I’ve put my whole heart into this course, and if I’m honest, my personal life has been completely on hold as we push to get everything ready for launch on 26th June. It’s the first thing I do when I wake up and the last thing I look at before bed. I knew this would be a big project, but I don’t think I realised quite how all-consuming it would be. Without a doubt, it’s the most challenging thing I’ve ever taken on.
We’ve now finished filming, with over 100 hours of footage we’re deep in the editing phase. I watch every second myself, often multiple times, tweaking and fine-tuning with our brilliant videographer Gem. Once I’m happy, we add more layers: filming extra references, pulling in case studies, and making sure every example is clear and visually engaging. Then it goes back to editing, and the cycle begins again. The level of detail involved has been eye-opening, even for me.
Alongside filming and editing, we’ve also been deep in the logistics behind the scenes and honestly, it’s been a whole new learning curve. We have an incredible team of web designers building a bespoke course platform that feels elevated and intuitive, with every detail carefully considered to make the learning journey as seamless and inspiring as possible. Because the course will be available internationally, we’ve had to navigate things I hadn’t fully appreciated at the start. One thing that mattered a lot to me was making the course accessible, so we’ve introduced Klarna to allow split payments. I really want this to feel within reach for anyone with a genuine passion for design. I’m so grateful for the brilliant team working behind the scenes to bring this all to life. It’s these unseen layers that make the whole experience possible, and I wanted to share them with you so you feel part of the journey too.
Why This Has Meant So Much
One of the reasons this has felt so intense is because it’s so personal. This isn’t just a course. It’s everything I’ve learned over 17 years in the interior design industry, with over 80 projects completed and condensed into something I hope will genuinely help and inspire others. I care deeply about getting it right, not just in terms of content, but also in how it looks and feels. I want it to reflect the same attention to detail and aesthetic that we bring to every client project.
There’s a full team behind the scenes who’ve been incredible, writing, filming, editing, designing, all with the shared goal of creating something that’s not only valuable, but beautifully collated too. For each module, we’ve spent four weeks scripting, two full days filming, and then weeks editing, revising, and crafting the workbook. And we repeat that process again and again for each section.
What Makes It Different
When we started planning this course, we spoke to so many people who had taken other interior design courses. The main thing we kept hearing was, “It offered a general overview of interior design, but fell short when it came to preparing me for real-world projects. The practical, experience-based insight just wasn’t there.” That stuck with me. And that’s exactly what sets our course apart. It’s practical, full of real-life examples, and based on how I actually work with clients. It’s so important to me that every concept I discuss in the videos is backed up with real examples and case studies, especially for visual learners. Our latest project completes just days before the course launch, but we wanted to include examples from it. So, we have arranged extra photography and videography to capture those key elements. This way, you’ll see exactly how the ideas and techniques covered in the course come to life in a finished space – fresh, practical examples straight from our most recent work.
Each module includes:
- A detailed briefing questionnaire to help you fully understand your space and lifestyle
- Curated inspiration galleries and mood board guidance to help develop your style
- Real floor plan examples, lighting plans, and joinery drawings from our projects
- A breakdown of common mistakes to avoid, the things we see time and again
- My go-to paint colours and finishes
- Access to my Little Black Book of Suppliers, showing you exactly where I source key pieces, finishes and fixtures
We’re still adding the finishing touches to the workbooks, which include reference drawings, extra resources, and thoughtful activities. I’m especially proud of how these are turning out. They’re designed to be beautiful, but more importantly, useful.
A Sneak Peek at What’s to Come
We’ve shared early versions of the course with a small group for feedback, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. After all this work, that honestly made me quite emotional. It’s such a relief to know it’s resonating, and we’re making a few final tweaks based on that feedback to make sure the whole experience is as seamless and enjoyable as possible.
Many people have told me they struggle with confidence when it comes to interior design. They know what they like, but bringing everything together and making the right decisions along the way can feel overwhelming. That’s exactly what this course is here to change. It gives you a clear process, practical tools and real-life examples so you can approach any project with purpose. From layout planning and lighting to defining your own style, you’ll learn how to make confident, informed decisions.
We’re also gearing up for a press launch at the iconic Peninsula Hotel in Hyde Park – the perfect setting, especially as we’re about to complete an incredible apartment there in the next couple of months. After over a year of working on this course, I’m so excited to finally share it. I genuinely believe in what we’ve created and the confidence it can give others; whether they’re homeowners tackling a renovation or aspiring designers looking to sharpen their skills. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. Presenting to a room full of influential journalists is a whole new kind of pressure. It’s not just about showcasing the work we’ve put in, it’s about communicating why this matters. This course is everything I wish more people knew before starting a project. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built. It’s been one of the biggest undertakings of my career, but also one of the most fulfilling. I can’t wait to finally share it with you all.
If you’re considering joining the course and want a glimpse into what it’s really like to work in interior design, have a look at our recent YouTube video: “Behind the Scenes in the Life of an Interior Designer.” It offers a calming, realistic look at a day in our studio and gives you an idea of the work and the kind of projects you might one day take on yourself.
For more inspiration, visit our website and explore our portfolio to see how we’ve brought individuality and character to each of our clients’ homes through thoughtful, personalised design. For exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, subscribe to our YouTube channel. For daily inspiration and updates, follow us on Instagram @sophiepatersoninteriors.
