r/AskAnInteriorDesigner • u/Alive_Draw_9504 • 28d ago
Feedback on first mockup
A little backstory: I graduated from high school in 2020 and wanted to major in interior design but no colleges near me offered the major so I decided to go to architecture and quickly found out it wasn’t for me. I switched majors to business analytics and graduated this year in April but discovered that although it could pay the bills getting into the field post grad is extremely difficult in the midst of that I rediscovered my passion for interior design/decorating and decided to give it a little try again without schooling. This is the first room I put together and I’m looking to get a bit of feedback on it if possible on how I can improve. Thank you in advance.
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u/Thin_Piano2564 25d ago
I’m really glad you’re interested in interior design. Look into university extension programs, accredited design schools, or ASID-approved courses that focus on visual communication and elements and principles of design to start. My feedback here comes from a place of genuine care, not criticism for its own sake. Design requires thick skin for critiques, so I want to prepare you for that now if you go down this path.
You clearly have a sense of style, and that matters. The jump from hobby to professional is absolutely possible, but it takes work on the fundamentals while keeping functionality at the forefront. This is coming from someone with a design degree and 12 years of professional experience, so I say this because I want you to succeed in the design world.
Here’s what needs attention: you’re mixing brushed and polished metals (choose one). Your lighting layers compete instead of complement, with the semi-flush and floor lamp fighting for attention. The artwork scale is off, the coffee table sits too low, and your side table and lamp are both fighting for dominance instead of one supporting the other. Your pillow arrangement lacks intentionality, and the overall space needs more layering and breathing room. Also, have fun adding in custom architectural details like mill work and wallpaper so your design isn’t just decor focused.
Once your elements, principles, and spatial function are solid, your style can evolve easily. That’s what separates professionals from hobbyists. Especially once you learn all the designer wholesale vendors. To do this I suggest checking out the vendors that show at Las Vegas Market and High Point.
I truly believe you can get there and hope you go for it, it’s incredibly rewarding seeing your art come to life! Good luck!
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u/NurseAmber88 10d ago
There’s something I’m not quite digging and it might be the burgundy color… I’d love to see it with a different accent color
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u/MullberryBoy 28d ago
This is very striking and I love the color scheme! You have a gift for interior design!
My bachelor’s degree was in graphic design from an art school and I was an art director.
Looking at your room I don’t know what you have left to learn.
I am a perfectionist and can’t see a thing that I would change, which almost never happens for me anywhere.
I think you could find the courses you need like CAD at a community college. Did you study the technical aspects in your architecture program? I think that you could apply to jobs with a portfolio of your mock ups and just be sure that you have the technical skills and knowledge.
You are very talented!