Interior Decorator Careers
Interior decorators are responsible for selecting the furnishings, fabrics and colors for a particular room. Career opportunities in interior decorating range from an entry-level position in a design firm to an interior decorating consultant position. Interior decorators can specialize in a field to become known for their skills and talents in a particular niche and to increase their salary potential.
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Job Responsibilities
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An interior decorator works either directly with a client or with an interior design team to select the coordinating and complementary furniture for a living space. Primary responsibilities include designing the function and aesthetic appearance of a room, selecting appropriate colors for furnishings and decor, collaborating with interior designers to develop a decorating theme and using design concepts and blueprints to execute design plans.
Types
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Career paths for interior decorators include the following: interior decorating consultant; interior decorating supervisor; commercial interior decorator; retail store interior decorator; floral and foliage designer; interior decorating director; interior decorating sales representative for a materials and supplies company; and interior decorator for a design firm.
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Skills Needed
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Interior decorators must have a keen eye for detail and strong creative skills to develop and implement designs for different types of living and functional spaces.
Other skills needed for an interior decorating career include: computer-aided design (CAD) experience; natural artistic ability; sense of current and past fashion trends in interior design; and the ability to read blueprints.
To be successful in their career, interior decorators must also have strong communication and organizational skills to work with different types of clients or within a design firm setting.
Education and Training
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Individuals interested in pursuing an interior decorator career typically begin with formal training from a two-year vocational college or four-year college or university. Educational requirements vary by school, but the educational track typically consists of classes and hands-on training in the following areas: colors and fabrics; perspective; ergonomics; Feng Shui; lighting; color theory; CAD software; furniture design; modern trends; furnishing trends; and the general history of the interior design industry.
Career Potential and Salary Information
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual earnings for interior designers were $42,260 in May 2006. Salaries vary significantly based on the specialty, years of experience in the field, natural talent, employer and the designer's reputation. Those who work with interior design firms tend to earn higher salaries and wages than those who work as independent contractors and consultants or those who work for a company on a commission basis.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that interior decorators and designers are in a very competitive job market; success in this field typically requires a high level of creative talent and establishing a solid network of contacts and clients. Demand for interior decorators and designers can fluctuate based on the economy; since interior decorating is often considered a luxury expense, the decorator can have difficulty finding work.
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