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Do You Dream of Working in Interior Design? How to Start Your Journey

How do you find the courage to turn your passion into your career? Jennie Oxlade has been on that journey herself, and here she offers inspiration on how you can take the leap.

Have you ever decorated a friend’s room, your own home, been allowed to play around with the living room in your childhood home – or perhaps played The Sims (because let’s be honest, we’ve all been there) and thought: “I wish I could do this for a living… but how do I get started?”

If so, you are exactly the kind of person Jennie Oxlade meets again and again. She is an interior designer, an instructor at Nordic Online Academy, and one of those people who actually knows what it takes to transition from a hobbyist decorator to a professional.

The feeling of wanting more from your creativity but not quite knowing how to achieve it is exactly where Jennie’s own journey began. That is why her experiences resonate with anyone dreaming of a career in interior design.

This article is for you if you’re considering whether a future in interior design might be the right path. Here, you’ll find inspiration, concrete insights, and a realistic picture of what the profession demands of you.

You Don’t Need a Straight Path into the Field – You Just Need Passion

Jennie is living proof. She started at a business college, thought she was going to be a hairdresser, and ended up by chance in the school’s decoration room, where a teacher spotted her talent.

The point? You don’t need “the perfect background.” You just need the desire to develop—and the courage to take the next step. Most people who take an online interior design course at Nordic Online Academy actually come from widely different backgrounds:

• High school graduates or gap year students
• Retail and service industries
• Nursing, office work, or education
• Creative fields

So, whether you’re coming straight from high school or have taken a completely different path, there is a place for you in the program. The common denominator is passion and the dream of working with interior design. However, it’s not something that happens overnight.

Interior Design Isn’t Just Pretty – It’s Psychology, Function, and Emotion

Working with interior design isn’t just about choosing a vase and placing a coffee table book; interior design is hard work in many ways. As Jennie says:

“Fluffing the pillows and placing the vases is the smallest part of the job. It’s all the groundwork and preparation that takes up the most time.”

But that is also exactly what makes the profession exciting. When you work professionally, you don’t just create beautiful rooms—you create moods, directions, and experiences that matter to other people.

And yes, there is a lot to learn. But the good news is: you can learn it. All the technical, practical, and mental aspects become much more manageable when you get a professional toolbox and someone to show you the way.

Professional Interior Design Requires More Than Just Good Taste

The profession requires you to carry professional weight, making you conscious of your choices so you can stand by them when facing clients. This involves, among other things, being able to:

• Understand color psychology

• Advise based on professional expertise, not just gut feeling

• Know materials, wear and tear, lighting, fire safety, and spacing requirements

• Handle technical drawings, mood boards, and project management

• Take responsibility for the client’s decisions

• Perform hard physical work

This is all part of what you learn through an interior design education at Nordic Online Academy.

Get Real Cases, Real Tools, and Real Experience

As an instructor, Jennie guides you through every step of the process. Here, you don’t just get creative inspiration—you get a concrete path into the industry. Through the interior design programs Jennie teaches, you learn everything you need to get a great start on your adventure in the design world.

You learn the basics like style, color, materials, and lighting, but Jennie also takes you a step deeper. You’ll receive guidance on how to create a floor plan, how to craft a mood board, how to read a color code, and much more.

Furthermore, Jennie places great emphasis on sharing her own experiences. This includes using real-world cases and assignments, and she even involves her own private partners in the teaching to help students move forward as effectively as possible. As Jennie summarizes: “You get a little piece of me.”

Once you’ve completed the training, you’ll have both the tools and the direction. And before you take the next step, Jennie offers her most important advice—the advice she would have loved to hear when she was in your shoes.

Jennie’s Top Advice:

• Soak it all in! Fill your “backpack” well before you set out on your journey. Choose to invest in an education and walk away with the knowledge and tools that give you the best foundation for living out your interior design dream.
• Accept that you will make mistakes, because mistakes aren’t dangerous—they are the key to getting better. Mistakes are part of the process, and we all make them. The most important thing is that you learn from them, so the experience makes you stronger for your next task.
• Stay true to yourself and the person you want to be within the profession. Don’t let yourself be governed by trends; work with them, be inspired by them, but hold onto your own voice along the way.
• It’s okay to say no to a client if you don’t feel the chemistry is there.
• We only live once, so live out your dreams. If you have a passion for interior design and have even the smallest thought that it could be exciting to work in the field, then do it—take the leap.

