Natalie Gisborne

  • INTERIOR DESIGN COURSES
    • Home Design Toolkit
    • HOME DESIGN VAULT MEMBERSHIP
    • HomeEnvy Bootcamp
    • DECOR + RENO BUDGET BUNDLE
  • HOME DESIGN RESOURCES
    • Home Design Freebie Vault
  • About
  • Blog
  • LOGIN
How To:

How To Become a Self Taught Interior Designer

Let me start by saying, when we use the term interior designer, we often mean interior decorator. An interior designer in the traditional sense plans not only the design and spatial elements of a room, but also makes structural decisions. 

If, however, styling and decorating a room is the aim of the game, the term “interior decorator” can be used.

Today I wanted to talk about how to become your own interior decorator, with a post designed for those with no creative-based qualifications, but a big dollop of drive and ambition. 

Think you can’t make a career from interior design because you don’t have a degree? Think again.

Credit: Emily Henderson (self taught interior designer)

STEP 1 // EDUCATE YOURSELF

Understanding how lighting can change a space, or what colours are complementary, means you’ll be much more confident when starting out in your interiors journey. 

Watching videos, reading books, and speaking to other designers out there will help educate you on the science behind interior design.

We’re not saying go back to university. We are saying why not open a book or join a club such as our HomeEnvy Bootcamp to give you a more confident footing.

STEP 2 // GATHER INSPIRATION EVERYWHERE

Before discovering your signature style – you know, the thing that people recognise you for instantly – the key is to gather inspiration and start to notice common themes running throughout. There are many ways to collate your ideas, you can do this on Pinterest, you can do this digitally by upgrading your digital mood board skills, we’re also big fans of old school scrapbooking.

Take photographs of inspiring design elements if you’re out at a restaurant you love or pull out stylish rooms you spot in magazines and add them to a scrapbook. Not only does it bring all your ideas under one roof, it acts as a reference book to return back to if inspiration is lacking.

Great places to find interior design inspiration include Pinterest, Instagram, other people’s homes, our EyeCandy series, magazines, TV shows, Tumblr, bars, hotels and museums, to name a few.

self taught interior designer
Credit: Studio McGee (self taught interior designer)

STEP 3 // DEVELOP YOUR OWN PERSONAL STYLE

As I’ve mentioned above, you’ll soon start to notice common themes running throughout your inspiration files, whether that’s a love of dark, moody spaces or French rustic inspired rooms, for example.

This will more than likely be reflected in your own home, and although you don’t want to make every potential client’s house a duplicate of yours, some of the best designers have a very distinctive signature style.

Kelly Hoppen is neutral luxe. Studio McGee, meanwhile, is modern farmhouse personified. People fall in love with their designs and hire them for a reason. Would it surprise you to hear that both Kelly Hoppen and Shea McGee are self taught interior designers without a formal design degree? Same as Vanessa Arbuthnott, Jonathan Adler, Nina Campbell, Ryan Corbyn…. All self taught interior designers.

STEP 4 // BUILD MOODBOARDS FOR DREAM CLIENTS

You might not have a roster of clients yet, but that doesn’t stop you from acting as if you have successfully pitched for their business. Most designers, whether that be interior, graphic or fashion, create imaginary projects in a bid to build a portfolio.

Think of a hypothetical client, write a brief and get to work as if it were a real project. This is actually a really fun way of developing your interior style, especially creating moodboards and choosing furniture, lighting, soft furnishings, and accessories.

Plan how to draw a room to scale, and make sure the furniture you choose fits correctly. There’s no point starting a project, only to find out the sofa you’ve chosen is far too big for the space. Be professional at all points, even if you’re not working with a real client.

self taught interior designer
Credit: Kelly Hoppen (self taught interior designer)

STEP 5 // DO THE NITTY GRITTY

Perhaps you didn’t expect me to tell you to get the paint out? But if you can makeover a room yourself and have photographs taken, this is a great example to showcase your interior design skills. 

Decorating and styling a room in person also highlights how difficult certain tasks can be (something you wouldn’t know just by creating pretty moodboards). Lighting for example, can be a difficult choice unless you’re in the room. Invest in having high-quality images taken of the finished space to put onto a website, blog or social media site to show potential future clients.

Although there are so many mistakes and lessons to learn along the way, if you start with these five steps, you’ll have a portfolio of exciting and inspiring projects in no time.

And the biggest takeaway is to shout about your services. How will you test your skills if people aren’t aware it’s something you offer? Shout it from the rooftops, on social media, and to friends and family.

Don’t forget if you're designing your own home struggling to bring it all together effectively, or you want to develop your design knowledge then HomeEnvy Bootcamp will give you skills, trade discounts, professional advice and a community of lovely design buddies all walking the same path.

