How to Be Interior Decorator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 28, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The interior decorating industry has seen an increase in demand recently, due to the growing desire for people to invest in their homes. As a result, interior decorators have become increasingly popular, as people look to them for expertise on how to create a beautiful and functional space. Interior decorators provide valuable services such as color consultations, furniture selection, and space planning.

They are also able to advise on the best materials and products to use, as well as suggest ways to increase efficiency and reduce costs. The impact of an interior decorator on a home can be seen in the way the space is transformed, with improved aesthetics and functionality that can bring a greater sense of comfort and satisfaction to the homeowner.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Most employers prefer to hire interior decorators who have a bachelor's degree in interior design or a related field. Such programs typically include courses in color, textiles, spatial arrangement, and furniture design.
Obtain an Internship. Internships are important for aspiring interior decorators, as they provide an opportunity to develop practical skills in the field. Interns typically work under the direction of experienced professionals and help to create design concepts for residential or commercial clients.
Obtain Certification. Some states require interior decorators to obtain certification from an accredited organization. Certification programs typically involve rigorous coursework in topics such as furniture selection, lighting design, and computer-aided drawing.
Develop a Portfolio. Aspiring interior decorators should create a portfolio that showcases their work. This document should include pictures of spaces they have designed, drawings of furniture pieces, and any relevant sketches or renderings.
Join a Professional Organization. Joining a professional organization can provide interior decorators with resources and support to help them succeed in their career. The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) is one such organization that offers membership benefits such as access to industry events, continuing education courses, and networking opportunities.
Consider Specialization. Many interior decorators specialize in certain areas, such as hospitality design or eco-friendly design. Specializing can help interior decorators market themselves more effectively and build a reputation as an expert in their field.

Interior decorating can be an overwhelming task for many people. When looking for a reliable and capable interior decorator, it is important to do research, ask for references and read reviews. Taking the time to research the right interior decorator can save you time, money and stress.

It is also important to check their experience and qualifications to ensure they are capable of delivering the desired results. it is essential to determine if they are familiar with the most up-to-date trends and techniques in interior design. Once you have identified a reliable and capable interior decorator, they can help you select the right materials, furniture, lighting, and accessories to create the desired atmosphere and style in your home.

Furthermore, they can guide you through the entire process from start to finish, ensuring all your needs are met, and giving you peace of mind that your home will be decorated exactly as you envisioned.

You may want to check Interior Landscape Architect, Interior Building Surveyor, and Interior Space Planner for alternative.

Job Description

Consult with clients to determine the style, function and budget for their interior design project
Develop plans for interior spaces, including furniture layouts, color schemes, and space planning
Select furnishings, artwork, and accessories that enhance the décor of a room
Measure interior spaces and create detailed drawings
Create presentations to communicate design ideas to clients
Research materials, fabrics, furniture, flooring, and wall coverings
Stay abreast of design trends and developments
Prepare cost estimates for projects and purchase materials
Supervise installation of furnishings and accessories
Assist with space planning, lighting and other design elements

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of design principles, including color theory, fabric selection, and lighting design
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Creative problem-solving abilities
Excellent organizational skills
Ability to interpret a clients style and preferences
Knowledge of a range of furniture and décor styles
Ability to work within a budget
Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software
Knowledge of local building codes and regulations
Ability to collaborate with other professionals, such as architects and contractors

Creativity is the most important skill for an interior decorator to have. It is necessary for designing aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces that meet their clients needs. A creative interior decorator will be able to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to design challenges.

They must be able to visualize the end result from the initial idea and bring it to life. problem-solving skills are essential for any interior decorator. They must be able to identify potential issues with a design, find solutions, and communicate them effectively to the client.

Lastly, knowledge of trends and colors is important in order to create an interior design that reflects the current style and meets the clients taste. An interior decorator must be able to combine all of these skills in order to create beautiful, functional, and timeless designs that will delight their clients.

Interior Wallpaper Installer, Interior Merchandiser, and Interior Architect are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to become an interior decorator?
How would you describe your design aesthetic?
What experience do you have working with clients?
What challenges have you faced when designing for clients?
How do you stay up-to-date with interior design trends?
Do you have any experience with 3D rendering software?
How do you handle client requests that conflict with your design vision?
How do you manage project timelines and budgets?
What is your process for selecting furniture, fabrics, and finishes?
How do you ensure each project meets the client's expectations?

Common Tools in Industry

Color Wheel. A tool used to help visualize the relationship between colors and to create color schemes. (Eg: Adobe Color Wheel)
Tape Measure. A tool used to measure distances. (Eg: Stanley Powerlock Tape Measure)
Paint Sampler. A tool used to test colors and finishes in small swatches. (Eg: ColorSnap Paint Sampler)
Paint Brushes. A variety of brushes used for applying paint to walls, furniture, and other surfaces. (Eg: Wooster Pro-Extra Paint Brush)
Level. A tool used to ensure that objects are level. (Eg: Johnson Level & Tool Self-Leveling Cross-Line Laser Level)
Furniture Movers. Tools used to move heavy furniture and appliances. (Eg: Forearm Forklift Moving Straps)
Furniture Levelers. Tools used to level furniture on uneven surfaces. (Eg: Adjustable Furniture Glide Levelers)
Wallpaper Steamer. A tool used to remove wallpaper from walls. (Eg: Wagner 705 Power Steamer Wallpaper Stripper)
Flooring Cutter. A tool used to cut and shape flooring materials. (Eg: Roberts 10-56 Carpet Cutter)
Upholstery Stapler. A tool used to attach fabric to furniture frames. (Eg: DEWALT DWFP12231 Pneumatic Upholstery Stapler)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
International Interior Design Association (IIDA)
Interior Designers of Canada (IDC)
National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA)
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers (IFI)
European Council of Interior Architects (ECIA)
Designers Institute of New Zealand (DINZ)
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
International Facility Management Association (IFMA)

We also have Interior Design Assistant, Interior Lighting Designer, and Interior Project Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Color Theory. A set of principles which explains how colors affect the human eye and how they interact with each other.
Furniture Design. The art of creating functional and aesthetically pleasing furniture.
Textiles. Fabric used for upholstery and other interior design elements.
Lighting Design. The practice of creating and combining light sources to create the desired atmosphere in an interior space.
Space Planning. The process of planning the most effective use of space within an interior space.
Window Treatments. Decorative treatments used to dress windows, such as curtains, blinds, and shutters.
Architectural Design. The practice of designing buildings and other structures.
Flooring. The materials used to cover flooring, such as carpets, tiles, and hardwood.
Artwork. Visual art pieces used for decoration in interior spaces.
Accessories. Decorative items used to enhance the style of an interior space, such as plants, rugs, and throw pillows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to become an interior decorator?

To become an interior decorator, you typically need to have a bachelors degree in a field such as interior design, architecture, or fine arts. You may also need to obtain a license in some states.

What type of skills do interior decorators need?

Interior decorators should have excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills. They should also have an eye for aesthetics and an understanding of color, fabrics, and furniture.

How much does an interior decorator make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for interior decorators is $51,500.

What types of clients do interior decorators work with?

Interior decorators typically work with clients such as homeowners, businesses, and even celebrities to design attractive and functional spaces.

What are some of the duties of an interior decorator?

Some duties of an interior decorator include creating plans, selecting furniture and materials, making purchases, creating budgets, and supervising workers.

Web Resources

Online Interior Decorator School | Penn Foster - Most interior www.pennfoster.edu
Interior Decorator - Training Certificate | Midlands Technical www.midlandstech.edu
What is Interior Design? Interior Design Schools interiordesignedu.org