Updated 2024.
- Before starting an interior decorating business, it’s first important to get professionally trained and certified.
- The 10 business ideas for interior decorators are to also offer clients: home staging services, professional organizing services, Feng Shui services, floral design services, landscape design services, color consulting services, Aging in Place services, e-design services, and event decor services. The 10th business ideas is to take a course that will help you accelerate your existing business.
- The interior design global market value is forecast to reach a revenue of approx. USD 175.74 billion, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% between 2024-2030.
- In the United States alone, interior decorators typically earn anywhere between USD $29,000-$144,000.
- Interior decorators make the most money in areas with a high demand for luxury living or where property values and disposable incomes are higher. Specializing in a niche market can also increase your profitability.
- QC Design School’s self-paced, online certification training can help you become a professional interior decorator in as little as 3 short months.
- Additionally, QC also offers online certification courses for the other areas of home design discussed in this article as well (e.g., home staging, professional organizing, etc.).
- QC Design School has helped over 45,000+ students and graduates launch thriving careers in the home design industry.
Introduction
Starting your own interior decorating business can be a very lucrative decision! However, it’s important to stand out from the crowd and offer something unique to your clients – otherwise, you may find yourself lost in the crowd. In this blog post, we’ll discuss 10 business ideas for interior decorators that will help you increase both your booking and profits.
Keep reading to discover 10 business ideas for interior decorators that YOU should take advantage of this year!
How Do I Start an Interior Decorating Business?
First thing’s first: before you can start your business, you need to first get properly trained and certified. After all, the professional design industry is extremely competitive. If you want to make a name for yourself, it won’t be enough to simply have an eye for design.
You’re going to need some sort of qualification to back you up – and this is where QC Design School comes in!
Globally-recognized and accredited with an A+ ranking with the Better Business Bureau, our wildly popular courses are online and self-paced. This means that in as little as 3-6 months, you can become a certified interior decorator right from the comfort of your own home!
QC Design School’s Interior Decorating Course
When it comes to interior decorating training, QC’s Interior Decorating Course will teach you everything you need to know to thrive – and even launch your own business – in as little as 3 short months! In this 6-unit program, you’ll learn all about:
- The Fundamentals of Design: In Unit 1, you’ll discover the elements and principles of design, your role as an interior decorator, the entire decorating process (from start to finish), color theory, and various popular design styles.
- Popular Design Styles and Materials: In Unit 2, you’ll learn all about international and historical design styles (and how they influence modern design), as well as basic design materials, wall treatments and textiles, and how to use these materials to alter a room’s appearance.
- Lighting and Accessories: Unit 3 delves into creating different moods using cool, warm, and neutral lighting, as well as the different types of light features and functions at your disposal. Moreover, you’ll learn how to dress and treat windows, as well as learn how to create custom interiors using shelves, cabinets, and artwork.
- Floorplans and Layouts: Next, in Unit 4, you’ll be introduced to floorplans and learn how to draw them – from scratch – by hand.
- Your Final Project: Unit 5 will challenge you to take everything you’ve learned throughout the course and apply it in a custom-designed space for a mock client.
- The Business of Design: This final Unit is optional, but we strongly recommend it to all students – especially those even playing with the ideas of starting their own business. Here, you’ll learn how to start and register your own interior decorating business, branding and marketing, targeting the right audience, and so much more!
Become a professionally certified International Design and Decorating Professional™ (IDDP™)
Start your training today with QC’s Interior Decorating Course!
9 Business Ideas for Interior Decorators
1. Pair Your Interior Decorator Services with Home Staging
Home staging is the process of preparing a house for sale. This usually includes decluttering, deep cleaning, rearranging and/or adding furniture and decor, etc. In 2025, the housing market is predicted to pick back up again – meaning, there’s no time like the present to offer home staging services as part of your interior decorating business!
Interior decorating and home staging go together like peanut butter and jelly. Pairing these two design services together is a great way to attract more clients because you’ll be able to offer them a one-stop-shop solution! This is because it then makes things more convenient for them, on top of saving them both time and money in the long run.
By becoming a certified International Staging and Redesign Professional™ (ISRP™) through QC Design School’s Home Staging Course, you’ll be able to set yourself apart from other decorating experts who don’t offer this unique service!
2. Elevate Your Interior Decorating Business by Offering Professional Organizing
If you have a knack for organization, then this business idea is definitely for you! You can start by marketing your services to individuals, families, small businesses, etc. who might need some help getting their space(s) in order.
Firstly, this attract a whole new target market to your interior decorating business. Secondly, it’ll also give you a chance to show off your design skills! After all, what’s more important in interior decorating than making efficient use of space?
By becoming certified as an Advanced International Organizing Professional™ (AIOP™) through QC Design School’s online Professional Organizing Course, you’ll be able to not only hone your organizational skills – you’ll also learn how to start and run a successful professional organizing business in as little as 12 weeks!
Pro Tip: Check out these 15 tips for surviving your first 6 months of business!