Natalie xx

TAGS:interior decoratorInterior Designinterior designer
3 Comments
Share
Author:
Natalie

Hey I'm Natalie, designer, renovator and creator. I've broken down the decorating process into simple and repeatable steps that anyone can follow, even if you don't have an eye for design, so that you can create a beautiful home that looks and feels like you. Click on the links in the top menu to find out how we can help you find your deisgn superpowers 💕

You May Also Like

How To Get Your House Organised This Autumn

18 October 2020

How To Make Your Home Look More Expensive

28 November 2021

7 Colour Scheme For Living Room Ideas

16 October 2020
  • fatheya albraiki
    14 September 2021

    Really helpful,

    Reply
  • Merlin
    23 January 2022

    So helpful! Thank you for posting

    Reply
    • Natalie
      Merlin
      29 January 2022

      Thank you 💕

      Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

Previous Post
Protected: Vision Visual Framework
Next Post
Finding Design Inspiration
Hey I'm Natalie

Hey I'm Natalie

I've broken down the decorating process into simple and repeatable steps that anyone can follow, even if you don't have an eye for design, so that you can create a beautiful home that looks and feels like you. Click on the links in the top menu to find out how I (+ the designers, trades + professionals) can help you find your deisgn superpowers 💕

Courses + Memberships

product_title_1

The Ultimate Home Design Toolkit £27

product_title_2

The Home Design Vault Membership (Designs + Savings!)

product_title_3

The HomeEnvy Bootcamp (Dream Home Design)

Follow On Instagram

  • Let's refresh your home, here's how 👇
With a new season comes the opportunity to take a look at your home with fresh eyes. 
Whether that’s getting on top of a decorating project you’ve had on your to-do list for months or just giving the space a quick refresh.
Both spring and autumn are the perfect time to get your house in order, especially when it comes to decluttering and organising! 
Today I wanted to share five design changes to make for the warmer months we (hopefully) have ahead of us...
1️⃣ PREPARE THE GARDEN FOR SPRING
2️⃣ SWAP YOUR BEDLINEN TO SLEEP BETTER
3️⃣ CHANGE TEXTURES IN YOUR LIVING SPACE
4️⃣ GET SEASONAL APPROPRIATE FLOWERS
5️⃣ SNAGGING & SMALL DIY JOBS
Don't forget to save this post shortly before you follow me for loads of interior design support and help! 
#interiordesigntips #interiordesignideas #interiordesigninspiration
    natalie_gisborne
    natalie_gisborne
    •
    Follow
    Let's refresh your home, here's how 👇 With a new season comes the opportunity to take a look at your home with fresh eyes. Whether that’s getting on top of a decorating project you’ve had on your to-do list for months or just giving the space a quick refresh. Both spring and autumn are the perfect time to get your house in order, especially when it comes to decluttering and organising! Today I wanted to share five design changes to make for the warmer months we (hopefully) have ahead of us... 1️⃣ PREPARE THE GARDEN FOR SPRING 2️⃣ SWAP YOUR BEDLINEN TO SLEEP BETTER 3️⃣ CHANGE TEXTURES IN YOUR LIVING SPACE 4️⃣ GET SEASONAL APPROPRIATE FLOWERS 5️⃣ SNAGGING & SMALL DIY JOBS Don't forget to save this post shortly before you follow me for loads of interior design support and help! #interiordesigntips #interiordesignideas #interiordesigninspiration
    1 month ago
    View on Instagram |
    1/10
  • Want to make your room feel bigger? Here's how! 👇
