How to Become a Kitchen Designer

The kitchen is the most versatile room of a home--you can cook, eat, congregate and store things in a kitchen. Known as the heart of the home, this is a popular room to remodel and many folks are willing to spend quite a bit of money to improve their kitchen's appeal and utility. If kitchens are your passion, consider becoming a kitchen designer.

Instructions

1. Attend a college that offers an interior design degree. Depending on your state's licensing requirements, you'll most likely need a Bachelor's degree in a related field.

2. Get some experience in general interior design. Again, depending on your state's licensing requirements, work experience might be a prerequisite for licensing. Working for someone else teaches you the basics as well as shows you how to run a business.

3. Pay close attention to the kitchen industry. As an interior designer, you'll work with kitchens quite often, but if you want to focus just on kitchens after you get your license, you'll need to know everything you can about kitchens and their design.

4. Apply for your license after you meet your state's requirements. By now, you've had years of experience built upon your design degree. You've worked in the industry and are now familiar with designs, manufacturers and trends. If you feel ready to give yourself the label of "kitchen designer," then you've made it; otherwise keep working at it.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit industry trade shows and conventions. This is one of the best ways to learn about up-and-coming kitchen fashions and to see what other designers are doing.

• You may be able to earn a kitchen design certificate, but check with your state's requirements before proceeding with a vocational program. To receive a license in the field, your state may require a combination of education and experience over a six-year period.