How to Start an Interior Decorating or Design Business

Do friends always turn to you for help when they’re redecorating a room?

Have they even gone so far as to say… you should get paid for offering your insight?

Well, don’t laugh them off – you can.

You’re an independent person who has impeccable taste and an eye for design. You feel it is now YOUR time, you hate boring desk jobs, you want to do what you love, with NO limits and a flexible schedule, you love helping people and consider yourself highly personable. Furthermore, – and most importantly – you’re business savvy, smart and self-motivated. If this description sounds like you, you could very well have a future in interior decorating.

How do I start my own Interior Design or Decorating Business?

It’s a question we hear at Decorating Den Interiors a lot and we want to help. That is why we created this guide to help you get started on your new career and business. For individuals looking to explore having their own interior decorating business or expanding a current one, this guide will give you the answers you need.

Its content is targeted both to those with experience in design and home furnishings, and those with the right talent and desire but who may be looking for a career change.

We are Decorating Den Interiors… we have spent over 50 years providing a complete “turn-key” Interior decorating business system, tools and support to START or ENHANCE an Interior Design Business of your own.

So…we know “How to start your own interior decorating business…”.

If you are looking for a change right now…TO DO WHAT YOU LOVE…we have a VIRTUAL TOUR of those that have done it…!

Select the button below and it will provide information direct from our independent business owners about their experience of building the business of their dreams.

Are you ready to explore starting your own interior design business?

If so, it’s time to turn your dream into a reality…click below:

You will learn just a few of the proven systems and support areas that a Decorating Den Interiors business delivers – to allow you to start your business or take your existing business to the next level…take a look and Take the Tour… listen to our owners…”See How We Do It”!

How we help

Within this article, there also is a four-part video series on:
·         Training – From getting Started to becoming a successful Interior Design business owner – Decorating, Business, Design, Start-up, Client service
·         Products and Buying Power – Automatic account set-up with over 120 national name brand suppliers – At Direct Wholesale Pricing!
·         Client Development System – Proven website, social media, marketing & advertising methods with the tools to do it every month!
·         Business Management and Mentor Support – Systems to keep track of clients, ordering and finances… specifically for the interior decorating business.

With 50 years of “trial and error”…We have the knowledge, business, tools and systems to help you.

You bring your Decorating Talent…we bring the turn -key business…”Just plug yourself in…!” Decorating Den Interiors is North America’s leading in-home decorating service and largest interior design and home furnishings franchise company. Our focus is on starting and building interior design businesses…providing business solutions, systems tools and ongoing support to grow your Interior Decorating business.

And as we mentioned above… we have FOUR VIDEOS to help you start your own decorating and designing business:

In part one of the series… we’ll focus on getting the training you need to run a successful business.

In part 2 of the series…we talk a bout “having the right business model” in today’s world of interior decorating.

In part 3 of our series ...we talk about marketing and whats needed to develop a client base for your business.

In part 4 of our series….the focus is on managing every aspect of your business and never being alone.

Know the industry outlook
Before you begin, it’s important for you to know what’s happening within the industry so you can properly break into it. The interior decorating business is moving out of brick-and-mortar stores and into individualized home services.

Home furnishing sales are now driven thru “in-home” selection and purchasing. Obviously, This is due the impact of the internet. The challenge is that consumers do not have the ability to “make the purchasing decision” without help from those with natural decorating ability. Usually this means searching the internet for ideas; but then, calling on her friend or neighbor with the decorating vision to guide and help her to make the decision to purchase!

“Become a piece of this $200 billion industry.”

In turn, it can be tricky for independent designers to develop relationships necessary to break into the industry and start a successful business. Decorators need the backing of a supportive team and the proper tools readily available to not just survive, but to thrive. Therefore, driven decorators, with business tools and systems, who are able to build and retain a large network of clientele… have the potential to be rewarded greatly with a piece of this $200 billion industry!!

Today’s Market… as we noted…home furnishing sales are now driven thru “in-home” selection AND purchasing. Obviously, This is due the impact of the internet. The challenge is that when purchasing home furnishings on line, consumers do not have the ability to “make the purchasing decision” without help from those with natural decorating ability. Usually this means searching the internet for ideas; but then, calling on her friend or neighbor with the decorating vision to guide and help her to make the decision to purchase!

