OT: My Dream Job

I actually have my Bachelor's degree in Interior Design with a minor in Construction management... I pursued the Construction management part of my education after college and work for a general contractor as such but Interior Design has always remained a passion/hobby of mine.  If you're interested in getting the education go for it!!  Just keep in mind any legit "Interior Design" program is going to be expensive (projects, materials etc...) and time consuming so you have to be dedicated.  If you have any questions I'd be happy to answer them. 

Keep in mind also that interior design and interior decorating are two different things.  They marry together quite often but they are thought of as interchangeable... an 'Interior Decorator"  can do just that.. simply decorate.  An interior designer often has to have a 4 year degree or higher and depending on the licensing of the state can design and build a structure to a certain square footage without approval by an architect etc... It's more of a structural background and knowledge of building practices and procedures and materials.  You can also become educated and specialized in things like "Kitchen Design" or "Bathroom design" a little bit quicker then a full on Interior Design program.  I wish you luck and condolences that you couldn't take advantage of this experience :( But if it's something you're passionate about I'm sure the next opportunity is just around the corner.  Just seize it when you can!

OK, so YOU have MY dream job - LOL!!! Yes, I did know that design and decorator were two totally separate 'jobs' - I love decorating - that would be my passion. And I told my son-in-law that I have no formal education in that - I think he was just looking for someone to 'organize' this man's thoughts and ideas because Marc said the man has excellent taste but he has so many things going at once that he can't seem to make a decision on anything. And I seem to have a knack of finding things that people are looking for, even when they're not exactly sure what they're looking for - did that make sense? maybe I should be a professional shopper?!

I guess its never too late to pursue a new career - its just hard when you have a job that consumes 11 hours a day between the office hours and travel time.

Ohhhh I always thought I'd be a fantastic professional shopper!!  I love spending other peoples money!  LOL :)

People are often so chaotic in their decorating choices that it either comes across as overkill or "eclectic"  Either way guidance is important to get that perfect balance.  Being able to put your own personal tastes aside and work with someone elses vision is also important.  I hope you persue this passion even if it's on a small scale with friends and family, it really keeps those creative juices flowing and for me it keeps me from spending a ton of money redoing my house every 2 years.  :)

That sounds like a fabulous opportunity....too bad. When the timing is right, it will work out.

What about taking a real estate home staging course?? They are inexpensive and quick and then you can make your own hours around your schedule. You do get to do decorating with it. We hired stagers when we tried to sell our house and they were great.

that's a great idea, too - long before professional 'stagers' were the rage I thought that was something I would love to do - help people get their houses ready to sell. Of course there's a whole new world of that out there but it would be fun! I swear I have some sort of weird house fetish...I love looking at people's houses - just wish they'd let me INSIDE! LOL!!