Unleash Your Inner Designer: Translating a Love for Interior Design into Substantial Earnings

START EARNING | SIDE JOBS
Transform Your Love for Interior Design Into a Side Income
By: Joe
Last updated on July 3, 2023
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Photo credit: Unsplash
Do you find yourself continually moving furniture around and coming up with fresh decor ideas? If you have a flair for design, you might want to consider turning this fun pastime into a rewarding side business or side hustle in interior design. Sounds like the perfect plan, doesn’t it?

It’s estimated that the average interior designer was making around $52,810/year in 2011. Of course, incomes can differ significantly, with entry-level designers earning around $25.39/hour, while top earners can make up to $86,430/year. A majority of interior designers make between $35,320 and $65,960 annually. It’s safe to say, adding a side income stream could be beneficial for many designers.

The good news is that pursuing a side job doesn’t mean giving up on your passion. Take advantage of the internet and use design software in your free time. A side hustle could complement your full-time job as an interior designer and even earn you some extra cash.

So, allow me to take you through some top side hustles for interior designers.

How Can Interior Designers Work Online?
For an interior designer, many online platforms can help showcase your skills and make some extra cash. Here are a few ideas:

Virtual Consultations: Using online meeting platforms like Zoom or Skype, you could offer design advice, discuss budgets and preferences, and help clients transform spaces.

Design Presentations: Use digital tools to present your ideas, color schemes, and furniture options to clients on mood boards.

Virtual Visualization: With 3D rendering software, you can create stunning visual representations of designed spaces.

E-Design Services: Provide complete design ideas digitally to your customers for an hourly charge.

Virtual Room Layouts: Use online tools to share your room layout ideas.

Online Collaboration: Use various platforms to work with clients and suppliers, facilitating smooth communication.

Is Interior Design a Good Side Hustle?
Image source: Unsplash
Certainly! Starting an interior design business can be a delightful side hustle for many reasons:

Flexibility: You can schedule your work according to your availability so that it doesn’t interfere with your day job.

Getting Creative: Pursuing interior design projects will further hone your creative skills.

Low Startup Costs: Starting an interior design business requires little initial investment—mostly an internet connection and project management software would do.

Building Connections: This business provides opportunities to network potentially leading to future referrals and projects.

Growing Demand: As more people value aesthetically pleasing homes, online interior design services are becoming popular.

Of course, before you take up projects, ensure you have the necessary skills and industry experience. Being updated with current design trends can also be a great asset.

Top 7 Side Hustles in Interior Design to Maximize Profits
Image source: Unsplash
Want to make the most of your interior design passion? Here are seven areas you could consider:

1. Eco-Friendly Interior Design: As people become more environmentally conscious, sustainable and eco-friendly home decor is on the rise. Establish your expertise in this niche and market your services effectively.

2. Kitchen and Bath Design: More than just functional spaces, kitchens and bathrooms have become vital parts of our daily lives. Offering your expert services in designing these areas could bring in additional projects.

3. Home Staging: Making a home more aesthetically appealing to potential buyers can increase its value and sell faster. Joining hands with real estate agents or homeowners to style and stage properties could be a good way to earn extra cash.

4. Home Management: Helping clients achieve organized, clutter-free living spaces could be a profitable venture, especially catering to busy people and the elderly who need help maintaining their homes.

5. Commercial Interior Design: Designing interior spaces for offices, retail stores, hotels, hospitals, and restaurants could see high demand and prove to be a fruitful long-term business.

6. Residential Interior Design: With home decor becoming increasingly popular, a demand for residential interior design is growing daily. Helping clients design a unique and practical space can be rewarding both creatively and financially.

7. Luxury Interior Design: Specializing in high-quality, luxurious spaces could prove highly lucrative with the right marketing strategy.

How to Become A Successful Interior Designer?
Here’s a quick guide to becoming a successful interior designer:

Improve Your Skills: Get an interior design degree or diploma and gain experience in the field.

Build a Portfolio: Showcase your work samples to demonstrate your abilities.

Network: Attend industry events to build meaningful connections.

Get Certifications: Validate your skills with certifications from reputable institutes and keep learning.

Offer Excellent Service: Always strive to satisfy your clients’ needs to build a strong relationship.

In Conclusion
Turning your passion for design into a side hustle can be a highly lucrative way to complement your income. Besides your full-time job, you have a slew of interior design opportunities waiting for you. Which route are you going to take? We’d love to hear in the comments below.

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