In order to be an interior designer, you will need at least a bachelor's degree in interior design. However, many designers also hold a master's degree or higher. In addition to formal education, most states require that designers complete an internship or apprenticeship in order to gain experience and become licensed.
Most interior designers specialize in a particular type of design, such as residential, commercial, hospitality, or sustainable design. Within these specialties, there are sub-specialties that focus on specific areas, such as kitchen and bath design or lighting design. Some designers may also choose to specialize in a certain style of design, such as modern or traditional.
No matter what your specialty is, it is important to have a strong foundation in the basic principles of interior design. These include understanding space planning, color theory, furniture selection and placement, fabrics and textiles, lighting design, and more. A good way to learn these principles is by taking classes or earning a degree from an accredited program. You can also get experience by working with another designer or interning at a firm.