What are Some Popular Interior Decorating Career Options?

Learn about how to have an interior decorating career, including the educational requirements, salary, and job outlook information. Read on to learn more about career options in this field.

Interior Decorating Job Description

Interior decorators work with clients to plan and implement design arrangements for stores, homes, offices, and other spaces. This process may involve choosing color schemes, wall hangings, floor coverings, furniture, and accessories.

Interior decorators may work in a wide variety of settings and may need to work during evenings and weekends, depending on their client's availability. Wherever they work, interior decorators try to create a decorating scheme that matches not only their clients' wishes and budget, but also the unique environment of each working space. Their aim is to create a space that is functional, comfortable, and safe. They may work independently or as part of a design team. Supervisory and consultant positions are also available.

Interior Decorator Career Options

An interior decorator plans and executes decorative arrangements for stores, homes, offices, and other indoor spaces. They can work for a design firm or on their own. A design firm employee handles interior decoration tasks for the company, while an interior decorating consultant works independently to provide advice to other interior decorators or an interior decorating firm. For those who want to pursue a leadership position, a director of interior decorating might be appealing, which includes overseeing an interior decorating department of a design firm. A four-year degree in interior design and extensive experience are sometimes required and licensure in interior design may be necessary.

Alternative Careers for Interior Decorators

There are other careers related to interior decorating that require similar skills and experience. For example, a commercial decorator is a type of interior decorator that is responsible for the preparation and installation of trade and industrial show decorations or displays and performs similar work for expositions and festivals. Additionally, a floral designer designs and assembles arrangements of flowers, either as an employee, consultant, or business owner.

Important Facts About Interior Decorating Careers

Varied Work Environment	Cruise ships, private homes, offices, prisons, malls, aircraft, party events
Similar Occupations	Architect, art director, fashion designer
Projected Job Growth (2018-2028)	4% (interior designers)**
Median Salary (2019)	$39,610 (for all interior decorators)*

Source: *Payscale.com, **U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics

How to Become an Interior Designer or Decorator

Regardless of the choice of specialty in interior decorating, a successful career requires some important skills such as artistic ability, interpersonal and communication skills, problem-solving skills, and organizational abilities. They also need spacial awareness and the ability to visualize how different pieces of the room might work together. Additionally, time management is an essential skill, as projects often have specific and strict deadlines.

Education requirements for interior designers vary based on the employer, but training programs are available for those who are interested in pursuing formal education int his field. Many vocational schools offer certification programs in interior decorating. Becoming certified by a school or professional organization may also help to secure employment as an interior decorator. Although a college degree is not always required in order to become an interior decorator, an associate's or bachelor's degree may help if you wish to advance further in your design career.