With our Interior Decorating Business Model….the market has shifted directly into what we have been doing for over 50 years. As a business owner…you become that friend and work with every client to guide them to make their decision and then allow them to purchase “in -home”!

GO AHEAD!

START YOUR OWN JOURNEY….

With a franchise from Decorating Den Interiors. It can be challenging to establish yourself in the interior decorating industry if you go in alone. However, if you have a go-getter attitude, passion and a franchise with Decorating Den Interiors, you’re instantly opening yourself up to a supportive network of expert trainers and suppliers. You can be positioned to succeed with a proven business model, featuring four pillars of how to own a successful interior design business: training, products and suppliers, marketing and advertising and business management.

Training
Turning your passion into a career can seem like a daunting task – especially if you don’t know where to go for the adequate training. Even those who have received formal education may not have been trained on how to turn a classroom lecture into a real world business.

There are multiple types of training available to those who are interested in joining the industry. Online courses, design schools and formal degrees all compete for your attention. But they all have one thing in common: They only offer pieces of training – independent decorators receive a lot of theory about the practice but nothing practical.

A budding designer needs training that is highly usable in daily operations. You need answers to questions like: How do you get started? How do you build your business? And how do you operate it? Without this know-how, many desert the idea of owning their own dream business. But there is a solution!

From the moment you begin working with Decorating Den Interiors, you receive thorough education through comprehensive training programs. Everything is already in place – you don’t have to stress about starting from scratch because the proven structure is there for you, but it also gives you the flexibility to run it the way you want, allowing you to create your own flair.

Dedicated participants have found these courses to be incredibly rigorous, ultimately allowing decorators to get started much faster than on their own. You learn everything from the latest design techniques down to minute details of how to run the core of the business itself. But the support doesn’t stop there.

You’ll then have the immediate guidance of a mentor who will continue to support and advise you throughout your endeavor, as well as ongoing corporate trainings each year.

Learn how to decorate rooms like this one.

Products and suppliers
Your relationship with suppliers and their products will set you apart from other independent decorators. You’re not just selling your ideas and services. Clients want a beautiful home, so it’s crucial to sell them on your products. At the end of the day, you’ll be able to beat out competitors by offering clients a wider range of customizable decor. Sounds great, but where do you find said product?

Independent decorators have to build their own infrastructure and are tasked with making supplier connections on their own. Many suppliers refuse to do business with independent decorators. But that’s a cumbersome and relatively ineffective process. Decorating Den Interiors supports its partners with 100 plus quality name-brand manufacturers and suppliers from a vast vendor network. This means wholesale prices for the furniture and designs your clients want so you can customize each customer experience. At Decorating Den Interiors, our suppliers have products that range from good, better to best to fill the needs of any client.

Marketing and advertising
Getting your name out there can be tricky business. On the client side of things, you have to be prepared to sell yourself at the drop of a hat. You truly never know when or where potential business is going to come from. You know what marketing and advertising is important, but the challenge remains – how do you do it? You know you need newspaper and website ads, but when and how do you update them?

“You’re supplied with personal advertising and marketing materials.”

Advertising and Client Development is a cinch with Decorating Den Interiors proven strategies. You’re supplied with personal advertising and marketing materials that put your name out there in a professional manner. But you have to do some of the leg-work yourself. Know that everyone you surround yourself with is a potential client or a lead to clients, so you have to sell yourself to them. This is, of course, made easier with Decorating Den Interior’s tools to help you create a professional portfolio, and expand as you grow.

On top of this advice, however, Decorating Den Interiors will supply you with turn-key systems proven to help you generate these new leads. You have access to both national and local advertising as well as the online marketing packages that will help you gain beneficial social media exposure.

Business management
What’s one of the biggest fears of anyone starting their own business? Knowing how to run it successfully, of course. Starting your own business always sounds great until you realize there’s lot more to it other than getting clients, designing rooms and getting paid. Not to fear – you’re never alone with Decorating Den Interior’s Customer Management Software and intranet chat room system.

