Interior decorators have to be well-versed in a variety of different design styles and trends. They also need to be familiar with where to find the best supplies and materials for their projects. In this article, we will discuss some of the best places for interior decorators to shop.
So, whether you’re looking for project supplies or potential clients, read on for the inside scoop!
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What Do Interior Decorators Do?
The answer to this question is twofold. First and foremost, interior decorators help their clients choose the best possible layout for their space. Second, they also assist with picking out paint colors, furniture, window treatments, and more.
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How Much Do Interior Decorators Make?
This varies depending on experience level and location. With that in mind, interior decorators typically charge by the hour or by the project. So, if you’re looking to make some serious money in this field, it’s important to be efficient and effective with your time!
Pro Tip: This article will teach you everything you need to know about how (and how much) to charge clients as an interior decorator!
Where Do Interior Decorators Make The Most Money?
This will largely depend on the size of the project, as well as the client’s budget. However, interior decorators can make a pretty penny by working with high-end clients who are willing to splurge on luxurious materials and furnishings.
Do Interior Decorators Have To Be Good At Drawing?
No, but it certainly doesn’t hurt! Being able to visualize a space and its potential is important, but there are other ways to achieve this if you’re not confident in your drawing skills. For example, some interior decorators use software to create mockups of a space.
For our list of recommended software tools, give this blog post a read!
How Do I Start My Own Interior Decorating Business?
Again, this process will vary depending on your experience level and location. However, there are a few key steps that you’ll need to take in order to get your business up and running.
First, you’ll need to get professionally trained and certified with a reputable school, such as QC Design School. Then you’ll need to create a portfolio that showcases your style and skills. After that, you’ll need to start marketing yourself to potential clients.
For a more in-depth look at starting your own interior decorating business, check out this helpful beginner’s guide!
Best Places For Interior Decorators To Shop For Job Supplies
Now let’s take a look at the must-have items all interior decorators need in order to do their job properly – and the best places for them to acquire these tools.
1. Measuring Tools
As an interior decorator, measuring tools will be your best friend! You’ll need them in order to accurately measure spaces, furniture, and more.
The best place to buy measuring tools is at a hardware store like Home Depot or Lowe’s. Not only do they have a wide selection of products to choose from, but they’re also usually pretty reasonably priced.
2. Paint and Painting Supplies
Whether you’re redoing an entire room or just touching up some trim, you’ll need to have a good selection of paint and painting supplies on hand.
The best place to buy paint is at a local home improvement store like Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore. They usually have sales going on, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for those!
As for painting supplies, your local Dollar Store is always a great option. You can find things like paintbrushes, painter’s tape, and drop cloths for super cheap!
Pro Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask the store employees for help if you’re not sure what kind of supplies you need. They’ll be more than happy to assist you!
3. Fabric Samples
If you’re working with clients who are looking to redecorate their homes, you’ll need to have a good selection of fabric samples on hand. This way, they can see and feel the different fabrics before making a decision.
The best place to buy fabric samples is at a local fabric store like Jo-Ann Fabrics or Hobby Lobby. They usually have a wide variety of samples to choose from, and the staff is always happy to help you find what you’re looking for.
Pro Tip: When you’re buying fabric samples, be sure to ask for a discount! Most stores are willing to give you a break on the price if you’re buying in bulk.
4. Wallpaper Samples
Similar to fabric samples, wallpaper samples are also important if you’re working with clients who are looking to redecorate their homes. This way, they can see and feel the different wallpapers before making a decision.
The best place to buy wallpaper samples is, again, at a local home improvement store such as Home Depot or Lowe’s. They usually have a wide selection of samples to choose from, and the staff is always happy to help you find what you’re looking for.
Also, much like when shopping for fabric samples, don’t forget to inquire about potential bulk discounts!
5. Window Treatments
If you’re working with clients who are looking to redecorate their homes, chances are they’ll also be in need of new window treatments.
In our humble opinion, the best places to buy window treatments are stores like Pottery Barn, West Elm, and Bed Bath & Beyond. They always have a great selection of products to choose from, and the quality is usually pretty good.
