Learn the skills and concepts you will need to become a Kitchen and Bath Designer. The page below lists schools and colleges that offer excellent programs and degrees in Kitchen and Bath Design. Study basic design, drawing, plumbing and lighting designs that will train you to be a success in the Kitchen and Bath Design Industry.

by Lance Filbert
lance.filbert@interiordesignschools.net
Interior Decorating Schools Columnist

Where do you start your career as a professional decorator?
You can begin with the living spaces you see most—your own and those of friends. Practice visualizing new designs for all those spaces. If you find that interior design piques your interest, consider home interior design school. Most professional home or office interior designers begin their careers with a degree in home interior design. A home interior design program at a good school will provide you with a solid basis in such elements of interior design as color harmonies, textiles, and design history.

What elements make up a space?

If you want to study design, start by thinking design. Take a look at all the elements that make up your space. Yes, furniture plays an important part, but many other elements come together to produce the final effect. Play with different features and see what happens.

Up against the wall

There is a room element that can make all the furniture look new and make the room look larger. You guessed it–the walls. The walls are the largest surface in your space and they don't have to play a background role. With the right wall treatment, your walls can assert their own personality and make your rooms look good. You'll learn lots of ways of treating wall surfaces while pursuing your home interior design degree. Use your imagination when it comes to choosing colors. Make sure the colors work well with other elements in the room. They can complement the furniture or contrast it. You can paint a wall a single color and then add a very wide stripe of a contrasting color. Learn about textures that you can apply with ordinary paint. They don't have to be 3-dimensional textures; they can be simple techniques such as sponging another color over the first coat. You can stencil patterns on your wall or paint elaborate designs. One last note: Don't forget that "5th wall"—the ceiling is part of your design space as well.

About the Author

Lance Filbert is known for his witty and innovative design ideas. He has an extensive arts background and has an arts degree from the City University of New York. He lives in San Francisco with his partner, Bertram, and their cairn terriers, Toto and Toklas.

Posted on May 27, 2005 at 03:58 PM