Whether you have a small living room, tiny bedroom or your whole home is seriously lacking square footage, there are many design tips that you can implement to give your space the illusion of being bigger than it actually is.
Swipe to get 15 simple ways to visually enlarge your space to make it bright and welcoming without reducing your bank account. 
Want more home design resources? Grab the freebie vault in my bio!
https://nataliegisborne.com/links/
#interiordesigntrends #myeclectichome #myscandinavianhome #mygorgeousgaff #cornerofmyhome #mymidcenturymix #mymodernfarmhouse #mybohoabode #myhomedesign #interiorboom #myspaceanddecor #sassyhomestyle #myfabhome #styleithappy #myhometrend #rockininteriors
    natalie_gisborne
    natalie_gisborne
    •
    Follow
    Want to make your room feel bigger? Here's how! 👇 Whether you have a small living room, tiny bedroom or your whole home is seriously lacking square footage, there are many design tips that you can implement to give your space the illusion of being bigger than it actually is. Swipe to get 15 simple ways to visually enlarge your space to make it bright and welcoming without reducing your bank account. Want more home design resources? Grab the freebie vault in my bio! https://nataliegisborne.com/links/ #interiordesigntrends #myeclectichome #myscandinavianhome #mygorgeousgaff #cornerofmyhome #mymidcenturymix #mymodernfarmhouse #mybohoabode #myhomedesign #interiorboom #myspaceanddecor #sassyhomestyle #myfabhome #styleithappy #myhometrend #rockininteriors
    2 months ago
    View on Instagram |
    1/10
  • Planning an interiors project? Let me help with a simple 5 step process!
Follow for more interior design advice + support. 🙌
#interiordesigntrends #myeclectichome #myscandinavianhome #mygorgeousgaff #cornerofmyhome #mymidcenturymix #mymodernfarmhouse #mybohoabode #myhomedesign #interiorboom #myspaceanddecor #sassyhomestyle #myfabhome #styleithappy #myhometrend #rockininteriors
    natalie_gisborne
    natalie_gisborne
    •
    Follow
    Planning an interiors project? Let me help with a simple 5 step process! Follow for more interior design advice + support. 🙌 #interiordesigntrends #myeclectichome #myscandinavianhome #mygorgeousgaff #cornerofmyhome #mymidcenturymix #mymodernfarmhouse #mybohoabode #myhomedesign #interiorboom #myspaceanddecor #sassyhomestyle #myfabhome #styleithappy #myhometrend #rockininteriors
    2 months ago
    View on Instagram |
    1/10
  • Struggling With What To Create In Your Home? 👇
The 8 Step Process To Getting Unstuck Fast and designing a beautiful home
Save this post, and head to my bio 
if you want more interior design support! 
#mydiymydecor #cornerofmyhome #myhomevibe #brightboldhome #myeclectichome #myscandinavianhome #mygorgeousgaff #cornerofmyhome #mymidcenturymix #mymodernfarmhouse #mybohoabode #myhomedesign #interiorboom #myspaceanddecor #
#spotlightonmyhome #myfabhome #styleithappy #myhometrend #rockininteriors
    natalie_gisborne
    natalie_gisborne
    •
    Follow
    Struggling With What To Create In Your Home? 👇 The 8 Step Process To Getting Unstuck Fast and designing a beautiful home Save this post, and head to my bio if you want more interior design support! #mydiymydecor #cornerofmyhome #myhomevibe #brightboldhome #myeclectichome #myscandinavianhome #mygorgeousgaff #cornerofmyhome #mymidcenturymix #mymodernfarmhouse #mybohoabode #myhomedesign #interiorboom #myspaceanddecor # #spotlightonmyhome #myfabhome #styleithappy #myhometrend #rockininteriors
    2 months ago
    View on Instagram |
    1/10