Decorating Den Interiors has a full support network for its franchise partners. They offer online and personal coaching, as well as client management software so owners can pursue their dream business backed by seasoned experts. You’ll be armed with tools that include: resources to run targeted email campaigns, know-how of organizing client data, management techniques regarding promotions and customizing ads, as well as the oh-so important knowledge of reporting and analytics.

Do I Need a Degree or How do I break into Interior Design and Decorating?

So many ask, “what is the most efficient way to start my own business in Interior Decorating?”

If you are considering spending approximately $80k and taking four years to earn an interior design or similar degree, it might be good to ask: “What then?” Most start out with a job in a furniture store, gift and accessory shop, or perhaps with an architectural design firm or larger interior design studio. Imagine, all that time and money to be lowest on the ladder. Sorting catalogs, rearranging displays, making presentations, running errands, and tracking shipments and deliveries. You might find yourself wondering; “When will I ever have a real client?” Or, “When will I ever really use what I learned?”

Another set of questions you may ask yourself is related to whether you might ever get to have your own business, to manage your own destiny, to fulfill your dream of being independent. They might be questions like this:

What kind of interior designer would I like to be like?
How do I get started?
Do I want to work by myself or with a team?
What kind of office or studio should I have?
How would I learn to run a business?
How long will it take me to set up a system to keep track of everything?
Should I charge by the hour or make money on the product?

Perhaps the most important: HOW WOULD I GET CLIENTS?

What might you learn in college to help you answer these questions?

This could be a problem for many starting their own design business. If you are considering getting a degree first, take a close look at the list of required courses. Often, you will find only one course with a title such as “Business Practices for Interior Design” or “Interior Design Professional Practice.” One three-credit course in four years will probably tell you more about what you don’t know about running a business then giving you real help and guidance.

And, there is the cost!

If you are considering the education route to an interior design career or business, it would be useful to consider the full cost before embarking on that journey. Not just the dollar cost, which will indeed be substantial; but also the less tangible costs. If you attend school full time, you will be delaying the start of your career by that number of years. How much to live on campus? If you attend part time, you make the delay even longer. There is also what economists call “opportunity costs.” What are the opportunities you give up in order to pursue a degree or certificate?

A more cost-effective alternative

A degree or certificate is of course a useful credential but, another more credible credential is having your own business, with real clients, real revenue, a real portfolio, and personal satisfaction from achievement. There is a cost-effective and quicker method to get to that dream of yours.

The business model of an interior design franchise is a proven method of getting into a career you can love. It comes with the independence and flexibility of having your own home furnishings and design practice. This option offers:

Business start-up assistance:

Preliminary and ongoing coaching with an experienced design business owner who has been down the same path
Proven instruction manuals with preparation for opening your business
Website creation
Professional Decorating and Sales School
Grand Opening guidance and assistance

Profitable access to well-known home furnishing brands

Direct wholesale pricing with more than 135 suppliers
Account set-up support
No minimums
Direct personal accounts
No inventory requirements
Product training
“Good, better, best” pricing
Quarterly product promotional incentives

Client development tools and business support

Web-based business management systems
Methods for monitoring and improving profitability
Access to proprietary software for client relationship management (CRM)
Lead generation and management tools
Project tracking systems
Bi-monthly marketing materials
National marketing featuring radio ads, full page ads in leading design magazines, Pay-per-Click
Public relations, as well as local PR and marketing assistance
Workshop and seminar scripts and visuals for use in making local presentations

Even more

An international Dream Room makeover competition judged by design journalists from the US and Canada
Publication possibilities in international, national and regional news media
An exclusive supplier market and design center during the annual conference
Ongoing education: National workshops, regional meetings, online classes and webinars

Does this require an investment?

Yes, there is an initial investment MUCH LESS THAN MOST DEGREES. Yes, there are ongoing costs for services you receive, services you would otherwise most likely have to purchase on your own without guidance.

The bottom line? You can make your own evaluation and comparison. When you do, consider the full costs of each option ALONG WITH THE FULL BENEFITS. Only you can answer which is most cost effective for you to quickly fulfill your goals and dreams.

