What Do Interior Decorators Do?

There are so many fun and exciting careers for adults to choose from. I’ve had two that I enjoyed so much! Teaching for er-hmm years was a huge blessing and a career which taught me maybe more than I taught my students. I practiced creating systems, homing in on discipline, life-long learning, and shoring my interpersonal skills. When deciding what I wanted for my empty nest years, I was able to transition so nicely into a career which uses all of the skills I learned for the many years I ran a classroom. Enter Interior Decorating.

Interior Decorators Study Design.

Interior decorators either study decorating at school or are self-taught. We read well-done decorating blogs, home magazines, and interior design books. Interior design books lay out time-tested rules for great design which decorators must follow until they are confident enough to break a few. Interior decorators also watch TV. Or YouTube. We watch design shows for fun and to glean creative ideas and learn current design trends.

Interior Decorators Meet with Clients.

Interior decorators meet with numerous clients. We meet up to better understand their needs for projects. Understanding their wants is just as important! Decorators communicate with customers to establish timelines for projects. Then we clearly show our design processes to our clients, so they know what to expect each step of the way.

Interior Decorators Estimate Costs and Time.

Interior Decorators similarly estimate project costs and create budgets for each project. We have established a pricing system that works for our company. This is either a per hour or per square foot price. I use both, depending on the project. Decorators also estimate the cost of the goods, like furniture and accessories, that we will purchase for the client. That way, the client is aware of the approximate total cost of the project before the work begins.

Interior Decorators Space Plan.

Finally, Interior decorators space plan to make rooms functional, comfortable, and coordinated. We use floorplan creating software to plan spaces. Sometimes even 3-D technology. This helps us and clients see what furniture fits in the space. We also know that thoroughfares are important and account for these in our planning so people can move through the room with ease. In addition, we help our customers choose flooring, paint, wallpaper, and architectural features, such as crown molding or wainscotting. We make sure that these elements work well, or “play nicely,” with each other. Next, we select furniture pieces. I usually select 4 or 5 sofas, for instance, and my client chooses her favorite based on price and other features. This helps customers battle decision fatigue.

Contact Staged for Living and let our interior decorators get started on your home project.

What is Interior Decorating?

After teaching all ages of children and homeschooling my own for er-hmm years, now when curious people ask me what I do, I get to say that I am an interior decorator. My “ACT TWO” as Dave Ramsey says.

Interior Decorating is Part Art & Part Math.

What is interior decorating? Interior decorating is part ART and part MATH. Funny because I always liked art. And I love math. Before the art begins, hours of math are spent. Measuring and space planning are vital to this profession.

Interior Decorators Keep Function and Beauty in Mind.

As an interior decorator, I address wants and needs. Having a tidy, well-run house pleases the soul but so does, say, a beautiful living room. Don’t we feel wonderful and even peaceful when we look at beauty? I get to help clients feel that in their spaces. And that is just fun!

Interior Decorators Communicate Well, Plan Designs, & Create Beauty.

There are also countless technical parts of my new career. Tons of them. Decorating starts with client communication. I must really understand what my clients need and want in their homes or workplaces. Then I measure spaces, create floorplans, research furniture, plan timelines, and make budgets. I sketch designs and create design boards with all my ideas. Then more communication. I ensure balanced décor and cohesive design. I hammer, paint, shop, carry, tape-off, and so much more! Art and math. Lots of Art. Much math.

Interior Decorating, My Act Two.

As much as I loved teaching, and I did, I still do, I am so thankful that I get to enjoy something else creative and oh-so-challenging. Act two has been a blast so far. I am so thankful for my new-found career in interior decorating and my wonderful clients who trust me.

Contact me to learn more and begin your interior project.