WANT MORE INSPO??

HOW TO:

GET THE LOOK

INSPIRATION

COLOUR

RENOVATION

MINIMALISM

#EYECANDY

Follow Along @natalie_gisborne

  • Let's refresh your home, here's how 👇
With a new season comes the opportunity to take a look at your home with fresh eyes. 
Whether that’s getting on top of a decorating project you’ve had on your to-do list for months or just giving the space a quick refresh.
Both spring and autumn are the perfect time to get your house in order, especially when it comes to decluttering and organising! 
Today I wanted to share five design changes to make for the warmer months we (hopefully) have ahead of us...
1️⃣ PREPARE THE GARDEN FOR SPRING
2️⃣ SWAP YOUR BEDLINEN TO SLEEP BETTER
3️⃣ CHANGE TEXTURES IN YOUR LIVING SPACE
4️⃣ GET SEASONAL APPROPRIATE FLOWERS
5️⃣ SNAGGING & SMALL DIY JOBS
Don't forget to save this post shortly before you follow me for loads of interior design support and help! 
#interiordesigntips #interiordesignideas #interiordesigninspiration
    natalie_gisborne
    natalie_gisborne
    •
    Follow
    Let's refresh your home, here's how 👇 With a new season comes the opportunity to take a look at your home with fresh eyes. Whether that’s getting on top of a decorating project you’ve had on your to-do list for months or just giving the space a quick refresh. Both spring and autumn are the perfect time to get your house in order, especially when it comes to decluttering and organising! Today I wanted to share five design changes to make for the warmer months we (hopefully) have ahead of us... 1️⃣ PREPARE THE GARDEN FOR SPRING 2️⃣ SWAP YOUR BEDLINEN TO SLEEP BETTER 3️⃣ CHANGE TEXTURES IN YOUR LIVING SPACE 4️⃣ GET SEASONAL APPROPRIATE FLOWERS 5️⃣ SNAGGING & SMALL DIY JOBS Don't forget to save this post shortly before you follow me for loads of interior design support and help! #interiordesigntips #interiordesignideas #interiordesigninspiration
    1 month ago
    View on Instagram |
    1/10
  • Want to make your room feel bigger? Here's how! 👇
Whether you have a small living room, tiny bedroom or your whole home is seriously lacking square footage, there are many design tips that you can implement to give your space the illusion of being bigger than it actually is.
Swipe to get 15 simple ways to visually enlarge your space to make it bright and welcoming without reducing your bank account. 
Want more home design resources? Grab the freebie vault in my bio!
https://nataliegisborne.com/links/
#interiordesigntrends #myeclectichome #myscandinavianhome #mygorgeousgaff #cornerofmyhome #mymidcenturymix #mymodernfarmhouse #mybohoabode #myhomedesign #interiorboom #myspaceanddecor #sassyhomestyle #myfabhome #styleithappy #myhometrend #rockininteriors
    natalie_gisborne
    natalie_gisborne
    •
    Follow
    Want to make your room feel bigger? Here's how! 👇 Whether you have a small living room, tiny bedroom or your whole home is seriously lacking square footage, there are many design tips that you can implement to give your space the illusion of being bigger than it actually is. Swipe to get 15 simple ways to visually enlarge your space to make it bright and welcoming without reducing your bank account. Want more home design resources? Grab the freebie vault in my bio! https://nataliegisborne.com/links/ #interiordesigntrends #myeclectichome #myscandinavianhome #mygorgeousgaff #cornerofmyhome #mymidcenturymix #mymodernfarmhouse #mybohoabode #myhomedesign #interiorboom #myspaceanddecor #sassyhomestyle #myfabhome #styleithappy #myhometrend #rockininteriors
    2 months ago
    View on Instagram |
    1/10
  • Planning an interiors project? Let me help with a simple 5 step process!
Follow for more interior design advice + support. 🙌
#interiordesigntrends #myeclectichome #myscandinavianhome #mygorgeousgaff #cornerofmyhome #mymidcenturymix #mymodernfarmhouse #mybohoabode #myhomedesign #interiorboom #myspaceanddecor #sassyhomestyle #myfabhome #styleithappy #myhometrend #rockininteriors
    natalie_gisborne
    natalie_gisborne
    •
    Follow
    Planning an interiors project? Let me help with a simple 5 step process! Follow for more interior design advice + support. 🙌 #interiordesigntrends #myeclectichome #myscandinavianhome #mygorgeousgaff #cornerofmyhome #mymidcenturymix #mymodernfarmhouse #mybohoabode #myhomedesign #interiorboom #myspaceanddecor #sassyhomestyle #myfabhome #styleithappy #myhometrend #rockininteriors
    2 months ago
    View on Instagram |
    1/10
  • Struggling With What To Create In Your Home? 👇
The 8 Step Process To Getting Unstuck Fast and designing a beautiful home
Save this post, and head to my bio 
if you want more interior design support! 
#mydiymydecor #cornerofmyhome #myhomevibe #brightboldhome #myeclectichome #myscandinavianhome #mygorgeousgaff #cornerofmyhome #mymidcenturymix #mymodernfarmhouse #mybohoabode #myhomedesign #interiorboom #myspaceanddecor #
#spotlightonmyhome #myfabhome #styleithappy #myhometrend #rockininteriors
    natalie_gisborne
    natalie_gisborne
    •
    Follow
    Struggling With What To Create In Your Home? 👇 The 8 Step Process To Getting Unstuck Fast and designing a beautiful home Save this post, and head to my bio if you want more interior design support! #mydiymydecor #cornerofmyhome #myhomevibe #brightboldhome #myeclectichome #myscandinavianhome #mygorgeousgaff #cornerofmyhome #mymidcenturymix #mymodernfarmhouse #mybohoabode #myhomedesign #interiorboom #myspaceanddecor # #spotlightonmyhome #myfabhome #styleithappy #myhometrend #rockininteriors
    2 months ago
    View on Instagram |
    1/10
  • If you're renovating, here are a few lessons I've learnt 👉
Part One, keep your eyes peeled for part two coming soon.
Head to the link in my bio to grab free interior design goodies to help you design a beautiful home 💕
#interiordesigntrends #myeclectichome #myscandinavianhome #mygorgeousgaff #cornerofmyhome #mymidcenturymix #mymodernfarmhouse #mybohoabode #myhomedesign #interiorboom #myspaceanddecor #sassyhomestyle #myfabhome #styleithappy #myhometrend #rockininteriors
    natalie_gisborne
    natalie_gisborne
    •
    Follow
    If you're renovating, here are a few lessons I've learnt 👉 Part One, keep your eyes peeled for part two coming soon. Head to the link in my bio to grab free interior design goodies to help you design a beautiful home 💕 #interiordesigntrends #myeclectichome #myscandinavianhome #mygorgeousgaff #cornerofmyhome #mymidcenturymix #mymodernfarmhouse #mybohoabode #myhomedesign #interiorboom #myspaceanddecor #sassyhomestyle #myfabhome #styleithappy #myhometrend #rockininteriors
    3 months ago
    View on Instagram |
    1/10
  • Home
  • Learn With Us
  • About
  • Blog

Copyright © 2022NatalieGisborne.com