3. Become an Interior Decorator Who’s Also an Expert in Feng Shui
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice that focuses on the flow of energy (or Ch’i) in a space. When done correctly, it can help to create a more positive, productive environment for the people who live or work in that space. For this reason, when it comes to business ideas for interior decorators, this is one of the smartest options out there!
As an interior decorator with knowledge in Feng Shui design, you’ll be able to attract clients who are looking for help in creating a harmonious home or office environment. This will give your business a competitive edge over other decorators. Plus, it’ll also allow you to tap into a whole new market of prospective clients!
So, if you’re interested in learning more about Feng Shui and how you can use it to enhance your interior decorating business, we highly recommend QC Design School’s online Feng Shui Design Course. In this 6-unit program, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Feng Shui, from history and principles to applications and practices. And as soon as you graduate, you’ll become a globally-recognized Advanced Feng Shui Design Professional™ (AFDP™)!
4. Extend Your Interior Decorating Services to Include Floral Design
Adding floral design to your list of services is a great way to give your interior decorator business a killer niche. After all, who doesn’t love beautiful flowers and plant-life throughout their home?
For starters, this will give you an opportunity to show off your creativity and refine your decorating skills even further. But on top of that, it would also allow you to tap into the lucrative wedding market, should you also wish to sell your floristry services and designs to clients outside of the home industry! Many couples are looking for help in creating unique and memorable wedding ceremonies and receptions. What better way to do that than with beautiful floral arrangements?
To become a certified International Floral Design Professional™ (IFDP™) through QC Design School’s online Floral Design Course, you’ll need to have some basic knowledge about flower anatomy, types of flowers, care and handling, etc. However, don’t worry if you’re not familiar with all of this terminology yet – this course will teach you everything you need to know!
5. Bring Your Interior Decorator Business Outside
Landscape designers are in high demand these days, as more and more people are looking to create outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and functional. As such, adding landscape design services to your business is one of the smartest moves you can make this year (especially if you enjoy being outdoors)!
Firstly, this business-savvy decision will allow you to broaden the scope of your company. Secondly, by offering your services both inside AND outside the home, you’ll be appealing to a much larger client base. Not to mention, it’ll also give you the opportunity to work with some really amazing materials like stone, brick, wood, and metal!
To become certified as an International Landscape Design Professional™ (ILDP™), you’ll need to complete QC Design School’s online Landscape Design Course. This 5-unit program will teach you everything you need to know about landscape design – from principles and practices to applications and business management!
Join the QC Community today
We’ve helped over 45,000+ students & grads launch successful design careers!
6. Take Your Decorating Skills to The Next Level By Becoming a Color Consultant
As a color consultant, you’ll be working with clients who are looking for help in choosing colors for the interior of their homes. Sometimes, this will extend to color selections for the exterior of the home as well. You’ll also be helping them select furniture, fabrics, flooring, and other design elements that will compliment their chosen color scheme and desired atmosphere.
If you’re interested in getting globally-certified as an International Color Consulting Professional™ (ICCP™), we recommend enrolling in QC Design School’s online Color Consultant Course. This program will teach you everything you need to know about color – from the basics of color theory to more advanced concepts like color psychology.
The best part?
You’ll be instructed by designer extraordinaire and color consulting legend, Jane Lockhart!
7. Tap Into a Niche Market By Offering Aging in Place Design
If you’re interested in providing home modifications and adaptations that enable seniors to live safely and comfortably in their homes, you should become an Aging in Place designer! In this role, you’ll be helping clients redesign their homes so that they can continue to live there as they age. Some of the most common recommendations you’ll be qualified to make for necessary modifications will include:
- Installing grab bars and rails;
- Widening doorways and hallways;
- Lowering countertops;
- Adding ramps or wheelchair accessible entrances/exits, etc.
As more and more people are living longer, the demand for Aging in Place (AIP) design services is on the rise. This is great news for interior decorators who want their business to specialize in a specific area of their industry!
To become internationally-certified as an Aging in Place Professional™ (APDP™), you’ll need to complete QC Design School’s online Aging In Place Course. This program is only 3 units long – however, it’ll teach you everything you need to know about designing for aging populations. This includes the basics of universal design principles, to more advanced concepts like dementia-friendly home design (and more)!
Pro Tip: Here are 15 reasons why you NEED business insurance as a professional designer!
8. Offer Virtual Design Services in Addition to In-Person Ones
In today’s day and age, technology has made it possible for us to do just about anything online – including design. Virtual design services (a.k.a. e-design) are becoming increasingly popular among clients who want the convenience of working with a designer from the comfort of their own home. Since 2020, the demand for e-design services has been greater than ever!
As an interior decorator, your business can easily offer virtual design services in addition to your regular, in-person ones. This will give you the opportunity to work with clients who are located all over the world! All you’ll need is a computer, laptop, and/or phone with a trustworthy internet connection, and you’ll be good to go.
To get started, we recommend enrolling in QC Design School’s mini Virtual Design Training Course. The beauty of this program is that it’s only 1 unit long – meaning, you can finish it in less than a month! But don’t let the length of this course fool you – you’ll be learning all sorts of invaluable skills.