How Do You Establish the Right Structure in Place to be a Successful Interior Designer or Decorator?

As an interior designer, do you often have the chance to hear other designers explain exactly how they accomplished an award-winning design including the exact costs of the furnishings? Do you have continuous access to colleagues who share with how their business systems help them get the financial return they desire? Do you have great support from suppliers and others who want to see you achieve your dreams?

Sure, there are excellent seminars at High Point and other markets, but do you really hear the secrets, the challenges that were overcome, the client apprehensions, the tips that only a seasoned pro can know?

And at market, do you ever get to meet the senior people from a supplier or have an in-depth conversation with someone truly knowledgeable, not some person hired just to help out giving tours of the showroom?

There is a series of gatherings for select design professionals where in-depth design tips from real world projects are shared, including costs and profitability; where suppliers take time to impart behind-the- scenes type product knowledge; where you often meet the top executive of a supplier; where guest experts lead hands-on classes; where coaching is available from top performers who want to help others achieve their goals.

The cornerstone of this design business improvement series of events is an international conference that brings together several hundred designers from across the U.S. and Canada along with nearly 100 select home furnishing suppliers displaying products and samples. During the rest of the year, these design professionals meet at local regional events where solid information is shared with each other and with suppliers, all with the goal of achieving business goals. And, there are organized visits to High Point and other markets during which the designers get extra attention they would not get as individuals attending on their own. These events are all about providing suppliers, systems and support for growing a design business even further.

At our May 2018 International Conference in Orlando, for example, in the Success Panel, four top design business owners shared insight into how they built their teams, how they market, how to differentiate yourself with customer care, how to draw out a client’s desire for a room makeover, and other business tips. In the Design Session, three award-winning designers walked us through, in detail, recent room designs from creative concept, sourcing furnishings, costs, to installation. Where would you get such specifics?

These events are a key advantage in qualifying to have a design business become part of Decorating Den Interiors. In addition to such business improvement resources and camaraderie, these designers get ongoing marketing support, technology resources for running their business, and a host of educational resources—online and in-person. Most importantly, there is the wholesale pricing and direct accounts with the more than 130 nationally known home furnishings suppliers that are part of the exclusive LIVV Home Collection™. It all makes for unparalleled suppliers, systems and support.

“Finding like-minded supportive people in your life can become your super power,” proclaimed an article in Inc magazine. “Find the people that love and support you. Find the people that are like minded. Find the people that turn you on, make your heart sing and challenge you. Every. Single. Day.”

However, finding other interior design professionals who sincerely want to see you become the best you can be is not always easy. Owning your own interior design business can be very, very lonely. Those in your own geographic area probably see you as competition. Those who are more distant are just that—too distant. Finding on line solutions does not always provide practical and experience based solutions …many times the on line communities only provide part of the solutions. Even good companies that make an effort on line, like IVY Mark and HOUZZ, sometimes miss the target, due to their own complexities and agendas. Companies that have product or other offerings, beyond simply support and “how to” systems, create disappointment if you are looking for a feeling of “community”.

A strong community is a well-connected network. Its members are allied with each other and SHOULD SHARE common business solutions. Goals, ideas and ideologies. Professional organizations are useful, but often do not really serve as a community of support, one that you can really depend on for practical knowledge and business solutions.

Finding your tribe is not just about business support. Psychology Today magazine published an article titled “The Health Benefits of Finding Your Tribe.”

Nevertheless, finding your tribe is easier to write about than actually do. Just do an Internet search on “Finding your tribe,” and see how many articles with tips there are.

A Special Tribe for Interior Design Businesses Community

If you are in the interior design business or thinking about embarking on one, consider what these design professionals have to say about peer support and feeling like they are part of a special community…

Lynne Lawson, a design professional who has won numerous design and business awards:

“There is a culture of support and camaraderie that even after 20 years in this business, I find amazing.

We are so anxious to help each other, to share our nuggets of success with other, we are anxious to provide support in any way we can.

I have colleagues that if I didn’t see them every year at conference, I would not be the designer or business woman that I am today. They have made a huge difference in my life.”

