• How-to

An interior designer is someone “professionally trained to create a functional and quality interior environment.” The keywords here are “professionally trained.” This refers to only those who have met or exceeded a certain level of accredited education. They must be licensed before they can be called interior designers. This field goes way beyond homes—think restaurants, hotels, spas, art galleries, model homes and even corporate offices.

You may want to select a market that interests you and specialize in that niche. There is a lot to think about when starting your interior designing business. You have to build a portfolio, price your services, set up an office, pick a business name, design a logo, order business cards and other office supplies, locate furnishing suppliers and, of course, find clients. If you start your own decorating business, you can enjoy the freedom of being your own boss.

Train your eye
Interior designers have a good eye for design. You can train your eye by studying what people consider to be good design. Seek out beautifully decorated interiors to look at. You also need to buy books of samples, which are the lifeblood of the design business.

Educate yourself
Interior designers are expected to know about the various elements involved in decorating, such as space planning, the use of color and light, furniture and decorating styles, floorings, wall coverings, window treatments, and the use of accessories such as pillows and artwork.

Prepare a portfolio
The most important part of an interior decorator’s portfolio is photographs of the interiors you have designed. Your portfolio can also include letters of recommendation and design boards (poster boards onto which you paste pictures and samples of fabrics, flooring, wallpaper, etc) to show clients what you recommend.

Get a job
If you plan to start your own interior design firm, you can meet potential clients by starting with a job in the industry. Companies that hire people with decorating talent include home builders, manufacturers of furniture and houseware, hotel and restaurant chains, retailers, as well as interior design and decorating firms.

Start your own business
Many interior designers dream of being their own boss. If that’s your goal, you’ll need to decide on business matters like your company’s name and whether to register it as a consultancy firm or as a turnkey project company. Many interior designers work from home as it saves costs and, unlike many other types of businesses, you won’t be expecting clients to come to you—you will be going to their homes.

Establish relationships with suppliers
Suppliers include manufacturers of furniture, wall coverings, flooring, fabrics, etc., in addition to contractors who do painting, carpentry and installation.

Keep growing as a professional
You can continue to develop your skills by attending trade shows, reading decorating magazines and books, and joining professional associations. You can get a headstart and an extra advantage over your competition by becoming certified as a professional interior designer—this will draw additional clients to you.

MEHMOOD KHAN is Proprietor, Verve Architects & Designers.

©Entrepreneur May 2010

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design, firm, interior design, set up