What is Interior Decorator Job Description, Training, and Salary
Are you interested in becoming a professional interior decorator? Know that this work has no age and you can therefore start at any time in your life. Whether you choose to be employed in an agency or a company, or whether you are developing your business as a freelancer.
So, here is everything you need to know about this passionate profession. In this article, we give you all the keys to access this activity: diplomas or training recommended, skills required, but also the possible salary for a beginner.
What is the profession of the interior decorator?
Have you heard of the profession of interior decorator, but you don’t really know what this job entails? No worries, we explain everything to you. A home decorator is responsible for advising clients on how to decorate rooms.
He may also be required to do the decorations himself, following the client’s budget and/or specifications (style of decoration, desired materials, etc.). At the same time, this design and architecture enthusiast is responsible for harmonizing the spaces, designing and setting up the furnishings, etc.
Often, the decorator works closely (or takes care of this aspect) with 2D and 3D modelers. But also architects and other building professionals, architectural plans and cabinetmakers, etc. He is therefore a real manager in his field and can evolve with a team or various service providers in order to satisfy his customers.
In addition, an interior decorator is often required to carry out light refreshment work himself, he must therefore be practical and be a handyman. In addition, an interior decorator can also be hired by a client to go and buy decorative elements. So you have to be a good negotiator and have a good eye.
What skills do you need for this profession?
To become an interior decorator, you must have prerequisites. As in all professions. Simply, to exercise this activity, it is better to improve in these areas:
- Have taste in decoration and know about materials: know the trends, colors, materials to use, and how they work.
- It takes imagination and a good knowledge of architectural and design movements over time. Being creative is a big plus. It is better to like to decorate, even at home.
- You are being a handyman, knowing how to do renovations simply, combining technique with practice.
- Know how to draw, make 3D models, plans, etc.
- Knowledge of real estate and construction is a plus.
- Ability to speak English.
- Work in a team, know how to manage.
- Be concise and precise. And above all, listening to your customers and knowing how to advise, make compromises, etc.
- Become a good negotiator and an expert in good deals.
If ever you do not go through training, you will have to get your hands on the ground and create a solid file. “To become a decorator without having a diploma, you have to prove yourself, create a book of your achievements and possibly imagine projects from A to Z for a private place: a home, but also a public building, a business, or a place of work and a place of leisure: museum, theater “.
Recommended Qualifications and Training
To become an interior decorator or other related trades (purchaser of decorations, modeler of 3D plans, exterior decorator, etc.), several diplomas or training courses are recommended. But, they are not compulsory. You can very well get started without prior training and get trained on the job.
Nevertheless, this is favored by companies, but also by customers (if you are a decorating contractor). For information, it is always better to have done at least one internship in the industry than nothing at all before starting. Here is a non-exhaustive list of recommended diplomas and training :
- BTS ERA – study and realization of layout
- DNA – National Arts Diploma, design option
- Bac Pro architectural space layout
- BTS space design
- BTS layout of the architectural environment
- Interior decorator consultant (ESAIL)
- DN MADE – national diploma of crafts and design with a specialization in space
professional degree in layout - Bac Pro architectural space layout
- DNSEP – Higher national diploma in plastic expression option design
- Bachelor’s degree in architecture or Design
- DSAA – Higher diploma in applied arts, space option
- Diploma from Ensad-Arts Déco specializing in interior architecture
- Specialized school diploma
What salary is for a Professional Interior Decorator?
Now that you know a little more about the profession of interior decorator, let’s talk about prices. In general, if you officiate in an agency, you can expect to earn a salary of 1700 € monthly for a beginner. Note that this income can go up to 2300 € per month.
By rising in rank and with seniority, you can also obtain a better salary in the long term. We are talking, in general, of 5000 € net per month.
As a freelancer, or as an interior decorator on your own, this salary can vary a little more. It will depend on you, your way of working, your credibility, and your clientele. You must find your own customers and build up a solid address book of loyal customers to do this. Customers who will also talk about you by word of mouth.
If we are to believe the latest figures, from 2021, a self-employed interior decorator would earn between €1,200 and €6,000 per month. Quite a range that therefore depends on your experience in the field.
Also Read: 10 Best Interior Design Apps for Android