Even though I’ve been an interiors blogger for years now, and have been studying with KLC since 2016, I’ve never written about my experience on here. I guess it’s because I’m still trying to figure it all out for myself still and so find it difficult to offer advice to others. Another part of it is also because I don’t think I’m the best example of how to study effectively from home! Like many other online KLC students, I work part-time and have a young family which leaves little time for much else. Living in a small cottage means I have to tidy all of my study material away each time otherwise I’ll find my floorplans have been colour-coordinated by a 6 year old!
A little about me to begin my story… I’ve always been obsessed with interiors. I used to drive my Mum mad rearranging the house and painting furniture. After over a decade working in brand marketing, I decided it was about time that I took the plunge and take the first step to becoming an interior designer. I popped along to a KLC open day and signed up there and then. I was all enthusiasm and very little plan… and so my method has been more chaos than anything else!
I’m not a perfect student – I submitted my first section a few minutes before the deadline with my newborn daughter looking on. I had 18 months to do the work which is plenty of time, but life got in the way and the months slipped past. I’ve not worked on my course at all for 6 months now even though I keep telling myself that I will. Time slips away and other things take over – normal family life!
Studying interior design online is all about learning on the go. And I’m not just talking about the wealth of learning you get, but how to actually get through the course successfully. The biggest mistake I made was to not print everything out and read it all thoroughly, including the marking notes. If I’d have dedicated more time to planning ahead, I would have been more organised knowing exactly what I needed to do and what was expected. There are things that are listed in the marking criteria that aren’t mentioned elsewhere so do read everything first!
After speaking with other distance learning KLC students, I realised that I’m not in the minority at all. We’re all in the same boat – busy lives but all hugely passionate about interior design. We all have the best intentions when it comes to studying interior design from home. Some of us are just far better at it than others!
In a bid to becoming a better KLC student, I asked our Facebook group for their tips (definitely join a group for your start year as the peer support is amazing). And here are the little nuggets of inspiration that I learned:
“What helps me to be consistent with my studies is having a plan with milestones, deadlines and rewards when I achieve those” NiclaD Interiors
“Focus, planning and milestones; doing what you said you’d do even when you don’t want to…” Julia McLearon.
“A bright task light above your drawing board so you can carry on working into the wee hours! And no, I still haven’t got one!” Jenny Humphreys
“If space allows, create a study corner. Getting a desk and chair has really helped me focusing. So now I can sit upright rather than relaxing on sofa with laptop – and can keep my paperwork and samples in order too. A pin board near to your study corner could also help with keeping creative ideas in one place and in sight” Beata Kepics
“Storage. Accessible, usable storage! You accumulate ‘stuff’ on this course; stuff that is great for now and also useful in the future. Good storage means you can keep track, document, and access information/fabrics /magazines etc, as and when you need” Laura Bailey
“Dedicate one specific day per week on the course (full if possible) and try not deviate from this. Smaller tasks can be accommodated during the week. Also, listen to yourself and have breaks in between projects/sections. Finally, get out on the streets every now and then, helps motivation and out things into perspective. Speak to peers” Maria Benaki
Moving forward, I’m definitely going to dedicate 5-6 straight hours per week. KLC has a calculator that you can use to judge how long it’ll take you to complete the course. With an imminent house-move, I’ll have a dedicated workspace which will help hugely. I’ll definitely invest in a task light and pin board to keep my favourite inspirational images in sight.
My last tip for studying Interior Design from home is to try and find a mentor. An interior designer who you can grab a coffee with every now and then. I had several mentors in my last profession and found it invaluable. Online forums are great, but not quite the same as the advice and experience you can get from a seasoned designer.
Wish me luck!
Natalia xo
Wow this is such an amazing achievement, it’s so hard to study anyway without other life factors to juggle! Well done you :)
How amazing that you are doing this with a newborn in tow! VERY inspiring!
Life is a rollercoaster! If you can do it so can I! Good for you for going out there and getting what you want!
I can completely relate to your studying Interior Design, although I did my diploma and FDA degree with the National Design Academy. Long distance learning is incredibly tough especially if you’ve a family in tow too. I have 3 kids, not including the hubs ;) and also have ME so it was challenging to say the least over the period of four years!! All I can say is that when you reach that final module, you get an incredible sense of achievement especially when you get to don the hat and gown! Wishing you all the best and keep going it’s so worth it in the end! xx
Its admirable that you’re taking on the course with a young family. Some great tips. I hope its all going well. Good luck!
Such an interesting read! Love hearing about this as I’d love to study a course like this
This looks amazing, I would love to do a course like this! Perhaps when my daughter starts school I’ll look into it :)
I would never have the discipline to do an online course from home with a small family and an imminent house move. So massive kudos to you. Love the idea of a mentor. That definitely sounds like great advice.
A big well done to you. It takes courage, dedication and a dose of imagination to do something out of your comfort zone like going back to study. Many people do drop by the wayside with long online courses; I say that as I was a tutor for one! I don’t think we’re close by or I offer my sipping coffee skills
hats off to you Natalia… I mean,… been there, tried it and it wasn’t for me in my current circumstances. I would love to be able to finish my course too one day , if nothing else, because i have paid for it damn it :)
well done lovely for jugling everything so well , i am also considering taking an online course so i could study at home – hats off to you x
I agree with all the comments. I have so much respect for those who choose to study whilst juggling families, homes etc. Studying as an 19 year old is so much easier! I know it will be worth the hard work and that will take your career where you want it to go. Being productive and blocking time is def the key to making it all work and trying to be present with our partners, kids and friends. All the best, keep us updated on your progress x
Good luck! I admire that you’ve taken it all on with a young family – juggling all of that must be tricky so well done!