Media Portrayal of Interior Design/HGTV

Due to the way our media portrays interior design, viewers generally get the wrong idea about it. A lot of times the shows on HGTV will label an interior decorator as an interior designer which are obviously to separate and very different professions. Because of this, people commonly believe that interior designers simply add color to walls and place furniture in a room. On top of that, the media wants the general public to believe what they put out. Some subject matter can be twisted or exaggerated simply to pull the viewer into their story so that they gain from it. Often times because of this, TV programs do not show what an actual interior designer does behind the scenes when approaching a project. We only see a projects' beginning and completion within a 30 minute segment.

Because of the the media's negative take on interior design, it is important as students and professional's to educate those who believe that we simply add splashes of color to a room, and adorn a space with decorations and beautiful furniture. We do much more, and it is only fair that the general public know this. So if the television programs are not going to change how they portray our profession, then we need to change how we display our profession to the public.

The Future of Interior Design

Interior design, although it is commonly confused with the interior decoration profession, has a bright future ahead. I think that interior design programs will grow larger in schools that feature them, and will be introduced to schools that do not offer such a program. This could also mean interior design being introduced to high school level education. I believe that innovation and different technologies will only further enhance the unique qualities of interior design.
I see the expansion of "green" technologies and products within the profession, which will only be more attractive to prospective clients. Also with a lot of our technology switching to digital touchscreen interface, I believe that design professionals will have their hands on new design technologies that will be easier to use. With touchscreen technologies, it may be possible for a professional to design a space with their fingertips, literally.
I believe it is in the hands of educators and design professionals to further the success and knowledge of the profession. With the proper education and promotion of interior design, it is possible that those who are made aware of the profession may be inspired by it and may pursue. Of course this is only speculation, but it is not exactly an unrealistic theory.  Current design professionals, educators, and students have the power to change the general public's perception of interior design, and can also inform them of how to attain a license in interior design.