Can interior design be a side hustle? Yes! Whether you’re a full time designer looking to make some extra cash or someone with an eye for style wanting to try a new career, interior design is the perfect combination of creativity and profit.
As more people want to improve their living spaces the demand for interior designers is growing, so it’s a great side hustle.
In this post we’ll cover what it takes to get started, the skills you’ll need and practical tips to find clients and succeed in this fun field.
Why Choose Interior Design as a Side Hustle?
Interior design is an appealing side hustle for many reasons:
Flexibility
One of the greatest benefits of interior design is its flexibility. You can work on projects in the evenings or weekends, allowing you to maintain your full-time job while pursuing your passion on the side. This makes it ideal for parents, students, or anyone with a busy schedule who still wants to explore creative work.
Low Start-Up Costs
Unlike many other business ventures, interior design doesn’t require a large upfront investment. With basic tools like a laptop, internet connection, and a few design apps, you can start building your portfolio. Many designers begin by offering their services to friends and family, which costs nothing but time.
Personal Satisfaction
There’s something incredibly rewarding about transforming a space to better suit someone’s needs and tastes. The positive feedback and joy from clients when they see their dream spaces come to life can be deeply fulfilling.
Growing Market Demand
As people spend more time at home, especially with the rise of remote work, there’s a growing focus on creating comfortable, aesthetically pleasing environments. This trend boosts the demand for interior design services, making it a viable and profitable side hustle.
Must Haves for an Interior Design Side Hustle
To be an interior designer you need:
- Creativity: You need to have style and an eye for detail. You should love playing with colours, textures and furniture to create beautiful spaces. Keeping up with design trends and always seeking inspiration will keep your ideas fresh.
- Design Knowledge: Formal education isn’t necessary but having basic design principles such as spatial arrangement, lighting and colour theory is. You can gain this knowledge through online courses, workshops or self study using books and online resources.
- Technical Skills: Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, SketchUp or even free tools like Canva will boost your productivity and professionalism. These tools will help you create digital mock ups of spaces so clients can visualise your ideas.
- Communication Skills: You need to listen to your clients needs, desires and constraints. Good communication will help you understand their vision and manage their expectations. Being able to present your ideas clearly and persuasively will win clients over.
- Project Management: From managing timelines and budgets to coordinating with contractors and suppliers, project management skills are essential. Being organised and detail oriented will ensure projects run smoothly and on time.
How to Get Started with Interior Design as a Side Hustle
Starting an interior design side hustle can feel overwhelming but with these steps you can get started with confidence:
Learn the Basics
You don’t need a degree in interior design to get started but you should have a good understanding of the basics. Sign up for online courses on Udemy, Coursera or Skillshare. These platforms offer affordable courses that cover everything from interior design 101 to advanced techniques.
Build a Portfolio
Your portfolio is your business card in the interior design world. Start by redesigning rooms in your own home or offering free design services to friends and family. Take high quality before-and-after photos of each project. Even small projects can show off your skills and creativity and give potential clients an idea of what you can do.
Define Your Niche
Interior design is a broad field. To stand out, consider specializing in a niche area such as sustainable design, small space organization or a particular style (e.g. minimalist, bohemian or industrial). Having a niche makes it easier to market your services and attract clients looking for that specific expertise.
How to Find and Get Clients
Finding clients is the biggest challenge when starting a side hustle. Here are some ways to attract and retain clients:
Leverage Social Media
Instagram and Pinterest are visual platforms and perfect for showcasing your work. Create a professional profile where you post your projects, share design tips and engage with your audience. Use hashtags to reach a wider audience and collaborate with other designers or influencers to grow your reach.
Network Locally
Join local interior design groups or attend home shows and fairs. Networking can help you meet potential clients and collaborators. Join online design communities where you can share ideas, ask for advice and find opportunities.
Word-of-Mouth Referrals
Never underestimate the power of personal recommendations. Give excellent service to your first clients and ask for referrals. Happy clients will spread the word and help you grow your client base organically.
Offer Free or Discounted Initial Services
When you’re just starting out, offer your services for free or at a discounted rate to gain experience and build a portfolio. It’s also a great way to get testimonials and references that will be valuable as you scale your side hustle.
Legal and Financial Stuff
As with any business, a side hustle in interior design comes with legal and financial responsibilities:
- Register Your Business: Depending on where you live, you may need to register your business or get a license. Check local regulations to make sure you’re legal. Registering your business also gives you credibility with clients.
- Manage Your Money: Open a separate business bank account for your income and expenses. This makes it easier to track earnings and budget. Consider consulting with a financial advisor or accountant to understand the tax implications and deductions for your side hustle.
- Use Contracts: Always use a contract with clients. A contract outlines the scope of work, payment terms and other important details, protects you and the client. It prevents misunderstandings and gives you a framework for the project.
How to Overcome Common Obstacles
Every business has obstacles, and interior design is no exception:
- Difficult Clients: Not every client will be easy to work with. Some will have unrealistic expectations or change their minds frequently. Be patient and professional. Clear communication from the start will help manage expectations and prevent conflicts.
- Unstable Income: Side hustles often have irregular income streams. To manage this, set aside a portion of your earnings during busy months to cover quiet months. Building a solid client base over time will also help stabilize your income.
- Avoiding Burnout: Balancing a side hustle with other responsibilities can lead to burnout. Make sure to schedule downtime for yourself to rest and recharge. Pursue other hobbies and interests to maintain a work-life balance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to be educated to start an interior design side hustle?
No, you don’t need formal education to start an interior design side hustle. A degree or certification will help you get more in depth knowledge and credibility but many successful interior designers are self taught. You can start by learning the basics through online courses, books and practice. Building a strong portfolio and getting hands on experience is often more valuable than formal education.
How many hours a week should I dedicate to my interior design side hustle?
The amount of time will depend on your schedule and goals. Many side hustlers start with a few hours a week, evenings and weekends and increase as their client base grows. Effective time management and setting realistic expectations with clients will help you balance your side hustle with other responsibilities.
How much should I charge for my interior design services as a beginner?
Pricing can be tricky when you’re starting out. Research local designers and set your prices slightly lower to get your first clients. You might consider flat fees for small projects, hourly rates or package deals. As you gain more experience and build your portfolio you can increase your rates. Always factor in your time, materials and any other costs when pricing.
Can interior design be my full time career?
Yes many successful interior designers started as side hustlers before going full time. As you get more experience, build a strong client base and a good reputation you can start to shift your focus from side hustle to full time business. With hard work and planning interior design can be a full time career.
Conclusion
Interior design can be a fun and lucrative side hustle. Use your creativity, hone your skills and manage your time and you can turn your passion into a business. Every designer was once a beginner, with just a few tools and a lot of excitement. So why not start today? Whether you’re designing living rooms or offices, there’s a world out there for you in interior design.