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Step 1
Figure out what you want to do. You can own a kitchen design showroom, do consulting for other interior designers or contractors or act like an interior designer only specializing in kitchens.
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Step 2
Research local licensing laws. Many states require that an interior designer have a certain number of years of experience as well as a college degree. Since kitchen design falls under the umbrella of interior design, you'd still need a license. Alternatively, you can call yourself an "interior decorator" to bypass these licensing laws.
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Step 3
Set up your office. Even if you only take jobs as a consultant, you'll need some kind of office from which to work. You can set up a home office if you'd like, but if you plan to have clients come over, your entire house must be presentable. If you want to own a design showroom, you'll have to buy some inventory to display as well as set up your office.
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Step 4
Decide on your rates. This all depends on the type of business you start. Obviously the rate for consulting is different from the rate for a residential kitchen remodel design gig.
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Step 5
Make up business cards and give them out to everyone you meet. Choose other marketing techniques that you think will help you get some business. Consider talking to contractors and other interior designers to see if they would be interested in using your services, or at the very least, referring some business to you.
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Step 6
Keep up with the trends in kitchen design. As a professional, people will only want to hire you if you know what you're talking about when it comes to kitchens. Know about every aspect that makes up a kitchen, from cabinets to counter tops and from sinks to floors.
