Rebecca works as an interior designer abroad – in The Hague, the Netherlands

Dreaming of working as an interior designer abroad? Meet Rebecca, who after completing her Certified Interior Decorator program with us now runs her own interior design company, Smör Interiör, based in The Hague, Netherlands. Discover her journey from textile engineer at Volvo Cars in Gothenburg to her dream career as an interior designer in beautiful The Hague, her best tips for succeeding in the program, and how to dare to follow your dream – even in a new country.

Hi Rebecca, so nice to talk to you! Can you start by telling us a little about yourself – who are you and what did you do before you started studying to become an interior designer?

I’m 41 years old, a textile engineer and now also an interior designer. Two years ago my family and I decided to move from Gothenburg to my husband’s hometown The Hague, in the Netherlands. Previously I worked for nine years as a textile engineer and project manager at Volvo Cars’ R&D department in Gothenburg.

You have an exciting background as a textile engineer – how did you come to the conclusion that interior design was the next step for you?

I’ve always been interested in design, art and form, and was drawn to it quite naturally, even though I didn’t have any cultural capital from home. I took different art courses and later a five-year textile engineering degree in Borås to gain deeper knowledge of textile materials and their applications.

A close friend of mine is a therapist, and once we talked about passions – what comes naturally and what you usually help others with. Then I realized that I often help friends and family with functional and decorative solutions in their homes: color choices, textile patterns, furniture layout. I’ve always had a feeling for space and flow when I step into a room, but never really understood why. That sparked my curiosity to find an education that could explain it.

You studied to become a certified interior designer with us at Inredningskurser Sverige. How did you find the studies? Were there any particular moments or parts of the program that you especially enjoyed?

Oh, that’s hard – there were so many valuable parts! I love history, especially design history, and to understand why certain products look the way they do based on their era and use.

Presentation techniques and SketchUp have also been incredibly useful in my work so far, and I’m still working on finding my style there. The clients I’ve had have also been interested in Feng Shui, so in addition to the program content I’ve also deepened my knowledge in that area.

What made you choose our program in particular?

I was looking for a program that I could combine with work, at my own pace, since I worked full-time at Volvo Cars. Of course there are interior architecture programs, but since I already have a bachelor’s and master’s degree in textile engineering, I wasn’t very keen on studying full-time for another 3–5 years.

Instead I wanted to build my own “backpack” – with deeper material knowledge, project management and interior design competence. Your program fit perfectly – and you had very good reviews, which made a difference!

What do you feel has been most useful from the program now that you’ve taken your first steps into working life as an interior designer?

Just like with most educations, a lot of it is about confidence – to know that you have the knowledge and know what you’re talking about. I think the program gave me a very good foundation to build on.

You’re always learning new things, but I often return to the study material to feel that I’m on the right track. It’s a reassurance to have such a broad base to stand on, and to be able to answer clients’ questions with confidence.

Tell us about Smör Interiör! How was the idea born, what does the name stand for and what is your vision for the company?

Haha, I thought that if I was ever going to run my own business, there had to be room for humor and lightness! I didn’t want a name that directly signaled Sweden or Scandinavia here in the Netherlands – but something with Å, Ä or Ö that would spark curiosity. The word “interiör” is also almost identical in Dutch.

For me, butter (“smör”) is something that enhances the flavor – the little extra, the umami of everyday life. And the fact that it rhymes with “interiör” is a bonus!

From the beginning I’ve had a clear sustainability focus, and even if not all clients are equally aware yet, we often discuss quality, product origins and environmental impact. I want to build a company I’m proud of – and eventually run a small studio with a few employees who share my vision.

What kind of assignments are you working on right now – is there a particular project you’d like to highlight?

Right now I’m trying to both work locally here in the Netherlands and offer consultations online. I have three private homes in The Hague that I’m working on, and hopefully soon an assignment in a public space – but I don’t want to jinx it ;)

I also have a remote assignment where I’m planning a renovation of a house in northern Italy. I love the variation – and helping people understand what they’re really looking for, even when they don’t quite know themselves yet.

Do you have any advice for others who dream of changing careers and going into interior design, maybe even in another country?

1. Make it your unique journey. It’s easy to think that others are better or more experienced, but no one else has your background or your perspective. Think about what makes you special – maybe you have an insight, experience or network that no one else has.

2. Be patient when starting your own business – something I remind myself of all the time. It takes time to get started. Think about how you want to do it: go all in from the start, or combine it with other work?

3. Review your finances and life situation. Can you study alongside work, or do you need to reduce your hours? What does life look like now – and going forward? Get help from Inredningskurser Sverige to plan your study pace. If you’re going to start your own business, calculate how much you need to support yourself so you don’t feel pressured to make money right away.

4. It’s a challenge to start out in a new country, but also fairly liberating. I’m so new here on so many levels that I’m not as afraid of failing. I’m also seen as a bit more exciting and unique here, since I come from a country with a strong design and interior culture.

5. Social media is important – but in the beginning, physical networking is even more important. I visit interior stores, sustainability events, and meet other Swedes in the Netherlands. The first jobs don’t just come on their own!

And finally – what are your dreams for the future, both as an interior designer and as an entrepreneur?

To put the dog in a cargo bike and cycle to Smör Interiör’s studio including shop – a combined office where we also renovate and sell vintage or recycled furniture. I want to build a team that has fun together and shares the vision of sustainable and circular interiors – both for homes, public spaces and businesses.

And it would be extra fun if in the future we got recognized for a particular project where sustainability was at the center.

Thank you, Rebecca, for such an inspiring interview! If you’d like to continue following Rebecca on her journey as an interior designer in the Netherlands, you can find her on Instagram @smor.interior or visit her website at https://smorinterior.com/.