For instance, you’ll discover how to:
- Expand your business through digital services;
- Adapt your design process in order to work in a virtual format;
- Offer a variety of online services, from consultations to full redesigns;
- Efficiently use online platforms to communicate effectively with clients;
- And successfully market your virtual services so that your business can reach a wider audience.
9. Provide Event Decor Services for Weddings and Other Special Occasions
Event decor services are an excellent way to showcase your creativity and make unforgettable moments even more special! Weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, and other celebrations all require someone with an eye for detail, as well as a knack for styling to bring the vision of the occasion to life. Whether it’s creating stunning floral arrangements, designing striking table settings, or crafting unique backdrops – there’s no shortage of opportunities to shine in this field!
To get started, consider building a portfolio of past work or creating mock designs to demonstrate your style and capabilities. Networking with venues, event planners, and photographers can also help build valuable connections to grow your business. Additionally, staying updated on current trends and tailoring your services to fit a client’s theme or preferences will ensure you stand out in a competitive market.
Remember: Your role is to transform a simple space into something truly magical, helping clients create cherished memories!
If you’re interested in learning how to provide event decor services, consider enrolling in QC Design School’s online Event Decor Course. This comprehensive program covers everything from creating mood boards and color schemes to budgeting and marketing your business. With the guidance of industry professionals, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed to create unforgettable events for clients.
Plus, upon completion of this course, you’ll earn a professional certification as an International Event Decorating Professional™ (IEDP™) – thereby giving your business a competitive edge!
10. Take a Course Specifically Designed to Accelerate Your Interior Decorating Business
The right program will arm you with valuable information and skills that can be used to take your expertise – and business operations – to the next level. And when it comes to this kind of continued schooling, QC’s Accelerate Your Business Course is the way to go! Throughout the course of this 4-unit program, you’ll learn about:
- Creating a strong brand identity;
- Targeting your ideal clients;
- Developing your business goals;
- Building a solid online presence for your interior decorator business via social media, blogs, your website, etc.;
- The various types of marketing at your disposal and how to maximize them successfully;
- Developing a professional portfolio and presenting your company to others;
- Writing client proposals;
- Writing contracts;
- Tools and software for managing your business;
- Budgets, collecting payments, etc.
- The importance of good customer relations and how to provide them;
- And SO much more!
Business Ideas for Interior Decorators FAQ
Is interior decorating profitable?
A: Yes! In fact, the interior design global market value is forecast to reach a revenue of approx. USD 175.74 billion, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% between 2024-2030. Meaning, now’s the PERFECT time to get into the industry and maximize this ever-growing demand!
What's the average salary of an interior decorator?
A: There’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer, since your income will ultimately depend on your level of experience, your portfolio, your training and qualifications, your marketing efforts, your networking strategies, etc. That said, interior decorators in the United States typically make between USD $29,000-$144,000.
Similarly, in Canada, this range falls between CAD $37,600-$61,300. In the United Kingdom, interior decorators typically make between GBP £25,900-£36,400, whereas those in Australia would make between AUD $69,900-$120,000.
How much does it cost to start an interior decorating business?
A: Typically, you’ll need to invest in some basic start-up fees, such as buying a laptop/computer, business cards, building your website, and design supplies (e.g., measurement tools, floorplan paper, etc.). As a rule of thumb, you should save up at least $15,000-$20,000 in preparation for starting your business. That said, this estimate may be higher or lower, depending on how big you want your company to be, whether you want to run it out of your home vs. in a retail office space, etc.
Where do interior decorators make the most money?
A: Interior decorators tend to make the most money in areas with a high demand for luxury living or where property values and disposable incomes are higher. Urban centers, affluent neighborhoods, and regions experiencing growing real estate markets can provide excellent opportunities. Additionally, decorators who specialize in niche markets – such as high-end design, commercial interiors, or sustainable decorating – can command higher fees due to their specialized skills. Building a strong portfolio and reputation can also open doors to lucrative clients, no matter the location.
How much should I charge as an interior decorator?
A: Determining how much to charge as an interior decorator depends on several factors, including your level of experience, location, and the scope of the project. Many decorators charge an hourly rate, which can range from $50 to $200 or more, depending on expertise and market demand. Others may prefer flat fees based on the project’s size or charge a percentage of the total budget.
It’s important to research local pricing trends and consider what aligns with your skills and services. Make sure to communicate your pricing structure clearly with clients to set expectations and ensure mutual understanding.
Helpful Resources
- 16 Reasons Why Your Home Design Business Isn’t Making Money
- 25 Tips for Creating Engaging Website Content for Your Design Business
- How To Boost Revenue For Your Interior Design Business
- How To Charge as an Interior Decorator
- 20 Tips To Market Your Interior Decorating Business
- The Best Tools To Grow Your Interior Decorating Business
- How To Brand Your Interior Decorating Business
- How Much Does It Cost To Start an Interior Decorating Business?
- Becoming an Interior Designer: Naming Your Business
- 17 Ways To Get Clients as an Interior Decorator
