Summary of Interior Designing

Evolution

• Interior design themes originally reflected the styles from a certain time period, such as Victorian, mid-century modern, Gothic or Art Deco. This trend slowly evolved to combine a number of themes rather than working with one specific theme. For instance, a designer might create a fusion between modern simplicity and oriental designs or mix and match Victorian and Art Deco furniture pieces. Some clients like to connect with history through interior design. Since 2000, the focus has been on the 1950s and 1960s decor, as many designers and architects are revisiting unique furniture pieces and materials that were used during this time frame.

Occupation

• Many professional opportunities exist for interior designers, and the working environment varies widely depending on their chosen field. Some designers choose to work strictly with commercial buildings, while others opt for residential homes. They may be employed by a large or small firm, and in some cases, self-employed. Smaller firms typically pay on a per-job basis or according to the terms of a contract, while larger firms usually offer a salary. Roughly 26 percent of all designers are self-employed, and they have the added stress of strict deadlines, budget requirements and client counseling.

Earnings

• Earnings vary depending on the designer's skill set, location and employer. Self-employed designers who work on residential projects tend to charge an hourly fee in addition to a percentage of total expenses, such as furniture pieces or lighting. Commercial interior designers may choose to charge an hourly rate or a flat fee upon completion of the entire project. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for interior designers in 2008 was $44,950, with $27,230 representing the bottom 10 percent and $82,750 representing the top 10 percent.