The Best Interior Design Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

Interior designers can make a space more visually appealing and functional. Many people know they like certain design styles, such as mid-century modern, but don't know where to start to achieve the look. An interior designer will work with you to bring your vision to life. They'll find pieces that match your style while still keeping it practical for everyday use.


How do you start an interior design business?

Starting an interior design business is relatively straightforward:


• Decide on the specific services you’ll offer
• Create branding
• Register the business
• Complete a few free projects
• Create a website that includes your portfolio
• Establish pricing
• Launch promotions
• Collect client reviews/referrals to grow your business

What does an interior designer do?

An interior designer makes a space more visually appealing, functional, and safe by planning furniture placement, decorations, lighting, color schemes, and material choices. Interior designers can work in homes or commercial spaces. Additionally, they can have specialties, such as sustainable designing. 


How much do interior designers make?

According to Payscale.com, the median interior designer salary in the United States is $50,618 per year. However, it’s important to note that this amount can vary significantly depending on factors such as years of experience, reputation, location, and specialty, among others.


What education is needed to become an interior designer?

A degree isn’t necessary but can be helpful. Individuals can pursue a degree in interior design or related fields such as drawing and computer-aided design. After earning a bachelor's or master's degree and completing two years of professional experience, interested designers can take the National Council for Interior Design Qualification exam.


How did Joanna Gaines learn interior design?

Joanna Gaines is a famous interior designer and star of the television show "Fixer Upper." Gaines doesn't have a formal education in interior design. Instead, she started designing her husband's fix-and-flip projects. She states that she's a "self-taught designer" and has learned to design through trial and error.


What should be included in an interior design portfolio?

An interior designer’s portfolio is often what wins them clients. The portfolio should include an introduction, pictures of previous projects, and the details of those projects. All the photos should be high-quality and offer views from different angles to accurately showcase the entire scope of the project.


Do interior designers need to be licensed?

A few states require interior designers to have a license if they work in commercial spaces:


• Louisiana
• Florida
• Nevada
• Washington, D.C.
• Puerto Rico

An unlicensed interior designer can still work in a commercial space but must be supervised by a licensed professional, such as an architect or engineer.


What is the best interior design magazine?

There are a number of interior design magazines on the market. Some of the more popular ones include:


• Architectural Digest
• Elle Decor
• Veranda
• Better Homes
• Traditional Homes
• Array Magazine
• Country Living
• Azure
• Romantic Homes
• Casa Claudia
• Better Homes & Gardens

What programs do interior designers use?

Interior designers use programs to create virtual renderings of floor and design plans. This type of software allows them to provide mock-ups to their clients. Some of the most popular software programs are SketchUp Pro, TurboCAD, and Archiad23. Additionally, interior designers may use programs to host a virtual portfolio to share with potential clients.


What\'s the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator?

Interior designers consider the inhabitants' behavior in a home or business premises to create a more functional space. In comparison, an interior decorator focuses on making a space more aesthetically pleasing but won't necessarily address functionality. Additionally, an interior designer can decorate, but an interior decorator can't design.


What kind of jobs can you get with an interior designed degree?

Career options include:


• Industrial design: Designing big spaces for business needs.
• Hospitality design: Designing rooms that are welcoming and represent a hotel brand.
• Retail design: Designing retail stores, restaurants, and more.
• Real estate staging: Staging homes for viewings.
• Residential: Helping people design their homes.

When should you hire an architect and when should you hire an interior designer?

An interior designer can help you make changes to the layout of your existing home, such as drawing up plans to remove a wall. You'll need to hire an architect if you’re building a home from scratch. However, an interior designer can help you plan the interior.


What are the best interior design blogs?

Some of the best interior design blogs are:


• All Sorts Of
• Style by Emily Henderson
• Coco & Kelley
• Wit & Delight
• My Design Chic
• Old Brand New
• Lauren Leiss
• Chris Loves Julia
• Coco Lapine Design
• Apartment 34
• Tao of Dana
• Becki Owens

What classes do interior designs take?

Some of the courses an interior designer may take during their degree program are:


• History of Interiors and Furniture
• Interior Lighting Design
• Space Planning
• Computer Aided Drafting and Design
• Interior Design Graphics
• Interior Structures and Material
• Contract Interior Design
• Interior Design Professional Practice

Is it necessary to be good at drawing to be a good interior designer?

Yes, drawing well is necessary to be a good interior designer. Many interior designers use design software programs, but they still need to draw initial plans. Luckily, drawing is a teachable skill, so you can take drawing classes if you want to become an interior designer.


What are some examples of interior design styles?

There are dozens of interior design styles, but some of the more popular ones are:


• Scandinavian
• Hamptons/Coastal
• Bohemian
• Modern
• Mid-Century Modern
• Modern Country
• Contemporary
• Transitional
• Industrial
• Minimalist
• Traditional
• Shabby Chic
• French Country
• Rustic
• Farmhouse
• Art Deco