Interior Decorators In Demand: How to Be One

Nothing beats going home to a cozy, welcoming room after a long tiring day at work. Waking up to a nice, bright kitchen kick starts your day like no other (pair it with good coffee of course!). On the other hand, going into the office and finding clutter at your desk could lead to a lazy day at work. Visual aesthetics can highly influence mood, productivity, and even creativity! That is why a lot of people are now hiring the services of an interior decorator to put into reality their room wishlists.

An interior decorator’s job is to select decorative pieces in a client’s home, office or any space like a restaurant or showroom. With that, he/she works within the client’s budget, which includes wall paint colors, furniture, finishes, and even textiles. Most interior decorators would start out as hobbyists, decorating their own spaces and eventually working with other people like friends and family. If you are interested in diving in and do decorate full time, would you like to know what makes those interior decorators on those tv shows in demand? Read on. 

Certificates and schooling

Okay now, don’t get discouraged! While having a certification or formal training would be a boost to your credentials as a reputable decorator, it is not actually a requirement to have that certificate. Unlike Interior Designers who need formal education and a degree, interior decorators can practice without proper schooling since they deal mostly with aesthetics and not structural planning. However, having formal training can be of big help in building a trustable brand for you and your company so investing in certificates and schooling would be an advantage. 

Your artistic side

No, you don’t have to be a painter or an artist! Since interior decorating is about creating a visually pleasing setup to an area, having a creative mind is a big plus. Being able to relate to the client, being able to visualize what he/she wants, and then putting those ideas into reality takes a creative and resourceful nature. Invest time to browse through design websites, visit art galleries, take a walk in the park to connect with nature. Tap that creative and artistic side in you, and continue to nurture and grow it. It is the heart of your chosen profession.

Organizations or groups

While joining an organization for decorators is not mandatory, it is a big advantage since it would keep you up to date on the current trends in the design industry. It also opens opportunities for further training or education and networking for potential clients and collaborations. Participating in activities taps your interpersonal skills as well, an important part of being an interior decorator. 

Go out and meet local suppliers

Related to the point mentioned above, joining organizations or activities as such can open doors into meeting local suppliers like furniture or textiles, giving you a chance to have a discount or get the first dibs on newly released designs and products. Meeting subcontractors and contractors can also boost the chance of a partnership. Choose to partner with contractors or subcontractors that have a steady ground on the business, have a wide range of clients, and respectable history in the industry. Those with insurance would have a plus point since it shows their reliability and stability.

Having an impressive portfolio

In the design industry, practice is an advantage. From consulting with clients, laying out the concept and putting it into action is a process that needs to be experienced. Problem-solving skills and resourcefulness are characteristics that can only be attained through practice and actual execution. Start out with friends or family, offer to help them redesign their homes or office, make sure to take pictures and testimonies. If you have the means, build your website for easy viewing of your portfolio. Your potential clients can just click and send their inquiries. Having interior decorators insurance is also a good investment since it is mandatory in some states. It also builds trust with your clients, knowing they are protected should any problems arise. It is also a breather on your part, leaving you no worries so you can focus on perfecting your design.

That coffee shop you love going to? The ambiance is warm, right? And that doctor’s clinic that makes you feel safe instead of sick? Yep, interior decorators can set a mood. No wonder the profession is once again growing its demand. With this there are more doors of opportunity opening, take the tips above and practice, grow and learn. When you walk into a room, what does it make you feel? How would you rearrange those crowded chairs? It’s amazing how a room makes you feel, indeed there is more to life than that lazy boy…