Hi everyone! Courtney here. My mom is away in New York this week, so I’m taking over the blog for today.
You may have seen me on The Inspired Room in the Gather posts or in guest pieces, and I’ve also been helping behind the scenes for the past couple of years. I’ve enjoyed assisting my mom and my sister with a variety of projects, including our kitchen design. Those experiences have taught me a lot about design, collaboration, and running creative projects.
I’ve had some memorable jobs—an internship at Maison Luxe Seattle and a role at Restoration Hardware among them—but my favorite position so far is my current one: working for The Inspired Room full time. I’m thrilled to be part of this team. I’m inspired by my mom and grateful for the chance to support her work. I’ll be contributing in many ways, including occasional design posts, and I look forward to getting to know you all.
Last week we received a thoughtful email from a 19-year-old reader named Cally who is considering studying interior design. I graduated last spring with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design from Seattle Pacific University, so I wanted to share my answers to her questions. These reflections come from my time in design school and early career experiences, and they can apply to many new beginnings.
Q: I have recently been in a “life crisis” about what I should do with my life, how to best prepare for life with a family (if God wills someday), and how to best steward my talents. Your honest posts about decor, home, and love reminded me of my childhood dream of becoming an interior decorator. Would you share important qualities an aspiring interior designer should recognize in themselves before starting an interior design major?
A: Hi Cally! I finished a four-year interior design program last spring and loved the experience. Here are three points to consider as you decide whether to pursue interior design:
I knew early on that design appealed to me, but during college I questioned whether the career fit who I wanted to be. There are aspects of the design world that can feel materialistic, and I wanted to make sure my work would be meaningful. It took me about two years to identify what truly motivates me: not just beautiful furniture or architecture, but the power of a well-designed home to support and nurture a family. When I focused on that purpose—helping people feel at home—I felt confident that design is a talent I can use to serve others. Before committing to a major, think about what you love and why it matters to you. That clarity will guide your choices and help you stay grounded in your values.
Majoring in interior design does not mean you must follow one narrow career path. A degree qualifies you for many directions: working in a design firm, retail, product styling, project management, education, or even entrepreneurial paths like blogging or launching a small business. My mom began with decorating and eventually found blogging opened new opportunities she hadn’t expected. As you gain skills, other possibilities will appear—be open to exploring them and letting your interests guide you.
Many students come to design school inspired by TV programs, but real design education is very different from quick makeover shows. Expect demanding coursework, long project hours, and detailed technical work like drafting and space planning. These elements may not always feel glamorous, but they’re essential to becoming a competent designer. I loved my classes and projects—even the late nights in the drafting lab—because they aligned with my passion. Be prepared to work hard, learn a lot, and also enjoy the creative process.
Thanks for the great question, Cally—best of luck. You’ll do wonderfully.
During college I documented many classes and projects on my personal blog if you want a closer look at student work and processes. The photos included here are from my Instagram and my internship at Maison Luxe, which was a formative experience and gave me a behind-the-scenes view of professional design offices.
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Do you have additional ideas for Cally? Is there anything you wish you had known before starting school or embarking on a new opportunity?