About Interior Decorating Careers

Interior decorating combines artistic and practical elements of decorating rooms in homes, restaurants, and other businesses. Careers in interior decorating can be found with or without formal training and education. Interior decorating jobs are expected to increase within the next several years.

Significance

Interior decorators can have a career in several fields and specialties. Interior decorating combines artistic elements with practical placement of furniture and accessories that ideally result in a functional and aesthetically pleasing space. Interior decorating can be applied to almost any type of building and room. An interior decorator can have several different career options depending upon education and experience.

Function

Interior decorators are expected to be knowledgeable in many different areas. They are expected to coordinate several aspects of a room. This includes the use of color, texture, and lighting with furniture choice, furniture placement, walls, ceilings, and floors, and any other accessories that may be included. Interior decorators can find jobs decorating a single room in a private home, or be responsible for decorating an entire house. Interior decorating careers are not limited to homes. Interior decorators can also start successful careers decorating restaurants, corporate buildings, and almost any other business.

Considerations

Although a degree is not necessarily needed for a successful career in interior decorating, obtaining a degree can have benefits. A degree in interior decorating can give a professional edge over competition. Clients can be more willing to put their trust in someone that they know has formal training. Interior decorating degree programs can also help with job and internship opportunities. Interior decorating careers can be found with decorating firms and companies. Many interior decorators, however, have gone on to successful careers without a degree, and start their own business. This can be accomplished through a great deal of self-education and practical experience. Books and online resources can provide all of the knowledge and and skills needed for an interior decorating career. Above almost everything else, an interior decorator needs to have a strong portfolio that showcases talent and experience. Many interior decorators can start out by decorating for free or or at a low cost for friends and family in order to build a portfolio that will land well paying jobs in the future, whether they have a degree or not.

Misconceptions

Interior design and interior decorating are different occupations, though they are sometimes confused with each other. While interior decorating does not require formal training, interior design combines elements of engineering and artistic skill that does require training. Interior decorating is mostly concerned with the aesthetic elements of a room. Interior design requires certification that insures knowledge of all aspects of the space being worked with. As stated by the National Council of Interior Design Qualification, an interior designer is qualified "to enhance the function and quality of interior spaces for the purpose of improving the quality of life, increasing productivity, and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public." In order to legally make the transition from interior decorator to interior designer, certification is necessary, and formal education is highly advised.

Benefits

A career in interior decorating can have many benefits. One of the most appealing aspects of interior decorating is the ability to work independently. With time, research, experience, and the correct advertising and marketing, it is possible to start one's own interior design business. Working independently gives an interior decorator freedom to set her own hours, prices, and work only on the kind of projects she wants. It also allows an interior decorator more artistic liberty, and the satisfaction of seeing her own vision come together.

Expert Insight

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook for 2009, careers in the interior decorating field are expected to increase within the next decade. This is due largely to growth in population and home ownership, and an increase in home decorating television shows. Interior decorators can also look forward to more job prospects in hotels and restaurants, as the tourism industry is also predicted to grow. While the popularity in do-it-yourself decorating has also increased, this should not have a large impact on talented and qualified interior decorators.

Resources

• More advice on becoming an interior decorator.
• Find out the benefits of a career in interior decorating.