- 1). Be aware that a degree isn't required for an interior decorator. This doesn't mean, however, that you should pass up any opportunity to learn more about your chosen field. Classes are available online and at local colleges for non-degree seeking individuals looking to learn more about interior decorating.
- 2). Train your eye for design. Before attempting to work on clients' homes for money, develop your craft. The world is a decorator's classroom. Visit other people's home, go to art galleries, browse home magazines and take tours through historic homes. Look at what the designers did in these places and imagine what you can do differently. Learn about the latest trends in design magazines and see what is new in fabrics, wall coverings, flooring and furnishings.
- 3). Gather experience to grow your your resume and get new clients. Start off with a room in your own home, then move on to family and friends. Catalog all of the projects you complete and take before and after pictures.
- 4). Use the pictures you put together from volunteer and arrange them in a portfolio. The portfolio will be visual validation to your potential clients of the work you can do. Get reference letters to put in the portfolio as well. If you have design ideas that you haven't put on a physical location yet, draw them up and put them in the portfolio.
- 5). Take care of the administrative process of creating a small business (see Resources below). Decide on a business name that is unique and easy to remember. Decide on a business type, either corporation, sole proprietorship or partnership. Apply for a business license to validate that you can do business in your county. Apply for a Federal EIN number from the IRS (see Resources below). This is an identification number for your business that will be used to establish credit for the business or to open a bank account.
- 6). Decide on a location for the business. Most interior decorators decide to do business out of their homes to save money. If you do this, make sure to have a second phone line installed just for the business.
- 7). Meet local vendors and build positive business relationships. Join the local Chamber of Commerce and participate in events to meet other business owners in the area. Joining interior decorators' organizations are prime opportunities to introduce yourself to vendors (see Resources below). Vendors will extend an interior decorator's discount or line of credit that will be useful when you open for business. As a decorator, you are entitled to the discount, but you will have to apply for the line of credit. This is where your new EIN will be useful. If your company doesn't have an EIN, your Social Security number will be needed to open any credit accounts.
- 8). Get clients through referrals from working with local vendors, real estate agents, art dealers, architects, home renovators and antique dealers for referrals. New home buyers and home builders are a good source to scout for potential clients. Participate in home shows, join local organizations and buy an ad in the yellow pages for other ways to obtain clients.
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