Interior decorators are responsible for creating beautiful spaces. Wondering what the Essential Skills for an Interior Decorator are? Find out if this is really the right industry for you and how to get started right here!
Essential Skills for an Interior Decorator to Have
As an interior decorator, you need to have a vast range of skills in order to do your job well. This includes both soft and technical skills. These skills will aid you in helping clients decorate an area in a way that is both functional and beautiful.
Creativity – Having a flair for creativity and an eye for detail are very important in interior decorating. You need to be able to take a client’s idea and bring it to life or come up with new ones that they will like.
Communication – A big part of your job will consist of dealing with different types of people. You need to know how to communicate effectively with clients. It’s also important to have great listening skills so you know exactly what the customer wants.
Knowledge of Design Principles – Knowing how to effectively use basic design principles is key to being a great interior decorator. This is useful in combining different elements of design with a specific space and furniture.
Organisation – To keep up with your work schedule, you have to be organised. Good organisation includes good time management. The more organised you are, the more likely you are to meet deadlines.
Problem-solving – With any project, there is a chance that you might run into a problem. This is why it’s important to prepare for anything. You also need to keep your client informed should there be delays in the delivery of materials.
Customer Service – The level of service you provide your customers can make or break your business. This means that you need to be professional and efficient at all times. Check in with your client throughout the project as well as after its completed.
What can I do to Boost my Interior Decorating Skills?
Not all skills needed to be a successful interior decorator comes naturally. Some of them need to be learned. There are different ways in which this can be done. Gain both practical and theoretical skills by doing the following:
Take Courses
A good way to start gaining knowledge on interior decorating is to take the relevant courses. Here at Skills Academy, we offer three interior decorating courses. This is done through distance learning and aims to provide you with valuable workplace skills. All you need to qualify is be able to read and write in English.
Related Courses:
Gain Practical Experience
The interior decorating business can be tough to get into. It requires you to start at the bottom, then work your way up. You need to be prepared to work for free before you land a job that pays. This can be done by volunteering to do design work for a charity or local neighbourhood business. It’s also a great way to meet new people and possibly get an internship.
How Does an Interior Decorator Differ From an Interior Designer?
An interior designer works closely with architects to design the structural space of a room or area. This is done to ensure that the space is functional. An interior decorator, on the other hand, selects and adds paint, furniture and other accessories to an area. This is often done after an interior designer has made the necessary structural changes.
Is This the Right Career for me?
You may be a natural at decorating spaces, but it takes a lot more to turn it into a career. If you are thinking about joining this industry, there are some things you need to consider. Below are some things you should ask yourself:
- Do you like working with people?
- Are you always visualising ways to make a space look better?
- Do you have a great eye for detail and colour?
- Have you ever decorated your own home and enjoy
How can I Create a Portfolio That Stands out to Clients?
In the interior decorating industry, it’s important to showcase your skills. That’s where a portfolio comes in. Every decorator needs a clientbase and having a portfolio can help you get them. Not only does it advertise your designs, it shows potential clients that you are professional.
Stick to Basics
Potential customers don’t want to flip through a file with hundreds of pages. Keep it simple. Your portfolio should have five to seven designs in it. If you want to give them a more indepth look at your work, direct them to the company Facebook page.
Have Many Portfolios
With a short portfolio, it needs to make an impact. The best way to do this is to create multiple portfolios. Each should be tailored to a specific client. This saves you the trouble of having to create a new one each time you get a new client.
Add Variety
You don’t want a client to lose interest at the first glance of your portfolio. This is why it’s important to use different styles and settings. Mix it up by adding photographs, sketches and 3D drawings. Try to keep it as interesting as possible.
Tell a Story
When organising your designs, try to arrange them in a way that tells a story. Your portfolio should be gripping from the first page and leave the client wanting more. Make sure that there is a flow to your ideas and that they make sense.
Design it Well
Your portfolio itself is a design project. The structure and appearance reflects your skills and creativity. This is why it’s important to pay attention to the design elements you use, such as the fonts, use of space and colour.
Quality Over Quantity
The quality of your photographs are everything. Make sure that they are well-lit and capture your designs perfectly. Don’t be afraid to spend a little more on printing costs. You want your photographs to look professional and be smudge-proof.
Kickstart Your Career
Once you have created your portfolio and completed the necessary courses, you can start your career. This is where the hard work begins.Take the skills and training you gained and look for ways to get your own clients.
Dos and Don’ts of Interior Decorating
Interior decorating isn’t all fun and games. You need to know what to do and what not to do in order to spruce up a room. Listed below are just a few of the things you should consider when decorating a new space.
Do:
- Use lighting, such as lamps, candles, etc.
- Mix old and new
- Make a moodboard
- Use a bookshelf for more than just books
Dont:
- Buy white furniture if you have small children or pets
- Forget about seating
- Decorate around only one colour
- Have too much clutter
Decorate Your Life With new Skills!
Interested in gaining Essential Skills for an Interior Decorator? Find out more about our interior decorating courses by calling us on 0800 39 0027. You can also complete our online contact form and we will get back to you.