Robin Stairs, who started her design business three years ago:

“The people in our organization—both staff and other owners—all want to see us succeed.”

Katie Rioux, Calgary, Canada

“It’s great knowing you’re not alone. You have this family behind you – supporting you every step of the way.”

What Are They Talking About?

These design pros are talking about: Being in business for themselves, but not by themselves.

They are talking about a unique business model for interior design. They are talking about the Decorating Den Interiors full-service interior design and home furnishings franchise alternative.

This is an interior design business model that is even more than a powerful interior design business tribe. It is a COMMUNITY OF BUSINESS OWNERS that focuses EXCLUSIVELY on proven business systems, solutions and support:

· Manufacturer Pricing	· National Advertising
· Established Accounts	· Public Relations
· Sourcing of Products	· Client Acquisition Support
· Lots of Product Categories	· Time-Saving Resources

How Do I Cope With the Many Changes in the World of Interior Design and Decorating?

Disruption is always a challenge in our industry. If you’ve been around for the last several years, you can name many of them. From the big box stores to Wayfair and Amazon. From DIY to HGTV actually teaching DIY. From build-your-own-sectional online to design-your-own-room online. It all might make you wonder if there’s a future in the interior design business!

WE ARE CONFIDENT THE INTERIOR DESIGN BUSINESS FUTURE IS BRIGHT

The residential home furnishings industry is more than a $100 billion dollar business and a real estate market that is now steady and growing again; however, with the existing furniture stores and the internet…consumers are still left with ONE BIG challenge – “…how do I pull it all together? How do I decide what furnishings are going to work?” There are plenty of those consumers who need and want help in pulling it all together in a room, or the entire house. There is much they don’t know. Many don’t even know what they don’t know.

What makes one sofa last longer than another?
How do you create scale and balance in a room and make the room “come together” in colors?
Are there differences in performance fabrics?
And on and on….

As a designer, you see and hear these type of comments from consumers every day…so the need is GREAT; but the ability to have and run a fulfilling service design business with business tools, support and not feeling all alone… seems to be missing in today’s home furnishings business solution marketplace.

STILL, YOU MAY HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT GROWING AND MANAGING YOUR OWN BUSINESS

In todays rapid paced business market proven, simplified and fast business solutions are critical to surviving and having a competitive edge to grow and achieve success. Would you like the answers to these questions?

How do I improve my margins?
Which software should I use for managing my projects?
How do I keep my projects and information private?
How do I get more and better clients?
What’s the right balance between selling products and selling design service?
How do I pursue more profits without putting in even more hours?

THE RIGHT COMBINATION OF RETAILING, DESIGN SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY CAN BE POWERFUL.

Many designers, for various reasons, are not able to have direct relationships with suppliers that enable them to purchase at wholesale prices so they can compete with retailers. Some are able to get modest discounts from retailers. The result is that they rely heavily on making their money from fees for services.

But there are only so many hours in the day for which you can bill. And, clients frequently wonder if they are really getting their money’s worth for the fee they paid.

Our company Decorating Den Interiors, has been providing business solutions, tools and resources for designers and those wanting to become designers for over 45 years. Unlike the single technology solutions that you see like IvyMark and Houzz, we have combined all the business solutions into a turn-key business model.

For current designers, this eliminates the need to spend months trying to locate/negotiate with suppliers; create a method to track finances and clients; and so much more. Designers that connect with Decorating Den Interiors simply apply themselves to the existing solutions and then accelerate their business. As an example:

PRODUCT SOURCING

Think about the possibility of offering your design services as part of the total project, one that includes providing products that you have sourced at wholesale, through a direct relationship with the supplier, and then have included in a turnkey price to your client. It’s a transparent business model that is simple and profitable.

The client knows what they are getting and knows the price. Additionally, the client knows you are handling everything from inspiration to installation.

To do this, however, you would need a wide array of suppliers in a broad range of costs. Vendors in “Good”, “Better” and “Best” categories would allow you to accommodate a range of budgets and styles for all types of clients.

Our Decorating Den Interiors’ independently operated design businesses have just that through our LIVV Home Collection™ from more than 130 home furnishings suppliers. We negotiate product pricing unique to us, along with other financial incentives and quarterly promotions. Each design business has its own individual accounts and direct access with suppliers. Suppliers also provide field reps for additional assistance and training.

