Thursday, March 3, 2011

Interior Design 101

Think grammar school.  Pencils, check. Erasers, check. Graph paper, check.  Tracing paper, check.  Architectural scale, check.  Glue stick, check.  You get the picture!  I finally bit the bullet and enrolled in an interior design class at a local college.  I think this is the first time I have taken a class and really (and I mean really) just enjoyed it.  It felt natural although intimidating because I have no experience, but that is why I am there, right? 


The last 30 minutes of class, our instructor handed out her favorite design shelter magazines and told us to browse them and rip out anything that inspires us.  I was like, for real?  I mean this is what I do for ultimate pleasure and now I get to do in class!!  Love it!!


The instructor, an established interior designer, shared a lot of 'sound' advice and many of her sources or as she calls them her "secrets".  It was fun and I'm looking forward to going back next week. 


For homework, we need to pick a room in our house that we want to re-do and the sky is the limit (in terms of budget).  Do you know how foreign that is to me?  I am so use to sourcing items that are budget friendly, I think I am going to get over-whelmed with all the beautiful and amazing furnishings out there. 


But, hey, I'm not complaining.  This is going to be so fun!!  I picked our dining room!!  Woohoo...

22 comments:

  1. Congrats on enrolling in school! May I ask where you are going? I used to work for an interior designer in Greenwich, and have missed it so much since moving back to Southington. I've since started classes in graphic design and really love it. I can't wait to hear all about your school adventures!

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  2. I have been wanting to take a class also! How fun and let's us know what you learn!

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  3. So exciting, Fran! Taking that class at RISD was the best thing I ever did. I'm sure you are going to love it. Keep us posted on what you learn. You'll be teaching us all a thing or two!

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  4. I have been wanting to take a class also! How fun and let's us know what you learn!

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  5. Fran, I am so jealous...but overwhelmingly happy for you at the same time! Enjoy every minute of it. I hope that you can distill some of what you learn for those of us novices!

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  6. This is so exciting Fran! Wow you are one busy lady, but it doesn't really fell busy when it is something you love. Please share what you learn and have fun with that unlimited budget. Foreign to me too.

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  7. Hi Fran,

    I saw your comment on Kate's blog and as a huge Top Chef fan, had to come over to see yours. And then I see this post where you feature one of my all time favorite dining rooms and so now I'm hooked on Green Street. I've always wanted to take the interior design course given at our local community college in Norwalk and have never had the courage so kudos to you! Hope it's a fabulous experience and can't wait to see what you do in your dining room.
    Best,
    Carolyn

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  8. can't believe the part about ripping out favorite images from shelter mags. I've got binders and shelves that are FILLED. what a fun homework assigment too. At first I thought the last pic was your dining room and I couldn't understand why on earth you'd want to re-do it, it's perfect! ha! good luck. You'll have to share your ideas with all of us!!

    xo,
    Tessa

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  9. Good for you - what a dream! I signed up awhile ago to take online classes, but haven't really started yet. It would definitely be for fun, but also the sheer education of it all. Enjoy. You just might inspire me to finally get going on my classes!

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  10. Hi Stacy, I'm taking the course at Norwalk Community College!

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  11. Tessa, I wish that last picture was of my dining room!! OR I wish I had your dining room!!

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  12. How great. Pass on what you are learning to all us design-obsessed undereducated blog readers.

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  13. I'm so excited for you Fran, it sounds like so much fun. Are you planning on getting a degree or is this more of an adult education/continuing education course? I would love it if I could find a class like this. I can't wait to see what you choose for your fantasy dining room.

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  14. That is so exciting! I would love to take a class like that! Thanks for popping by my blog this weekend!

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  15. Fran! So proud and excited for you all wrapped into one. I hope you share about your class every week on the blog. Keep us posted!
    abby

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  16. Good for you about the class. That would really be fun. I have always thought what fun to redo a room or something and not worry about the $$$$. Glad you are feeling better. Aunt Suz

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  17. Congrats. enjoy every min of your new class.You can just lose yourself in interior design classes.

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  18. HI Fran! Congrats on your new endeavor. Sounds like so much fun. Heck, I would take a class just to get some "free" time to sit down and look at magazines :)

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  19. Good for you! I can't wait to follow your progress ;)

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  20. Fun! I would love to take a class. I would have a hard time without a budget too.... I'd love to see the results :)

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  21. Wow, good for you! This is something I'd love to do, but am too scared to (my design inspirations are inconsistent). Can't wait to see what you do. Please tell us more about your classes as you go.

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  22. I'm new to your blog but a fellow CT interior design lover! Are you taking the class with Noelle Newell? I took it in the fall and loved it. She is a total hoot and makes the whole experience really fun. I hope you enjoy it!

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