Professional Interior Design & Decorating
Professional interior design and decorating experts work for residential and commercial clients to choose and coordinate colors, pick out appropriate artwork and create spaces that fit in with the client's tastes and desired effects. While interior designers may work for a furniture or fabric vendor, most professional decorators are self-employed and work under contract with individuals and businesses.
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Training
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Training is becoming more prolific as interior designers look for an edge to compete in the market. Interior design bachelor's and master's degrees are popular, while many designers work to earn the certified interior decorator (CID) recognition. Certified Interior Decorators International is a professional organization that offers the designation. Decorating curriculum include instruction in furniture placement, accessory placement, floor planning, wall coverings, window treatments and lighting. Most professional decorator courses include training in how to run a decorating business, how to charge for services and how to develop marketing strategies. The Decorator Training Institute offers an accredited training program that prepares students for the certification exam.
Technology
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Most professionals use decorator software to create images the client can view when making final decisions. With a laptop loaded with interior design software, the designer can show the client what the new room will look like with exact room measurements and color schemes. The programs allow decorators to add accessories, window treatments, furniture and flooring. Web-based programs are available with databases of materials, accessories and furniture that can be plugged into the presentations. In addition, the programs provide spreadsheet templates to show the costs of the decorating and the amount of paint or wood needed to complete the project. Another piece of equipment that every decorator needs to carry is a good digital camera to help remember the nuances of a room when out shopping for fixtures and accessories.
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Portfolio
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A professional decorator carries a portfolio of previous work to give clients an idea of the types of work done in the past. Clients may respond to certain styles, giving the decorator an idea of how to proceed. Take pictures of finished projects, highlighting unique designs and applications. Ask for written recommendations to include in the portfolio.
Supplies
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In addition to creativity and a sense of the client's taste, an interior decorator needs to carry a number of supplies to complete a project. Depending on the scope of a decorator's services, designers might carry fabric swatches, furniture magazines and paint palettes. Some decorators store their own accessories, window treatments and furniture, which are carried to each job as needed and they sell to customers. Most decorators have reams of samples ranging from a wide assortment of paint chips to carpet squares and fabric swatches.
Association Forums
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Trade groups and professional associations provide opportunities for members to network through meetings, conventions and electronic forums. The International Association of Home Staging Professionals gives members an opportunity to blog and share ideas though their structured forums. The International Interior Design Association provides members with a number of specialty forums designed to aid in business development and give access to exclusive member discounts and resources.
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Resources
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