All You Need to Know Before You Start Your Interior Design Business
Interior design has recently become the hottest industry and everyone seems to be in love with it. There’s a certain glamour and allure about it. If you have a knack for art and design, and you’re looking to start your own business, this might just be the right choice for you.
However, bear in mind that it’s not called business for nothing. It might be tricky to stand out from the crowd, offer something fresh and exquisite, and score great gigs in the beginning.
Before you embark on this journey, here are several things you should know.
Need to know basics
The most common misconception about interior design is mistaking it for interior decorating, but these two terms aren’t really interchangeable. Essentially, an interior designer is a professional with formal training and a degree in design, whose work involves CAD, space planning, drawing, furniture design, studying colours and fabrics, architecture and many more.
Their goal is not only to enhance the space, but also improve its functionality, so they collaborate with other professionals, such as realtors, architects and contractors.
On the other side, an interior decorator doesn’t need any formal education since the focus is primarily on the aesthetics. They come after the structural planning and renovation has been finished in order to help their clients decide on décor, colours, furniture and accessories.
If you still have your heart set on becoming an interior designer, here’s a great newsflash: it’s never too late! It’s achievable at any age and stage of life. After getting your design school degree, keep active, attend all the seminars you can find, educate yourself and make sure you find your focus. Define your style, passion and talent. Get your foot in the door by landing an internship for an established leader in the field and you’ll get priceless starting experience that you can later carry on to your own practice.
Plan your finances
To start your own interior design business, you don’t need a big initial budget. What is more important here is making connections with established authorities in the industry and growing your network base. This way, you’ll be able to create and attract your own client base.
Set up your website
In these modern times of cutting edge technology, if you want to impress and attract clients, you need to have a stylish website. Make it memorable and unique, as well as reflective of your design approach and abilities.
Connect with the right people
Having the right connections is everything in this business. Find a great photographer to work with since poor photography can ruin even the best designs. A pro with experience and expertise will make your design look amazing and impress future clientele.
It may not seem important right from the beginning, but you’ll need help from many experts. For instance, your design may include moving the power points and rearranging lights, which will require professional electrical knowledge. This type of collaboration is somewhat standard practice in Australia since most of the houses that undergo renovation are old and don’t have the capacity to accommodate today’s high power demands. Also, proper lighting makes all the difference in a space, and if you’re planning to be an interior designer down under and to get it right, consider working with a reliable Sydney electrician to help you choose best.
Identify your target market
Another important step is to clearly identify your target market. It’ll be extremely difficult to communicate with your clients without getting to know them. Your strategies and approach will be very different depending on who you work with: wealthy clientele, affluent business people or hip and edgy folk from the up-and-coming neighbourhoods. Whichever you choose, stay true to your brand, style and principles.
Advertise your business
Even though social media is most commonly used today for getting the word out, your best option for advertising your business is via recommendations and SEO. Ultimately, a serious client wouldn’t rely on Pinterest or Facebook to find a great interior designer.
Create a sustainable business
One thing that’s not going to work is doing interior design for clients on a tight budget. Such people simply don’t have the cash but expect you to perform miracles, and you’ll just end up slaving away for a design business that is simply not sustainable.
It’s the hardest part of the business, but you must charge what you are worth. Set that straight and clear from the start. The right clients will appreciate knowing that upfront.
Hopefully, all of these tips will help you get started and grow your interior design business successfully. Be prudent and careful, prepare well and take one step at a time. There are many aspects of the business to take care of but with time, your talent and determination, your business will thrive even if you hit a few snags along the way.
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