Interior Decorator Jobs

Interior decorator jobs are fun and exciting ways for an individual to become involved in the professional interior decoration and design industries. The jobs are often confused with interior designer positions, but they are in fact much different in many ways, from the educational requirements to the actual job functions.

The types of decorator jobs do not vary greatly, and many have the same or similar functions. These positions require some interior design knowledge, office skills, and a love for the visual elements of any room. Interior decorator jobs can be found through various places, including:

• Interior design firms
• Home builders
• Retailers
• Interior decoration businesses

However, most begin with working in their own home and volunteering their services to their friends. These are both ideal ways to gain experience and exposure in the field of decorating.

Many interior decorators are self-employed, or those with experience in the field may work for a firm. Since there are no educational requirements or other restrictions in place, many interior decorator jobs can be entrepreneurial positions. However, there are also assistant decorators and decorator interns in some businesses. The positions available depend on the needs in the region. Regardless, decorators of all levels have the same basic tasks when working with a new client, and all of these responsibilities together add up to the final design of a room or home.

Decorator jobs differ strongly from interior designer positions. While talent and certification are helpful for success, there are no licensing restrictions, educational requirements or work experience constraints for interior decorators.

Interior decoration is the art of enhancing a room with the right colors, fabrics and types of furniture. The purpose is to make an attractive environment that is both easy to use and beautiful. Decorating goes beyond picking out paint colors and choosing the best fabrics for a room; a great interior decorator is also a salesperson and a negotiation expert. All residential and commercial decorator jobs have a varied list of responsibilities that depend on who signs the final paycheck.

The initial client meeting is essential to establish goals and desires for the space. In a large décor firm, the lead decorator is usually the one to attend the client meeting, while smaller firms may only have one decorator on staff. This first sit down conversation with the client allows many decorators to consider the client’s personality during the decorating process, and a successful meeting makes for a pleasing design. Meetings can vary in length, and they are usually the first time that a decorator is able to view the space to be worked on during the duration of the agreement.

Every interior decorator takes an assessment of an area before beginning work or sometimes even accepting a job. Assessments are visual and they often include sketches and photographs of the area. Some decorators have a special assessment team or person that will come in and perform this part of a job.

After the initial meeting and the assessment, most interior decorators offer an estimate to the client. This estimate can include drawings and ideas, but it always includes the cost. After the estimate is presented and approved, she can move on to the décor related aspects of the job. At this point, the client is usually out of the process except for occasional approvals of changes in the plan.

Interior decorators enjoy a flexible working schedule that is in and out of an office environment. It is an ever-changing position that is free of mundane tasks. Some can also receive reduced rates from vendors and retailers for personal décor needs.

• Written by Erika Peterson

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