Interior Design Freelance
As an interior designer, you have to be a good listener for your clients so yo can hear their ideas, and be ready to give your opinion when they want it. Your goal is to help them design to their needs, whether it be a commercial building, a personal building, etc.
They have to focus on multiple factors in order to make a room look beautiful and pleasing to the eye, and comfortable.
This could include things like:
And so much more!
When I freelance I have to take into consideration all of those things! Probably not in Grand Junction, but in a bigger town like Colorado Springs or Denver so I could get more business. People who are seeking to remodel a room or office would love my service, or even people who are looking to add finishing touches or simply to collect ideas when building a new house who need decorating ideas.
I would basically be helping clients create a design plan based on their style or make it for them depending on what they want, without changing the structure. I would then work with them with the supplies like furniture, lighting, or paint, to fit the design plan by looking at suppliers that I'm contracted with. If they want to use their own supplies, or go buy their own, they could do that as well. I would then, help them install it, hire an installation contractor or if they want to do it themselves.
To keep in mind, there will be some competition!
- Laurel & Wolf is the more famous interior design company. They have a one-time flat fee. An average classic design is $299/room. Also, they allow you to design your own room and design online 24/7. Each package includes everything to design your room, and while designing online, you can receive or choose designers.
- Ten Bro designs is an interior design company that travels throughout the country and attends international trade to bring the best products and furniture for designs. They also can help you with plans. They deliver and install, have custom remodels, and have shopping services, etc.
- Design Directions is an interior design business in Grand Junction who recently went out of business. The sell furniture with a fixed fee by project or hour. They'll sell furniture on a cost-plus basis where they buy the wholesale cost and mutually agree to prescribed percentage mark up of whole cost.
How will my business be better suited?
I will sit down with my clients and help them through the complications in designing a draft process. I will have a list of my suppliers and something to keep on hand so my clients can have options if they want any furniture or lighting details through me. The delivery charge will be a reasonably mark up charge along with the retail taxes.
Some equipment Interior Designers need are:
How much would I charge for my service?
It all depends on the factors. This Includes the general fee, which is my work and the designing the draft process. That would average between$50-$90 depending on the time spent and the effort from my client. Another factor is the cost of furtniture or supplies, which really depends on how much is chosen to use and how much those products are. I would sell maybe a 10%-20% mark up price on them so I can profit. There is also labor cost which can vary as well depending on time spent and the difficulty of the job and if a installation contractor was hired or not..
Now obviously, I've started a business, now I have to advertise!
I would hand out my business cards at local places around town, like furniture stores, home depot, etc. At got print.com about 250 business cards cost $12.60.
I could hang up flyers at those same spots on the bulletin board and other places that a lot of people go to like the main street, etc.
Other ways of advertising I could do is advertise by website with an online portfolio, have my friends and family refer me. Some of the work I do could get me more work, because clients may talk me up. I can also make work proposals online and go on freelancing websites, and social media.
Will I pay taxes?
When I resell products like lighting details or furniture that I have delivered from my available suppliers and manufacturers I will have to pay taxes on the retail items. Also if my client decides to hire a installer contractor instead of doing it themselves or having me assist them, then I would have to pay taxes for their service.
Okay, and will you need and certifications or a license?
In the state of Colorado, to be an interior designer, I would need at least 2 to 4 years of education accredited by the Council of Interior Design. I would then need 2 more years of experience through an internship, etc. So basically It would take 6 years before I could be able to freelance.
Also before I can, I would need to take a qualification exam through the National Council of Interior Design Qualifiers. Also, I would need to prepare a file document for the Board of Examiners of Architect to obtain approval for a building permit for non-contractual interior construction and finishes.
What about legal paperwork or documents?
To be an interior designer, I will have to get an interior designer contract to be able to have my services. I would also need contracts and documents from the installation contractors and also from the suppliers or manufacturers I decide to take service from.