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Work
at Home Ideas: Interior Decorating Consultant
A survey for Home magazine in the mid 90s indicated that 46% of
Americans planned to redecorate or remodel in the next five years.
According to a Lou Harris survey, almost one out of every seven Americans gets
help from a professional home decorator. This means a lot of work for home
decorators! Interior decorating requires a blending of artistic and practical abilities. Designers study the needs of people, and combine that
knowledge with an understanding of color and pattern, and expertise in furniture and architectural styles.
They must develop personal skills and professional techniques to effectively express their ideas to
clients.
Getting started: You will need to develop a
portfolio containing samples and snapshots of your work. If you don't have
a lot of past experience, you may want to develop a portfolio of your
ideas. You will also need to purchase computer design software, business
cards, letterhead, etc. Word of mouth is a great way to get
started. Offer to do your first few jobs at a discounted rate to build
your portfolio, and to get the word out.
What to charge: Some designers charge by the hour,
at rates that range from $25 to $125 per hour. Others charge a flat fee
for their design work or add a 20% service charge to the items they buy for
clients such as furniture, fabric, home furnishings, etc. It is a good
idea to have the services you will provide and fees you will charge in written
form before you begin a job to avoid any misunderstandings. It is also in your best interest to
have a written contract that contains the following:
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Description of the work to be done
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Work schedule
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Description of the completed products, including drawings, schedules and
data
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The amount and terms of payment of the designer's
compensation
Resources: The largest professional association in
this field is the American Society of Interior Designers (608 Massachusetts
Ave., NE, Washington, DC 20002).
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