Do You Have the Dream? Now is the Time to Listen to Yourself

If you can feel even a small spark, you owe it to yourself to investigate it. At Nordic Online Academy, you can take interior design courses online—flexible, practical, and with instructors like Jennie who work in the field every day.

Art Deco: The Ultimate Celebration of Glamour

The Art Deco style is a celebration of modern urban life that flourished in the 1920s and 1930s in major cities such as Paris, New York, and Miami. It offers a timeless elegance and glamour that fits perfectly into both classic and modern interiors.

Elements of Luxury

• Geometric Precision: Art Deco is characterized by the use of symmetrical patterns and iconic geometric shapes.

• High-End Materials: Designers utilize luxurious materials such as marble, brass, and silver.

• Lustrous Surfaces: The style features elegant furniture with sleek lines and shiny surfaces that reflect light and luxury.

• Sculptural Accents: Mirrors featuring mirrored art, sculptures, and dramatic lamps are used to create a sense of playful, high-end decor.

The Art Deco Vibe

Today, the Art Deco style is used to add a touch of luxury and style to any room, providing a dramatic contrast to more minimalist contemporary styles.

• Color Palette: The palette often features deep jewel tones such as emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red. These are almost always paired with metallic accents like gold and silver to complete the glamorous look.

Minimalism: The Power of Less

Minimalist interior design is an elegant approach that celebrates clean lines, spaciousness, and functional harmony. It focuses on eliminating unnecessary details to create a space that exudes calm and balance.

Principles of a Minimalist Space

• Clarity and Focus: By creating an environment free of clutter and distractions, minimalism makes room for clarity and focus.

• Intentional Curation: Furniture and decor are simple and functional, with a heavy emphasis on quality and craftsmanship rather than quantity.

• Light and Air: A clean, neutral color palette is used to create a sense of light and spaciousness.

• Invisible Storage: Through smart storage solutions and simple decor, this style creates a space that feels inviting rather than empty.

The Minimalist Mindset

Minimalism is not about “empty” rooms; it is about “intentional” rooms where every item serves a specific purpose or brings joy.

• Color Palette: The core colors are white, gray, beige, and black. To prevent the space from feeling clinical, a few accent colors, such as blue, may be used sparingly.

Industrial & Urban Living: The New York Edge

The Urban Living style, rooted in the 1960s New York “loft” aesthetic, is a modern and sophisticated approach to interior design. It is defined by a stylish blend of industrial and modern elements.

Urban Design Essentials

• Raw Infrastructure: The style is characteristic for its use of raw materials such as concrete, metal, and exposed brick.

• The Soft Edge: To keep the space livable, raw materials are combined with elegant furniture and soft textiles to create a harmonious look.

• Space Management: Furniture is often minimalist, with an emphasis on functionality and space-saving design, perfect for city living.

• Architectural Features: A classic example of this style is the New York-style glass partition, which creates a raw aesthetic and defines zones without blocking light.

Designing for Calm in the City

Despite its “hard” materials, Urban Living focuses on muted tones to create a sense of calm and balance within a bustling city environment.

• Color Palette: The palette is dominated by black, gray, and brown, along with other neutral tones that highlight the textures of the raw materials.

Second Hand Style: Sustainable Design with a History

The second hand style is more than just a trend; it is a philosophy that embraces sustainability, individuality, and the charm of history. It is about discovering treasures and creating an interior that tells a story through repurposed items.

The Sustainable Designer’s Approach

• Resource Consumption: This style offers a sustainable approach to interior design that reduces waste and resource consumption through reuse and upcycling.

• Unrepeatable Character: A hallmark of the second hand style is a unique blend of different styles and materials that cannot be replicated with new items.

