and get a better understanding of proportions and scale.

Canva – For Creating Mood Boards

Mood boards are a great way to bring your design ideas together and Canva makes it simple with drag-and-drop templates. It’s perfect for organising colours, materials, and furniture inspiration into a clear, cohesive vision.

Rayon – For Floor Plans

Rayon is an easy-to-use browser-based tool for drawing floor plans. It’s great for experimenting with layouts, whether you’re working on a personal project or a school assignment. The free version is a good starting point, with lots of blocks and templates available.

By using these tools, you can start developing your design skills in a hands-on way – without the stress of complex software or high costs.

Step 5: Work on Small Projects & Build a Portfolio

The best way to gain confidence as a beginner is to start small. Real-world practice will teach you more than any tutorial ever could.

Redesign Your Own Space

Before taking on projects for others, experiment with your own space. Rearranging furniture, testing out new colours or creating a mood board for a dream room will help you develop a design process without pressure. It’s a great way to get hands-on experience and see how small changes can transform a space.

Help Family or Friends

Offering to refresh a friend’s living room or help a family member choose finishes for a renovation is an easy way to practice. Even small projects like styling a bookshelf or reorganising a workspace will teach you valuable skills.

Document Your Work & Market It on Social Media

Take before-and-after photos, create spec sheets, and write about your design choices. Sharing your work on social media or a personal website helps you build a portfolio, attract potential clients, and show your growth as a designer.

Step 6: Learn the Business Side of Interior Design

If you want to turn your passion for interior design into a career, creativity is only part of the equation. Understanding how to manage projects, communicate with clients, and stay organised will set you up for long-term success.

How to Work with Clients

Interior design is all about problem-solving and that starts with understanding your client’s needs. Being able to present your ideas clearly – whether through mood boards, sketches, or 3D models – helps clients visualise the final result. But just as important is getting feedback and making adjustments while keeping the project on track.

The Basics of Budgets & Sourcing Materials

Beautiful designs also need to be realistic. Learning how to estimate costs, compare suppliers, and find high-quality materials within a budget is a key part of the job. The earlier you get comfortable with budgeting, the easier it will be to plan projects efficiently.

The Role of Spec Sheets & Project Organisation

Staying organised is just as important as having a strong design vision. Spec sheets keep track of materials, products, and finishes – ensuring nothing gets overlooked. A beginner-friendly tool like thesheet makes it easy to create, structure and manage spec sheets, so you can develop professional habits from day one.

Step 7: Keep Learning & Stay Inspired

Interior design is always evolving and the best designers never stop learning. Staying curious and engaged will help you refine your style, stay on top of trends, and grow your skills over time.

Follow Industry Leaders & Blogs

Learning from professionals is one of the best ways to improve. Follow well-known designers on social media, read interior design blogs, and stay updated on trends and techniques. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are great for daily inspiration, while publications like Dezeen, Archdaily or Architectural Digest offer deeper insights.

Take Courses

Whether it’s a full degree or an online class, formal learning can help sharpen your skills. Websites like Coursera and Skillshare offer affordable and sometimes free courses on interior design principles, software tutorials, and business skills.

Join Interior Design Communities

Surrounding yourself with like-minded people is invaluable. Join online forums, Facebook groups, or even local design meetups to connect with other beginners and professionals. Getting feedback and sharing ideas will accelerate your growth and keep you motivated.

Conclusion: Start Small, Stay Curious

Getting started in interior design doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You don’t need expensive software or years of experience – just a willingness to learn and experiment.

The best way to improve is by taking small steps. Start by observing spaces, practicing with free tools, and working on small projects. Every great designer started somewhere, and the more you explore, the more confident you’ll become.

The key is to stay curious and keep learning. Whether it’s trying out new design software, following industry professionals, or refining your portfolio, every bit of experience helps. And most importantly, have fun with it!

Looking for an easy way to organise your projects and start building good habits? Try thesheet for free and simplify your design process from day one. It’s the perfect way to keep track of your ideas, products, and spec sheets as you develop your skills.

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