17 Types of Interior Design Businesses and Specialized Fields

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Types of Interior Design Businesses

Interior design has the clout to alter spaces completely. A career in interior design or interior architecture is an exciting albeit competitive one. However, the scope of work for a professional interior designer has now gone beyond creating beautiful and functional environments. As the industry evolves, interior decorators and designers are revaluating their roles in society and using a diverse range of fields and unique niches to enhance all different kinds of real estate.

While it still calls for creativity, science collaboration, people-skill, administrative and communication skills, and the general know-how of human psychology and behavior, the key axioms of interior design services are changing. As opposed to traditional beliefs that interior design is strictly for enclosed interior spaces, skills are being put to exemplary use across space and fields. With each of these specialized niches, not only does the client ideology change but also the functionality of the design space varies vastly.

Basic skills like modeling software, understanding of blueprints, space planning, knowledge of building codes, universal standards, etc., are a must across every sector from the most common residential design to the comparatively new production design. However, the designers are having to wield a plethora of fresh skillsets and dedication to follow their passion in the newer arenas.

17 Top Specialized Fields in the Interior Design Industry:

1. Virtual Interior Design Services: Remote Design on Demand

Virtual design services, also known as e-design, have become increasingly popular, especially since 2020, as clients seek the convenience of collaborating with designers remotely from their homes.
Offering virtual design services allows interior decorators to expand their client base by working with individuals located all over the world.
To provide virtual interior design services, professionals only require a computer, laptop, or phone with a reliable internet connection.
The integration of technology in design has transformed how services are delivered, making it easier for designers to meet customer demands.
Virtual design services complement traditional in-person offerings, allowing businesses to adapt to changing consumer preferences in the design industry.
Foyr’s virtual design services enable clients to collaborate remotely with interior designers, providing the convenience of professional guidance from the comfort of their homes.

Read also – Commercial Interior Design Ideas

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2. Eco-Friendly Designers: Sustainable Solutions for Interiors

Eco-friendly designers focus on using materials with low environmental impact, such as recycled wood, natural fibers, and non-toxic paints, to meet client demands for sustainability.
These designers integrate energy-saving elements, such as LED lighting and efficient HVAC systems, into their designs while balancing aesthetics and energy efficiency to reduce carbon footprints.
Sustainable design practices emphasize improving energy and water efficiencies, as well as indoor air quality, through informed choices that promote environmentally friendly solutions.
Certifications like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) are essential for eco-friendly designers, signifying expertise in creating spaces with sustainable practices in mind.
Biophilic design principles are a significant trend for eco-friendly designers, especially for those with a high level of experience, as they create calming environments that integrate natural elements, enhancing both well-being and sustainability. Utilizing 3D rendering techniques allows these seasoned professionals to visualize and present eco-friendly concepts effectively, ensuring that the integration of nature into interior spaces is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

3. Interior Design Consultants: Guiding Your Vision

Interior designers are hired globally to envision, design, and execute aesthetically pleasing and functional living or working spaces, catering to various client needs.
Certified interior designers (CIDs) are responsible for planning and executing design concepts, often working alongside interior design assistants who provide creative and administrative support.
The global interior design market value is forecast to reach approximately USD 175.74 billion, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% expected between 2024-2030.
Many job openings in the interior design field are anticipated to grow over the next decade, providing ample opportunities for certified professionals.
Interior decorators can diversify their services by offering additional options like home staging, color consulting, and e-design to meet varying client needs.

4. Residential Interior Designers: Crafting Cozy Homes

Residential designers specialize in planning and decorating spaces within client homes, often focusing on additional niches such as kitchen decorating or custom furniture design.
They are capable of making significant recommendations, including alterations to the structure, like the addition or elimination of walls or the installation of skylights and new flooring.
Interior design consultants, who may also work in a residential context, recommend color schemes, furnishings, and lighting to create aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces.
Certified interior designers (CIDs) usually have a bachelor of fine arts degree, which equips them with essential knowledge and skills for creating beautiful home interiors.
Many residential designers work as freelancers or are self-employed, allowing them the flexibility to tailor their services to individual client preferences and styles.

5. Color Consultants: The Art of Color Harmony

Color consultants specialize in selecting colors for both the interior and exterior of homes, aiming to create a cohesive atmosphere that meets client preferences.
Their work encompasses not only color selection but also advising clients on furniture, fabrics, flooring, and other design elements that complement the chosen color scheme.
Expertise in color theory and color psychology is essential for color consultants to effectively realize a client’s desired aesthetic and emotional response to their space.
Color consultants can work on both residential and commercial projects, tailoring their designs to reflect the personality and energy sought by the client.
Knowledge of how to prepare color schemes and corresponding budgets is critical for color consultants, as well as maintaining relationships with painting businesses and other industry vendors to facilitate project execution.

