Should I Study Interior Design If I Only Want to Design and Style My Own Home?
- Tina

- Jul 13
- 3 min read
If you've ever found yourself endlessly scrolling Pinterest, saving Instagram inspiration, watching renovation shows or wandering through furniture stores wondering how designers make everything look so effortless, you're not alone.
One of the most common questions I hear is:
"Should I study Interior Design if I only want to design and style my own home?"
The simple answer is...
Absolutely.
The good news is that studying Interior Design doesn't have to mean enrolling in a three year qualification or changing careers. Today, there are practical short courses designed specifically for homeowners who simply want the confidence to create a home they truly love.
You Don't Need to Become an Interior Designer
Many people assume Interior Design courses are only for those wanting a career in design.
In reality, a large percentage of people who learn Interior Design simply want to:
Design their own home with confidence
Avoid making expensive decorating mistakes
Renovate successfully
Choose colours that work together
Understand furniture layouts
Create beautiful, functional spaces
Know where to start with a renovation or new build
Develop their own personal style
Learning the principles behind great design allows you to make better decisions at every stage of your home.

Styling Isn't Just About Cushions
One of the biggest misconceptions is that Interior Design is simply choosing furniture and decorating.
Good design is much deeper than that.
Professional Interior Designers understand how to create homes that feel balanced, comfortable and functional through:
Space planning
Colour psychology
Lighting
Furniture placement
Scale and proportion
Texture and layering
Flow between rooms
Creating emotion within a space
Once you understand these principles, styling becomes much easier because every decision has purpose.
Save Thousands of Dollars
Many homeowners spend thousands replacing furniture that doesn't fit, repainting walls because the colour wasn't right, or buying décor that never quite works.
A little knowledge before you begin can save a significant amount of money.
Instead of purchasing items based purely on trends, you'll understand how to choose pieces that work together, suit your home and continue to look beautiful for years to come.
Learning Interior Design is an investment that often pays for itself.
Create a Home That Reflects You
One of the most rewarding parts of learning Interior Design is discovering your own design style.
Rather than copying someone else's home from social media, you'll learn how to create spaces that reflect your personality, lifestyle and the way your family actually lives.
The result is a home that feels authentic, welcoming and uniquely yours.

Renovating or Building?
If you're planning a renovation or building a new home, learning Interior Design before you start can make a remarkable difference.
You'll feel more confident making decisions about:
Floor plans
Kitchen layouts
Bathroom finishes
Lighting selections
Flooring
Cabinetry
Paint colours
Furniture sizes
Window furnishings
Instead of feeling overwhelmed, you'll understand the entire design process and make decisions with confidence.
Learn Without Years of Study
At Livin By Design, our personalised Interior Design short courses were created specifically for people who want practical knowledge without committing to years of formal study.
Whether you're looking to refresh a single room, renovate your entire home or simply understand how designers think, our courses give you real-world skills you can apply immediately.
Choose from:
Style Your Own Home – 1 Day Course
Perfect for homeowners wanting practical advice, styling confidence and design ideas they can implement straight away.
Or
Interior Design Masterclass – 3 Day Course
Ideal for anyone renovating, building, considering a future in Interior Design or wanting a deeper understanding of professional Interior Design principles.
Both courses are personalised, hands on and designed to help you confidently create a home you'll love.
The Best Investment You Can Make Is in Your Own Home
Your home is where you spend most of your life.
It's where you relax after work, celebrate milestones, spend time with family and create memories.
Learning how to design it well isn't just about making it look beautiful.
It's about creating a space that supports your lifestyle, reflects who you are and makes you feel happy every time you walk through the front door.
If you've ever wished your home felt more cohesive, more stylish or simply more "you", learning Interior Design could be one of the best investments you'll ever make.
Because everyone deserves to...
Love Where You Live.



