Interior Decorator

As an Interior Decorator, you are the visionary behind beautiful, functional living spaces. Your role combines artistic flair with practical problem-solving to transform ordinary rooms into extraordinary environments that reflect your clients’ tastes and lifestyles.

In this position, you’ll work with a diverse range of clients, from homeowners looking to refresh their living spaces to businesses seeking to create inviting commercial interiors. Your toolkit will include colour wheels, fabric swatches, and an extensive knowledge of furniture styles and design trends. You’ll also become proficient in using design software to create 3D visualisations of your concepts.

Interior Decorators can be employed within manufacturing businesses, or will collaborate with a diverse range of manufacturing professionals to bring their design visions to life. These include cabinet makers for custom storage solutions, upholsterers for furniture, textile manufacturers for fabrics and soft furnishings, metalworkers for hardware and fixtures, glass makers for mirrors and decorative elements, lighting manufacturers for custom fixtures, tile and stone fabricators for flooring and countertops, wallpaper manufacturers for wall coverings, and furniture makers for bespoke pieces.

Your role extends beyond simply choosing colours and furnishings. You’ll often act as a project manager, coordinating with contractors, artisans, and suppliers to bring your designs to life. You’ll need to balance aesthetic considerations with practical concerns like budget constraints and building codes. As sustainability becomes increasingly important, you may find yourself incorporating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient solutions into your designs.

In this role, your duties may include:

1. Consult with clients to understand their needs, preferences, and budget
2. Develop design concepts and present them to clients
3. Select colour schemes, materials, and furnishings
4. Create detailed plans and 3D visualisations of designs
5. Coordinate with suppliers, manufacturers and contractors to implement designs

Becoming an interior decorator typically requires a combination of education and practical experience.

1. To prepare for a career as an interior designer you should aim to complete your Year 10 secondary education. Completing Years 11 and 12 will also provide a good foundation and give you access to information through school subjects, teamwork opportunities, and building communication skills.
2. If you have an interest in becoming an interior decorator, you can apply directly to an employer.
3. Research potential employers in your area via a search engine, social media or job site. Even if there are no jobs advertised with the employer you’re interested in, it can be a good idea to send a cover letter with your resume expressing your interest.
4. While there are no mandatory qualifications for this role, you can undertake vocational education and training and tertiary education in interior design.