6. Lighting Fixtures
Another common item that clients will need when redecorating their homes are new lighting fixtures. For example, your client might need new lamps for their living room or a new chandelier for their dining room.
As far as the best places to buy lighting fixtures go, we recommend Lowe’s, Amazon, and Crate & Barrel. They all have a wide selection of products to choose from, and the prices are usually pretty reasonable.
Alternately, if your client needs to save their pennies, you can also see if you can find some lighting fixtures at a local thrift store or flea market. You might be surprised at what you can find!
7. Flooring
Depending on the scope of the project, your client might also need new flooring. For example, they might need new carpet for their living room or hardwood floors for their kitchen.
The best place to buy flooring depends on what kind of flooring you’re looking for. For example, if you’re looking for carpet, we recommend a store like Home Depot, Costco, or Abbey Carpet & Floor. However, if you’re looking for hardwood floors or tiling, we recommend a store like Lumber Liquidators or Floor & Decor.
Of course, as with all of the other items on this list, be sure to compare prices and ask about bulk discounts before making your final decision!
8. Tool Belt
As an interior decorator, it’s important to have all of the necessary tools on hand to complete a project. This way, you’ll be prepared for anything that comes up!
A good tool belt should include items like a measuring tape, hammer, screwdriver, level, drill, and more. If you’re not sure what kind of tool belt to buy, we recommend checking out a store like Home Depot, Canadian Tire, Lowe’s or Lee Valley. They usually have a wide variety of options to choose from, and the staff is always happy to help you find what you’re looking for.
9. A Sturdy (and Comfy) Pair of Shoes
Undoubtedly, one of the most important things you’ll need as an interior decorator is a good pair of shoes! After all, you’ll be doing a lot of walking (and sometimes even running) around to different stores, homes, and job sites.
As far as what kind of shoes to buy, we recommend something that is comfortable, stylish, and easy to walk in. For example, a pair of sneakers or loafers would be perfect. And if you can find a pair that is slip-resistant, that’s even better!
There are all sorts of places where you can go to buy shoes, and some recommendations include:
Of course, you can also find a great pair of shoes at a thrift store or consignment shop. You never know what you might find!
Where Do Interior Decorators Shop For Furniture?
There are all sorts of places where you can buy furniture, but some of our favorites include:
Next, let’s have a look at another vital resource for interior decorators: furniture. After all, what good is a beautifully decorated room if it doesn’t have any furniture in it?
- IKEA
- Pottery Barn
- Wayfair
- HomeGoods
- West Elm
- CB2
- World Market
As you can see, there are plenty of great places to buy furniture for your clients (and for yourself)! Just be sure to compare prices and ask about bulk discounts before making your final decision.
Wholesale Furniture For Interior Decorators
Some of our favorite places to buy wholesale furniture include:
Another great option for interior decorators is to buy furniture wholesale. This way, you’ll be able to get a great price on all of the furniture that you need for your projects.
- Costco
- Sam’s Club
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- IKEA (for certain items)
Of course, you can also find great deals on furniture at yard sales, Flea markets, and even online! Just be sure to do your research before making any final decisions.
Alternate Ways To Find Furniture
Well, don’t worry – there are plenty of alternate solutions. For example, you could:
Now, you might be thinking to yourself, “I don’t have the budget to buy all new furniture for my clients! What am I supposed to do?”
- Rent furniture from a local rental company.
- Buy used furniture from a thrift store, consignment shop, or online marketplace like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
- Have your clients buy their own furniture and then help them to choose pieces that will work well in the space.
- Work with a local carpenter or woodworker to have custom furniture made.
The fact of the matter is, there are all sorts of ways to get furniture for your clients. So, don’t be afraid to get creative and think outside the box!
Where Do Interior Decorators Shop For Decor?
There are all sorts of places where you can buy decor, but some of our favorites include:
Now, what about the decorative items themselves? Let’s have a look at where you can go to find the perfect decor items for your clients’ homes. After all, this is what really brings a space to life!
Of course, you have other (and more budget-friendly) options at your disposal, too. If your client has a limited budget to work with, here are some creative, cheaper ways you can help them find the perfect decor pieces for their homes:
- Shop at flea markets, garage sales, and thrift stores.
