Sofia works as an interior sales associate at IKEA alongside running her own interior design business

With a burning passion for interiors that only grew stronger over the years, Sofia finally decided it was time to change paths and train for her dream career – interior decorator. During her studies, she interned with the design team at IKEA, and today she combines her role as a sales associate at IKEA in Denmark with running her own interior design and styling company. Get inspired by her journey, her best advice for those considering the same leap, and what everyday life as a professional decorator really looks like.

Hi Sofia, so great to talk with you! Can you tell us a little about yourself – who you are, what you do today, and where you live?

Hi! I’m so happy to be part of this! My name is Sofia and I’m a creative and driven person with a big passion for interiors and everything that makes a home cozy and inviting. I was born and raised in Malmö and today I live in an apartment with my partner – a home I of course love to constantly renew and test new ideas in.

I see my home as a creative lab where I try new ideas all the time – everything from experimenting with color combinations and textiles to finding smart solutions for small spaces. For me, interior decorating isn’t just about the visual – it’s about creating environments where people feel safe, inspired, and at home.

In everyday life, I work as a sales associate at IKEA. I recently switched stores and now work across the bridge in Denmark. It’s an exciting change that has given me new perspectives both in work and in life.

You finished your course last year. How did you find your time as a student? Was there anything that surprised you or gave you new perspectives?

I’m very happy with my studies. Since I was also working 75% at IKEA, the flexibility of the program was a huge advantage – I could really adapt my studies to my everyday life, which meant I could give it my all without compromise.

What surprised me was how broad the training actually was. I thought I had an idea of what interior decorating involved – but the program really opened my eyes to how many different directions you can take within the profession. Everything from large-scale concept development and moodboards to more niche areas like color coordination, styling, or lighting design. It gave me new perspectives and made me even more certain that this is the career I want to pursue.

What inspired you to change careers and follow your creative interest in interior design? And what did you do before deciding to switch paths?

I’ve worked in the logistics and retail industry for a long time, but I’ve always had a creative side. Even as a child, I loved creating, rearranging furniture, and making spaces beautiful.

At one point I realized it wasn’t enough to just express my creativity at home – I wanted to do more with it. My interest in interiors grew stronger over the years, and it became especially clear when I started working with logistics at IKEA. Being in an environment where interiors were at the center sparked something in me – it felt like I had found the right place. That’s when I decided to follow my passion and change careers.

What do you take with you from your time as a student? Is there an area that caught your interest more, and that you dream of working with in the future?

I take a lot with me from my studies, especially because the program was so broad and gave an overall understanding of the entire field of interiors. It was incredibly valuable to test so many aspects – from creating different concept boards to styling and color work.

Styling is definitely something I would love to work with, because it’s so creative and immediate. But I also dream about one day working on larger interior projects, where I can be involved from the idea stage all the way to a finished environment. What really motivates me is the chance to create complete solutions that make a real difference in people’s daily lives.

During your studies you had the opportunity to do an internship with the interior design team at IKEA – can you tell us more about that and what you did there?

Getting an internship with the interior designers at IKEA wasn’t easy, but I reached out and showed my interest – and to my delight I eventually got a spot. For a few weeks I got to follow different interior designers in their daily work and take part in several projects.

One week I was part of the planning phase, helping select products for different room sets. I also assembled lamps and other details, and hung them up – during those weeks I became very good friends with the ladder, haha!

What I appreciated most was the variation. One day it could be planning a change or rebuild, and the next day you’d be in the middle of the actual setup, decorating and arranging spaces. It was both educational and inspiring to see the whole process from idea to finished environment.

What is your current role at IKEA? And what do you hope to work with in the future?

I’ve very recently switched stores and now work across the bridge in Denmark. I work as a sales associate in lighting and home organization – two areas that were also part of my training, which makes it extra fun. It feels rewarding to work closer to the products and to use the knowledge I gained from my studies in my daily contact with customers.

Of course, my dream is to work as an interior designer in the future. I know the road there isn’t always straightforward, especially since it seems like many people enjoy the role so much they rarely leave it. But I don’t see that as an obstacle – rather as motivation to keep developing, gaining experience, and being ready when the right opportunity comes along.

What’s the best part of your new role as an interior designer?

The best part is definitely helping people create a home they truly enjoy. Many don’t have the time or energy to tackle their interior dreams – and stepping in with my knowledge, passion, and creativity feels both meaningful and fun.

I recently took a big step by launching my own portfolio and website – StyledbySf.se – where I offer interior help and styling services. It feels incredibly exciting to share what I’m passionate about on a more personal level, and I hope the site can both inspire and open up new opportunities. Feel free to check it out – and of course, share it!

For those considering studying to become an interior decorator and changing careers, what advice would you give? Your top tips for succeeding in the field?

• Dare to take the step Changing careers can feel both scary and exciting – but if you’re passionate about interiors and dream of working creatively, it’s worth going for it. Life is too short not to follow your passion.

• Remember everyone was once a beginner It’s easy to compare yourself to people who are already established – but the truth is, they all started somewhere. Focus on your own journey and allow yourself to learn at your own pace.

• Trust your gut feeling Interior design isn’t just about trends and rules – it’s about feeling, courage, and creating something that feels right. Your intuition is one of your most important tools – dare to trust it.

• Build experience step by step Take every chance to intern, help out with projects, or create your own. Even small assignments matter. You learn so much from trying, failing, succeeding, and trying again.

• Network and put yourself out there Create a portfolio, share your projects on social media, and don’t be afraid to connect with others in the industry. Many are open, helpful, and remember what it was like to be new.

Where do you find inspiration in your daily work as an interior designer? Any favorite sites, accounts, or places?

I get a lot of inspiration from Pinterest! That’s probably my biggest tip – I can scroll there for hours. But there are also amazing accounts on Instagram. If you follow me @styledby.sf you’ll see several of the accounts I follow within interiors.

A big thank you to Sofia for sharing her story with us!

If you’d like to continue following Sofia’s career as an interior decorator, you can find her on Instagram @styledby.sf or check out her website and portfolio at styledbysf.se.