• Curation of History: From antique furniture to vintage finds and repurposed decorative elements, this decor creates an interior filled with personality.

• Inspiration through Discovery: It focuses on the “hunt” for unique pieces that give a home an inspiring and rediscovered feel.

The Second Hand Palette

Because this style relies on found objects, the palette is often eclectic and organic.

• Color Palette: The colors vary depending on the items being repurposed, but they often feature earthy and natural tones that ground the diverse mix of styles.

Retro Interior Design: Bold Nostalgia for the Modern Age

Retro style draws inspiration from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, bringing the iconic designs of the past back to the present day. It is a style that evokes feelings of nostalgia and charm while adding a unique character to any interior.

Achieving the Retro Aesthetic

• Graphic Energy: A hallmark of this style is the use of bright colors, geometric shapes, and funky patterns.

• Futuristic Silhouettes: Furniture often features sleek lines and futuristic details that reflect the innovative spirit of the mid-century era.

• Creative Mix: Retro design encourages personal expression, allowing you to mix and match different elements to create a space full of personality.

• Playful Character: It offers a wide range of options for creating a fun and stylish space that breaks away from traditional “safe” designs.

The Retro Palette

Retro design isn’t afraid of the spotlight. It uses color to create a sense of joy and movement within a room.

• Color Palette: Designers typically use light colors for the base, combined with bold, high-contrast colors such as orange, lime green, and yellow.

Japandi Style: The Fusion of East and West

Japandi is an elegant fusion of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian hygge. This style has exploded in popularity because it combines the best of both worlds to create a harmonious and soothing environment.

The Japandi Methodology

• Craftsmanship Over Mass-Production: This style is characterized by a focus on fine craftsmanship and high-quality materials.

• Low-Profile Living: To maintain an open flow, Japandi often utilizes low-profile furniture that feels grounded and steady.

• Functional Simplicity: The style inherits clean lines and functionality from Japanese aesthetics.

• Soft Minimalism: Unlike “cold” minimalism, Japandi uses the warmth of Scandinavian design, emphasizing natural materials and soft textiles.

Why It’s the Future of Design

Japandi is perfect for creating “sanctuary” spaces. The emphasis on quality over quantity makes it a sustainable and intentional choice for modern residential design.

• Color Palette: The base consists of neutral tones such as white, beige, and gray. To keep the space from feeling flat, these are paired with touches of warm earth tones and occasional pastels.

Bohemian Interior Design: A Masterclass in Individual Expression

For the client who finds beauty in the unconventional, Bohemian interior design (or “Boho”) offers a stylish blend of colors, patterns, and textures. It is a playful aesthetic that reflects a love of creativity and the unique story of the inhabitant.

Designing with Cultural Depth

• Global Curation: A hallmark of the Bohemian style is a curated mix of furniture and decorative items from different cultures.

• Tactile Layers: The style thrives on colorful textiles, patterned rugs, and handmade artwork that create a dynamic atmosphere.

• Textural Variety: Key elements include beautiful Indian rugs, Moroccan pillows, and handmade ceramics.

• Vertical Interest: Wallrugs are a essential element of the bohemian look, providing warmth and acoustic benefits to a room.

• Vintage Soul: Incorporating vintage finds allows a space to feel lived-in and authentic rather than “store-bought”.

The Designer’s Edge

Bohemian design is ideal for those who want to express their individuality and create a decor that tells their unique story. It encourages a “more is more” approach that remains curated through a consistent underlying theme.

• Color Palette: Designers use deep jewel tones such as cobalt blue, emerald green, red, and yellow. These vibrant colors are grounded by being combined with various shades of earth tones.

Scandinavian Interior Design: The Art of Functional Serenity

Scandinavian interior design, often called Nordic design, is much more than a trend; it is a global movement focused on the harmony between functionality and aesthetics. Rooted in the harsh winters of Northern Europe, this style prioritizes creating interiors that feel bright, airy, and grounded in nature.

The Pillars of Nordic Living

• Minimalism with a Soul: The core emphasis is on creating cozy, functional interiors through simplicity and minimalist design principles.