- Ask family and friends if they have any unwanted decor items that you could use.
- Repurpose furniture and/or decor that the client already has in their home.
- Make your own decor items using inexpensive materials like paint, fabric, and paper.
- Find free or discounted decor items online via websites like Freecycle and Facebook Marketplace.
Where Do Interior Decorators Shop For Accessories?
Some of our favorite places to buy accessories include:
Next, let’s have a look at where interior decorators like to shop for accessories. After all, it’s the little details that really help to make a space feel like home!
- Pottery Barn
- Anthropologie
- West Elm
- CB2
- World Market
- HomeGoods
- TJ Maxx
- HomeSense
- Marshalls
Here are some ideas:
Of course, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on accessories in order to make a space look great. In fact, some of the best accessories are ones that you can find for free or very cheap!
- Paintings and photographs from family and friends
- Vintage finds from thrift stores, garage sales, and flea markets
- DIY projects using inexpensive materials like fabric, paint, and paper
- Plants and flowers from your garden or a local nursery
- Pieces of nature like rocks, shells, and leaves
- Family heirlooms and antiques
As you can see, there are all sorts of places where you can find the perfect accessories for your clients’ homes. So, as we keep saying, get creative and have fun with it!
Where Do Interior Decorators Shop For Art?
So, where should you go to find the perfect pieces of art for your clients’ homes? Here are some of our top recommendations:
In addition to furniture and decor, art is another important element that can really make or break a space. After all, the right piece of art can help to tie a room together and make it feel more complete.
- Art galleries
- Local artist markets
- Online art galleries (like Saatchi Art)
- Etsy
- Commission an original piece by an artist your client is a fan of
- Flea markets, garage sales, and thrift stores
Where Do Interior Decorators Shop For Florals?
Alright, now let’s have a look at where to find the best florals for your clients’ homes. After all, there’s nothing like a beautiful bouquet of flowers to brighten up any space!
Some of our favorite places to buy florals include:
- Whole Foods
- Trader Joe’s
- Farmers markets
- Local florists
- Online retailers (like The Bouqs Co. and UrbanStems)
Of course, you don’t always have to buy florals in order to achieve a beautiful look. In fact, there are all sorts of ways that you can get free or cheap flowers for your clients’ homes.
Here are a few ideas:
- Grow your own flowers in a garden or pots
- Ask family and friends if they have any extra flowers from their gardens that you could use
- Get flowers from public places like parks, forests, and beaches (just be sure to get permission first!)
Pro Tip: Become an International Floral Design Professional (IFDP) in as little as 3 short months by enrolling in QC Design School’s self-paced, online Floral Design Course today!
Where Do Decorators Shop For Clients?
Here are a few ideas:
Now let’s talk about one of the most important things an interior decorator needs: clients! After all, without clients, you wouldn’t have a business to run. So, where do you find them?
- Use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Twitter to market your business and attract new clients.
- Invest in paid ad marketing (i.e. Facebook Ads, Google Ads, Instagram Ads, etc.)
- Create an official website for your interior decorating business and make sure it’s SEO-friendly.
- Attend local events and meetups related to interior design or decorating.
- Join local networking groups for business professionals.
- Offer complimentary interior decorating services to people you know in order to start building your portfolio.
- Ask family and friends if they know anyone who might be interested in your services.
- Check out online job boards or freelancer platforms like Craigslist, Upwork, and Fiverr.
- Offer client incentives, such as first-time customer discounts, free consultations and/or services, referral bonuses, etc.
Want a more in-depth look at how you can find clients as an interior decorator? This article breaks down 17 tricks that are sure to get you more bookings!
Conclusion
With so many great options out there, it can be tough to decide where to start when shopping for supplies. However, the list above should give you a good starting point! And remember – the best place to shop for supplies will vary depending on your client’s specific needs and budget.
So, take some time to explore all of your options before making any final decisions. And if you’re ever feeling stuck, remember that you can always reach out to fellow interior decorators for help and advice.
Happy shopping! 🙂
Did you find this article helpful? Share it with your friends or colleagues to help them get started shopping for their own business! And be sure to check back soon for more helpful tips and tricks that’ll help YOU to have a successful design career!
