Interior design, as interior designers will tell you, is not the same as interior decorating. Although there are many creative and decorative elements to the interior designer's job, most of their work is focused on the actual buildings themselves, from the height of the walls, the materials for floors, position of stairs, location of windows, whatever a room needs to become an inside space, an interior designer may have a hand in it.

Many students do not realize the technical and engineering side to the craft when they enroll, and things are often more difficult than they had foreseen. However, a successful interior designer must master many elements in order to truly create a well-designed beautiful space. Courses in an interior design program will contain many area specific themes, such as color theory, as well as business ethics, in order to make sure a designer that comes out of their program is well rounded and knowledgeable in all areas of business, not only design business. Design schools also require course be taken in a specific order, like four year universities, so that completion of specific levels will enable a student to successfully move up to the next level.

These design programs are becoming increasingly and incredibly popular. Hundreds of design students may find themselves vying for a very small number of open slots at many of the premier programs. Many students also find that their portfolios are more important than particular grades, and creativity is often rewarded more than in many schools

Many believe that the popularity of DIY and home design television shows of all types of themes has created the boom in interior design's popularity. Many people have been exposed to a whole new world through these shows and are eager to try their hand.

Of course the best method to increase your chances for acceptance is to send out multiple applications. There are many students applying, but there are also many schools to choose from, so if you would like to become a designer, do your research and get to work on those applications!