• Organic Textures: To bring the outdoors in, designers heavily utilize natural materials such as wood and stone.

• Luminous Spaces: Because natural light is a precious commodity in Scandinavia, this style highlights a room’s natural light to create an atmosphere of calm.

• Clean Geometry: Furniture and decorative elements are characterized by clean lines and an absence of unnecessary ornamentation.

• Design Icons: Incorporating timeless pieces, such as Arne Jacobsen’s Egg Chair or Wegner’s Y-Chair, adds instant credibility and a “timeless” aesthetic to any project.

Why Designers Love It

This style is ideal for modern homes and commercial spaces that seek a blend of aesthetics and practicality. It offers a “blank canvas” feel that reduces mental clutter while maintaining warmth.

• Color Palette: The primary colors are white, gray, and beige. These are frequently layered with various shades of earth tones to add depth without overwhelming the senses.

Career Guidance: Your Path into the Interior Design Industry

How do you turn your knowledge into real-world value? If you dream of a career in interior design, creativity alone isn’t enough – success also depends on how you position yourself professionally. At Nordic Online Academy, we guide you every step of the way – from clarity to hands-on experience and visibility in the industry. Even before choosing a course, you can receive advice on whether to pursue a career as an interior designer or an interior architect – and which path best aligns with your goals and interests.

We call it career guidance, but in reality, it’s a conversation about creating a professional life where your education is actively and meaningfully applied.

More than just a course – a full development programme

When you enrol in one of NOA’s creative programmes, you embark on a journey that focuses on both your skills and your future opportunities. Learning is just one part of the picture – what really makes a difference is how you put that knowledge into practice. For some, this means launching a freelance career. For others, it’s about gaining practical experience within the industry and finding their niche.

We help you answer the crucial question: “What can you do for me?” – ensuring you can present yourself professionally and confidently.

“Having strong technical knowledge is essential, but being able to communicate your value to a client or employer is equally crucial.”
– Kristoffer, Student Advisor at Nordic Online Academy

Expertise and business – hand in hand

Our courses strengthen your professional skills, while our guidance shows you how to use them to build a sustainable career. At Nordic Online Academy, we are here for you before, during, and especially after your studies. We offer ongoing support so you can consult us on anything, big or small, because we know the real value of education comes when it’s applied in the real world.

How we support your career in interior design:

Finding clarity and direction
Many students start by needing to understand exactly what they want. You may love interior design but be unsure how to turn it into a profession. Should you go freelance? Start small? Apply for jobs? How do you stand out? We help you define your direction so that once you’ve spoken to us, you know exactly where you stand.

Defining your offer – and your value
Once you’ve found your direction, the next step is to communicate it clearly. What you offer and how it creates value for others must be crystal clear. Is your focus on residential design, styling, or visual communication? We help you articulate and refine your offer so you make a strong impression on clients and potential collaborators.

Gaining practical experience
Landing major projects often starts with gaining experience. This could mean collaborating with estate agents, styling projects within your personal network, or exploring other opportunities. We provide concrete ideas on where to gain experience and how to get started. With our extensive network across the industry, we can also connect you with relevant contacts and guide you on how to reach out, pitch your skills, and build strong professional relationships.

Many of our alumni discover their niche during this phase – simply by trying out different projects in real-world settings.

Raising your profile
We help you present your skills effectively – in applications, CVs, and professional introductions. We also advise on personal branding and online presence, ensuring your profile reflects the professional image you want to project.

Developing a commercial mindset
Whether you aim to freelance or join a company, understanding commercial value is essential – knowing how your work creates tangible benefits. We help you see your expertise in a broader context: how good design can reduce property time on the market, enhance wellbeing in the workplace, or strengthen brand identity in retail. The clearer you can make this connection, the stronger your position in the market.

Turn your expertise into a career

At Nordic Online Academy, we combine flexible learning with a practical, real-world approach, bridging the gap between your education and professional reality. Our career guidance is available before, during, and after your studies, helping you turn your newly acquired skills into opportunities, experience, and direction. Whether you dream of going freelance, landing your dream job, or are still exploring your path, we are here to support you every step of the way.