MARKETING DESIGN SERVICES

Marketing design services can be challenging. Many clients simply do not understand the benefits. Our 47 years of experience enable us to assist our design professionals, and for them to assist each other, in honing their skills for educating prospective clients.

We know that without top-notch selling skills, you do not get to design. We are truly an organization in which we learn from each other. Our education department is made up of experienced professionals, supplemented by outside resources. Just one look at our online library of training and education topics shows the breadth and depth of what is offered.

There also is what we learn from each other at regional meetings, international conferences, organized visits to High Point Market, and our LearningZen online course in all facets of a design business.

TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

Managing your business and design projects for optimal profitability and time management is more important than ever in the design business. We are beyond spreadsheets and digital file folders. The discussion groups on LinkedIn and other places are full of evidence that designers have questions about what works best, what is most cost effective, what is really design oriented, etc.

Our own customer relationship technology has been developed for our businesses. When complementary technology is required, our technology team and community of peers evaluates what makes the most sense. Our motive isn’t selling you something. Our motive is helping us all achieve our goals. Being in business for yourself, but not by yourself!

And as we mentioned above, we have four videos to help you start your own decorating and designing business as well, which are embedded below with the full transcriptions…

Hello, and welcome. It’s my pleasure to bring you to a four-part series on how to start an interior decorating business focused on residential design with the expertise of Decorating Den Interiors.

In part one of the series, we’ll focus on getting the training you need to run a successful business. There are lots of educational options to learn about interior decorating and design, but most schools focus on design principles and theory, offering very little of the practical side of running a design business. How do I find clients and market my business? Where do I find product knowledge training about furniture and fabrics? Just to name a few. For those who qualify for franchise ownership, our professional training staff at Decorating Den Interiors are able to provide all the areas of knowledge needed to get a business up and running quickly. Our training programs are comprehensive, covering information including design, space planning, and product knowledge. But it doesn’t stop there. To run a successful business, you must also know how to market your business and manage the back-office support. At Decorating Den Interiors, we’re experienced to guide you in every facet of the business, from startup to ongoing business coaching.

Hello, and welcome. It’s my pleasure to bring you to a four-part series on how to start an interior decorating business focused on residential design with the expertise of Decorating Den Interiors.

Welcome back, everyone. The next step in becoming and running a successful interior decorating business is developing a solid client base. Marketing and advertising a business can be tricky, time-consuming, and expensive if you’re doing it on your own. At Decorating Den Interiors, our marketing and advertising team of professionals are continually providing tools and advice to your business owners. From a turnkey website to social media support and customizable digital and print ads, we take the guesswork out of building your client base with the right clients. In addition, our business owners are supported by extensive national advertising, including online advertising and public relations, to build credibility and keep them in the public’s eye.

Hello, and welcome back. In the final installment of this series on becoming an interior decorator in the field of residential design, we’re talking about business management.

It’s one thing to have a natural talent for design and a great eye for color. It’s another to be able to take that and turn it into a successful and well-run business. Decorating Den Interiors provides our franchises with all the tools and support they need to effectively and efficiently run their businesses. From the startup phase on, each business owner has a business mentor and coach assigned to them for advice and ongoing support. Franchises also have the latest technology resources at their fingertips. From online training modules to accounting and client management software, they have the tools they need to stay focused on their design projects and clients, and not be bogged down with paperwork. And every Decorating Den Interiors business owner is networked through an exclusive intranet system where they share ideas with each other and stay up-to-date on the latest products and design trends.

So there you have it. If you’re ready to start your dream career as an interior decorator, check with Decorating Den Interiors’ franchise team to see if you’re a match today.

Design professionals have direct relationships with nearly 100 suppliers of furniture, case goods, accessories, lighting, floor and wall coverings, draperies and other hard and soft window treatments. They take samples directly to the client’s home or office, provide complimentary design services, and personally see projects through to completion. “Our extensive choices enable our design pros to work within a wide range of budgets and lifestyles,” Bugg says.

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