The early man first felt the need for shelter to protect himself from the harsh elements. The caves dotting the mountainside suited him just fine. And as he went back to his cave every day, he started to take pains to leave his personal imprint in the space where he spent so much of his time.  He made crude paintings on the walls, and found a nice spot where he could sit comfortably out of harm’s way of the sun and the rain. Though of course he didn’t realize it, this was how the concept of interior designing hatched.

Interior design is the profession where technical and creative solutions are applied to build an interior environment as per the requirement. The essence of interior designing lies in making the places we live or work or even just pass through, more beautiful and comfortable. The interior of a home, for example, reflects the character, the ethos of an individual; and, indeed, a family. What a man finds beautiful is a reflection of his personality.

Designers plan interior spaces of almost every type of building, including offices, airport terminals, theaters, shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, schools, hospitals, and private residences

Thus interior designing is based on the purpose of the dwelling - whether as a home, a workplace, et. al. - and an understanding of the occupant’s lifestyle, traits and aspirations. Then the designer makes use of the tools at his disposal- of space and light, of colors and textures, of placement and utility to create his designs based on that understanding.

It is as much an art as it is a science. In a sense, it is a bigger challenge than the unfettered realm of the arts. The designer has to keep in mind not just the aesthetic value and the beauty of the design but also the practical utility. Designers frequently collaborate with architects, electricians, and building contractors to ensure that designs are safe and meet construction requirements. An interior designer should have a working knowledge of many related fields like architecture, the knowledge of various materials and their properties etc. Equally important is an appreciation of art in various forms.

A career in interior design may be in the employment of designing corporations- big or small, or even as a self employed designer. Interior designers have to create the interior environment using just the available resources and budget and yet meet the clients’ need.

Earnings as an interior designer vary according to experience, quality of design and the professional reputation. Designers may charge on a per job basis, or per hour basis. Conversely, as a part of a corporation, they may be paid as salaried employees.

Increasingly, individual homeowners and companies are roping in the services of interior designers to design their interior environment. It is psychologically proven how the ambient environment affects the minds of people. The better the ambience, the more relaxed people are, and higher their productivity and efficiency. Also, interior designers develop a personal style that is built over a period of time. These styles often inculcate within them a blend of the local flavor.

Contrary to popular belief,, interior designing is far from random. Courses in interior designing teach prospective designers how to stay within the structure of design while expressing their artistic quotient. Interior design courses are available in many institutes all over the country. Importantly, they also teach the students how to find clients, retain and manage them. Thus a successful career in interior designing hinges on the creative, imaginative and artistic capability of the designers and also on their managerial skills.

Successful completion of the interior designing course in India can open up opportunities for self-employment. As the market is ready to absorb more and more interior designers, sky is the limit for those with creative potential. One can also be employed as theater and set designers or exhibition designer after completing these courses in interior designing.

In a nutshell, in addition to possessing technical knowledge, interior designers must be creative, imaginative, and must be able to communicate their ideas visually, verbally, and in writing. Because tastes in style can change fairly quickly, designers need to be well read, open to new ideas and influences, and quick to react to changing trends.