If you enjoy decorating your home, starting a small business as an interior decorator may be right for you!

Intrduction

An interior decorator has the ability to take an amount of space inside a residential home or other building, that has a given shape or shapes, and using an assortment of materials, transform that place into something more pleasant, more functional, and in some way more profitable to the client than he or she had before. This re-decorating does not require re-designing, remodeling or actually changing the internal structure of the dwelling.

Traditionally, at least 80% of Americans remodel their homes at some time at an annual cost of over 150 billion dollars. According to one Harris Poll, one in seven Americans gets help from a professional designer. This means lots of work for interior designers and interior decorators. Of course, because of the recession, lots of homeowners are cutting back on expenses, and that includes home improvements.

However, even in the midst of the present recession, there is still a great demand for expert help from a skilled designer, especially if you, at least at the beginning of your business, will offer very affordable rates. So the key to your success right now is this: your skills and affordable rates.

Knowledge and Skills You Will Need

To be an effective interior decorator, you must possess a basic set of artistic abilities and a strong appreciation and love for different types of art. If you have an appreciation but lack certain knowledge and specific skills to be an interior decorator, you can learn. Even though a degree is not required, it's recommended to get at least an Associative Arts degree either in interior decorating or in interior design.

Again, a real plus about interior decorating is that, even though it's recommended, it's not required for interior decorators to have a degree. Some high school students step right out of high school into jobs with an interior decorating firm, or even start their own small business. However, If you are very serious about long term advancement in a career as an interior decorator, you might consider getting a bachelor's degree in interior design as well.

It would be helpful for you to know the main differences between interior decorating and interior design. At least most of the states require an interior designer to have a bachelor's degree in interior design as well as to be licensed with the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). Unlike an interior decorator, a licensed interior designer is authorized to not only interior decorate, but to change the actual architecture of a building.

Be familiar with and be able to work with a very large number and types of materials, such as furniture, wall paint, live and artificial plants, wall and ceiling paint, wall hangings and mirrors, carpet and rugs, wood floors, beds and bedding material, bathroom furniture, and much more. Again, if you have a desire for this field but find that you lack certain required skills, you can learn! Believe me, you will be amazed how far you can go with hard work, schooling, practice, and patience.

Start-up Costs and Potential Earnings

Start-up costs will range between about $5,000 and $30,000 depending on how much you already have and quality of equipment desired. You will need a late model van, computer with various interior design software, a cell phone just for your business, a multifunction printer/fax/scanner/copier, training and certification, reference books, initial marketing budget, and more.

Interior design earnings vary based on employer, number of years of experience, and the reputation of the individual. For residential projects, self-employed interior designers usually earn a per-hour fee plus a percentage of the total cost of furniture, lighting, artwork, and other design elements. For commercial projects, they may charge per-hour fees, or a flat fee for the whole project. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income in 2009 for interior decorators was about $46,000.Interior designers get more.

Some Suggestions on How to Get Started

Check out books and magazines at your local library on interior decorating and interior design. Contact DecoratingDen.com for a before and after gallery, and information on starting a franchise decorating business. Seek at least an Associate Arts degree at a community college nearest you; apply for internships through your school. Many adult education programs also offer short courses in interior decorating. For a list of interior design schools and related programs see InteriorDesignSchools.org

Contact the American Society of Interior Designers (at www.asid.org) where you can find publications, design related organizations and design blogs, learn about building codes and standards, events coming up in the interior decorating/interior designer industry, needed education, a knowledge center, or obtain an industry partner.