Category: Interior Decorator

Jul 21

How To Become An Interior Decorator

If you’ve always had an artistic eye for what makes a beautiful abode, becoming an interior decorator might just be the proper career path for you. If you’ve always known that the career of an interior decorator is what you wanted to pursue, then taking up interior decorator courses in college would be most helpful. However, there are those who start out late. There are people who don’t realize until after college that they want to try their hand in interior decorating. If you’re one of them, then it would help if you pursued graduate courses that will enhance your skills in the field and also better imbibe in you the techniques and strategies of interior decorating.

In order to qualify for a graduate course in interior design, you might have to take gradate tests such as the GRE. If you have an eye for business and art like myself, then I would also recommend studying for the GMAT or a graduate management admission test. There are many ways to face this challenge as there are a number of GMAT prep options available for you. Once you have taken the test and qualified to take graduate programs on interior decorating or business management, then you can finally educate yourself in the field. The theories of design and interior decorating practices that will be shared with you by your professors will be crucial to your training in the field. After graduating, you can finally begin with your new business.

Some aspiring interior decorators begin with their home. They start decorating their houses and eventually, friends and relatives take notice. From there, referrals are made and the business starts to boom. Once you have gathered a decent amount of clients who are satisfied with your service, you must begin working on your portfolio and marketing schemes. A word of mouth promotion might not be enough. Take photos of your interior decorating work and publish them on a website. Develop a marketing program for your business. Start a professional office right within the comforts of your own home and let your name and services be known. It can be something as small as a business card or perhaps a Facebook fan page. The goal is to be known.

It is important that you also take good care of whatever existing client base you have. Make sure that your clients are satisfied with the services you have rendered and offer warranties and loyalty programs. You can also start giving referral fees and discounts. However, it will also help you if you do not take your art for granted. Mixing the art of interior design with business can be tricky. Make sure that you’re not all business, too. Providing a great service to your clients while having the time of your life expressing your art should be your utmost priority.

 

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May 28

How Much Does It Cost To Hire An Interior Decorator?

Did you know that the color scheme of a room can affect your mood and general sense of well-being? Did you know that blue tones influence relaxation while red tones suggest energy or excitement? It’s amazing to realize the power home decor can have in your everyday life. The feelings one has at home can either positively or negatively affect one’s entire outlook on life. So, have you been feeling a little blue at the casa? Then an interior decorator may be the best choice you ever made.

Finding interior decorators is quick and simple thanks to the powers of search engines. Searching for local interior decorators will give you plenty of names to start out with. Check your phonebook and don’t forget to ask friends and family of any past experiences of hiring an interior decorator.

The term interior decorator or designer may sound a little intimidating as far as cost go. Thankfully, there are many designers that offer various payment procedures. For example, if you only have a few, small, home projects then an interior decorator who charges by the hour may be your best choice. You can expect a price anywhere from $50 to $500 with $100 being the average price. However, those with much larger projects or home remodels may be better suited for designers that have a set rate. You also have the option to choose an interior decorator that charges based on commission. These decorators are typically partnered with companies to earn them money while keeping more in your pocket. This allows you to set your own price and easily stay within your budget.

If college degrees aren’t a requirement for you then hiring a professional decorator may be your best bet. While professional decorators differ from interior designers by not possessing a degree in interior design, many are just as talented while offering a lower price. If you are actually considering getting an interior decorator and it’s the beginning of the year, you may want to look into delaying payment of your taxes. The best way to do this would be filing a tax return extension. If you won’t have enough to pay your taxes after hiring an interior decorator, you should definitely look into delaying your tax payment.  In most cases not only are the rates cheaper but you will be directed to great deals just as you would with an interior decorator with a degree.

Whether you choose an interior decorator or a professional decorator, interviews are one of the most crucial steps to getting the most out of your money. Take this time to go over portfolios, discuss previous experiences, and to obtain references. Ask for suggestions or comments regarding plans for your projects or remodels. Set your budget, prepare questions and ideas, have fun and you can’t go wrong.

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Posted in Interior Decorator

Apr 16

Useful Tools For Interior Decorators

Interior decorating did not emerge as a profession until the late 19th century. At best in the beginning, interior designers were also the builders and artisans. Many homes of the period were designed for functionality and not so much for looks. Individuals of means of course had the time and money to add to or take away from the architect’s vision and personalize the home. Owning a home soon became more of a reality for families, and homemakers wanted a say in how the interior would be designed. The profession started out by homemakers designing their own homes to helping others design theirs.

The tools of the trade have not changed much over the years. Individuals need a good tape measure and a sharp pencil along with sketchpads and various paint samples. Today’s modern interior decorators can use video chat to talk and show off samples as well keep in touch with clients. Digital cameras are important for documentation and as a portfolio of previous works.

Designers need a calculator to insure precise measurements. Various laser measurement tools available will measure a room and calculate the dimensions. The calculations can be entered into a computer for use with a computer assisted design or CAD program. The program will give the designer a 3-D picture of the room.

Interior designers like any professional will need documentation of their work. Digital cameras are a great tool for on the job views and quick snapshots of work. Designers need a portfolio that has professionally taken photos of jobs completed. Pictures are essential, so clients can see what was accomplished.

Interior designers for the most part will go to the clients, so a dependable vehicle is necessary. Vehicles are important because, in a sense, the vehicle is the office. Many designers will be expected to be at homes under construction. The vehicle must be one that can handle different terrain. The vehicle must be big enough to carry samples of materials, curtains, carpet samples and so forth.

 

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Posted in Interior Decorator