6. Retail Interior Designers: Creating Inviting Shopping Experiences

Retail interior designers utilize their expertise to create store layouts that effectively reflect a companys identity through strategic aesthetic choices.
This specialization involves designing both the overall spatial layout and product displays that reinforce brand image while attracting customers attention.
To succeed, retail interior designers must deeply understand their clients brand and target audience, ensuring that the space promotes the desired retail appeal.
They often collaborate with commercial businesses such as restaurants and shopping centers, which allows them to apply their design skills in various environments.
A key aspect of their role is to enhance the overall shopping experience, making it more inviting and aligned with branding strategies.

7. Renovation Specialists: Breathing New Life into Spaces

Engaging a design professional in renovation projects can significantly impact the overall outcome by ensuring that materials and finishes complement the desired style and functionality of the space.
Interior designers are skilled in space planning, which is crucial for optimizing layouts to serve the intended function effectively during renovations.
Homeowners and companies increasingly rely on the services of interior designers for renovation projects, particularly due to the growing focus on building codes and accessibility standards.
The employment of interior designers is projected to grow by 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, indicating a steady demand for their expertise in renovation and design.
Approximately 8,800 job openings for interior designers are anticipated each year on average over the decade, primarily due to the need to replace workers transitioning to other occupations or retiring.

8. Aging-in-Place Designers: Ensuring Comfort for Seniors

Aging in Place designers focus on home modifications and adaptations that allow seniors to live safely and comfortably in their homes as they age.
Common recommendations from Aging in Place designers include installing grab bars and rails, widening doorways and hallways, and lowering countertops.
The demand for Aging in Place design services is increasing as more people are living longer, presenting opportunities for interior decorators to specialize in this area.
To become an internationally-certified Aging in Place Professional™, individuals must complete an online Aging In Place Course offered by QC Design School.
Aging in Place design often involves creating accessible environments, which can benefit not only seniors but also individuals with disabilities or those using strollers.

Read also – 40 Best Home Decor Online Stores

9. Commercial Interior Designers: Balancing Function and Aesthetics

Commercial interior designers specialize in creating functional spaces tailored to specific environments, such as stores, hotels, and restaurants, ensuring that aesthetics support the operational needs of these locations.
The design firms of commercial spaces often necessitates a theme that resonates with the brand identity, which can range from nautical for yacht clubs to regionally inspired designs for hotels.
Designers are tasked with addressing complex design challenges, ensuring that interiors facilitate customer circulation, display, storage, and ultimately, drive sales.
Maintenance considerations are crucial in the design of commercial interiors, as practicality must align with visual appeal to ensure longevity and usability.
A successful commercial interior must balance functional requirements with aesthetic choices to enhance the customer experience and align with the business goals.

10. Event Decor Services: Transforming Spaces for Special Occasions

Building a portfolio of past work or creating mock designs is essential for showcasing your style and capabilities in event decor services.
Networking with venues, event planners, and photographers can significantly enhance your connections and opportunities to grow your event decor business.
Staying updated on current trends allows event decorators to tailor their services to fit a client’s theme or preferences, making them stand out in a competitive market.
Completing a comprehensive program, such as the Event Decor Course, equips decorators with essential skills in mood boards, color schemes, budgeting, and marketing.
Earning a professional certification, like the International Event Decorating Professional™ (IEDP™), provides a competitive edge in the event decor industry.

Read also – 35 Best Spring Decorating Ideas

11. Hospitality Designers: Elevating Guest Experiences

Hospitality designers play a crucial role in creating themed environments for hotels and restaurants, ensuring that the design aligns with the specific theme of the establishment, such as nautical or region-specific elements.
The design of hospitality spaces must prioritize functionality, particularly in terms of customer circulation, display, storage, and sales, to enhance the overall guest experience.
There is a significant emphasis on commercial interiors within the hospitality industry, as contemporary designers focus on maximizing the appeal and efficiency of spaces like hotels and restaurants.
A growing recognition of the influence of design on user behavior in hospitality has led to a stronger emphasis on interior design that fosters comfort and aesthetic pleasure in guest environments.
Sustainability trends are influential in hospitality design, with designers increasingly integrating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient design principles to meet client demands for environmentally conscious spaces.

