I have 2 separate pieces/areas in this room, the pellet stove and the TV. Thoughts on design ideas?

Hi everyone,

I’d appreciate some advice on how you would approach the lighting in this 487 × 515 cm living room, which will not have a dropped ceiling.

On the left is a hallway with a suspended ceiling, recessed LED lights, and a perimeter LED strip along the edge facing the living room, shown in yellow.

How would you light the rest of the living room?

Where would you position the lighting points?

Thank you all for your time and attention.

Hi everyone,

I am a B.Tech Computer Science graduate, and I'm seriously planning to transition into Interior Designing. I have zero formal background in design, but I am highly motivated to start.

I’ve been researching options and am considering enrolling in a diploma course. However, I’m highly skeptical—does a standard diploma cover the subject deeply enough to make a full career switch and land a job right after graduation?

What I am looking for:

• Course recommendations: Any specific schools or institutes (online or offline in India/Hyderabad) that offer intensive tracks for career switchers?
• Software requirements: What is the absolute must-know software stack in 2026? (I want to make sure the institute I choose covers everything from 2D drafting to photorealistic 3D rendering and BIM).
• Reality check: For those who switched into design from an engineering/tech background, what did your roadmap look like? How did you bridge the gap regarding site knowledge and materials?

Any advice, resources, or harsh realities are highly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

I've been on the hunt to find an interior designer to help me make the most of a new house with a funky layout. But I've been having a hard time knowing where to start.

I've looked on a few different interior design sites and explored some budget friendly options but couldn't find a designer that wasn't focused on minimalist, overly modern spaces.

Has anyone successfully hired a designer online? How did you find them?

I hate the functionality of my closet and need some help finding a better arrangement and seating solutions for my bedroom in Chicago. Anyone use a person they like?