12. Exhibition Designers: Curating Engaging Displays

Exhibition designers, also known as exhibit designers, are responsible for arranging floor plans and integrating displays for various events such as fashion shows, art galleries, and trade shows.
They must ensure that elements like lighting and temperature are considered in the final design scheme to enhance the visitor experience.
A critical aspect of their role involves creating settings that capture interest and intrigue for their clients events.
Professionals in this field, including Certified Interior Designers (CIDs) and design assistants, need to be well-versed in infrastructural design and able to collaborate effectively with others.
Exhibition designers often work under tight timeframes, requiring strong project management skills in addition to their creative design expertise.

13. Landscape Designers: Merging Indoor and Outdoor Aesthetics

Landscape designers are increasingly in demand as homeowners seek to create outdoor spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
By incorporating landscape design services into their offerings, designers can expand their client base and enhance the scope of their business to include both indoor and outdoor environments.
A successful landscape designer works with various materials, such as stone, brick, wood, and metal, to create unique outdoor designs.
Indoor landscaping differs from traditional landscaping by focusing on the decoration and arrangement of indoor plants and containers within buildings and offices.
Interior landscape designers possess a solid understanding of design principles, including angles, bright colors, and sculptural elements, to create engaging indoor environments.

14. Floral Design Integration: Adding Natural Beauty to Spaces

Integrating floral design into interior decorating services allows business owners to showcase their creativity and enhance their decorating skills.
Floral design can tap into the lucrative wedding market, offering unique and memorable floral arrangements for ceremonies and receptions.
Incorporating plants and floral elements into interior spaces aligns with the biophilic design trend, which emphasizes the connection between people and nature.
Offering floral design services can differentiate an interior decorating business, appealing to clients seeking a cohesive aesthetic that includes natural beauty.
Floral arrangements not only beautify a space but also contribute to the overall ambiance and can enhance the mood and well-being of occupants within the environment.

15. Lighting Designers: Illuminating Environments Creatively

Lighting designers enhance the intended style of interior spaces by utilizing a combination of overhead, ambient, task, and accent lighting to create dynamic environments.
Attention to matching lighting fixtures with other elements in a room is crucial for achieving continuity through color, texture, or material.
Effective use of layered lighting contributes to the overall ambiance and functional efficiency of a space, allowing for tailored moods and experiences.
By understanding how different lighting styles can evoke emotions and set atmospheres, lighting designers play a key role in transforming spaces into cohesive and inviting environments.
The integration of lighting design with the overall interior design process not only beautifies a space but also enhances the well-being of its occupants.

Read also – 9 Amazing Master Bedroom Ideas

16. Branding and Identity Designers: Strengthening Business Presence

Creating a strong brand identity is essential for interior decorators to differentiate their business and attract ideal clients.
Developing a professional portfolio and presenting the company effectively to potential clients are critical components of establishing a solid brand presence.
Building a solid online presence through social media, blogs, and a well-designed website is a vital strategy in today’s market for enhancing brand visibility.
Utilizing various types of marketing and understanding how to maximize them successfully can significantly impact the growth of an interior decorating business.
Maintaining good customer relations is fundamental in strengthening brand identity and ensuring ongoing client satisfaction and loyalty.

17. Accessibility Consultants: Making Spaces Inclusive

Interior designers are increasingly required to focus on building codes and accessibility standards, which aligns with the need for more inclusive design practices in renovation projects.
The integration of principles of inclusive design is essential for interior designers, as they work closely with architects and engineers to ensure spaces accommodate all individuals without turning anyone away.
Employment for interior designers, which includes those specializing in accessibility, is projected to grow by 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, reflecting an ongoing demand for inclusive design services.
Approximately 8,800 openings for interior designers are expected each year, many due to the need for skilled professionals who can address accessibility in design.
A greater emphasis on creating inclusive environments not only facilitates compliance with codes but also enhances the overall quality of life for individuals with diverse needs.

Start a Successful Interior Design Business With the Right Software

If you have the right business tools, each stage of the interior design process will be easier and more efficient. Foyr Neo is a one-stop-shop for all your design needs. The multifaceted design software has so many features to choose from that it makes it easier to visualize your design ideas more effectively.

60K + ready to use products
Build Floor Plans, edit in 3D
Drag and Drop Interface
4K Renders in minutes

Furthermore, it doesn’t take up a whole lot of space due to its incredible cloud computing feature. It saves time and money on licensing. Anyone can create absolutely remarkable home designs with these design tools. Foyr Neo is now available for a 14-day free trial, allowing you to explore the potential of infinite creation.

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