There's something magical about walking into a space that just feels right. The colors sing, the textures speak, and every item seems to know exactly where it belongs. If you're the kind of person who loves rearranging furniture, gets giddy over paint swatches, or has a camera roll full of vision boards, you likely have a passion for interior design.
Starting your own interior design business is more than fulfilling your dreams. It's an adventure that allows you to contribute to building your community. So, let's walk you through how to start an interior design business that showcases your creativity and makes a real impact in your neighborhood.
Define services and signature style
Interior design is a vast and colorful industry. Specializing in specific services and styles can help you narrow down your scope and target clients.
Finding a design niche
First things first: what kind of interior design services do you want to offer? You can go broad by handling everything from full-home redesigns to quick room refreshes, or be specific by carving out a niche. The key is picking a service that feels natural for your skills and fits what your neighbors are looking for. Some local designers find success in focusing on one area, such as:
- E-design for remote or budget-conscious clients
- Home staging for real estate agents
- Rental refreshes for short-term hosts
- Kitchen and bath makeovers, where function meets flair
Aligning style with local client needs
Your signature style might be minimalist, maximalist, vintage-inspired, or something uniquely yours, but it's wise to consider what speaks to your local community. Does your neighborhood lean into mid-century charm or farmhouse coziness? Are you designing for young families, retirees, or first-time homeowners?
Spend time walking local streets, noticing architecture, chatting with neighbors, and checking out nearby shops. The best interior designers aren't just style-savvy; they're great listeners who create spaces that feel like home to the people who live there.
Make it official with business setup essentials
After brainstorming the services you want to offer, it's time to organize and complete the paperwork to make it official.
Choose a business name and legal structure
This is your chance to get creative. Choose a name that reflects your aesthetic and values. Whether it's "Golden Hour Interiors," "Nested Design Co.," or simply your name with a stylish twist, make sure it's easy to remember and pronounce.
Next, think about your business structure. A sole proprietorship is simple and affordable but offers less protection. Forming an LLC (Limited Liability Company) adds a layer of legal and tax advantages, which is especially useful if you're working in client homes or hiring help.
Register the business and get proper licenses
Check your city and state's requirements for small businesses. Some neighborhoods even have business support centers that walk you through the paperwork. So, take your time because a few helpful knocks on the right local doors can save a lot of time. You'll typically need to:
- Register your business name.
- Apply for a local business license or permit.
- Look into industry-specific certifications (optional, but helpful).
Get an EIN and open a business bank account
Even if you're a team of one, applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS is a smart move. It keeps your personal and business finances separate, and you'll need it to open a business bank account. Keeping your money organized helps when it's time to budget, pay taxes, or apply for loans.
Build a strong brand
Marketing is a crucial part of starting an interior design business. Strong branding gets the word out about your business faster and louder.
Create a portfolio
Here's the thing: When it comes to interior design marketing, you don't need a dozen paid projects to build a beautiful portfolio. Take quality photos in natural light, write a little backstory for each item in your portfolio, and show the transformation. People love seeing how a space evolves, and they'll start imagining what you could do for their home. You can start with the following small projects:
- Your own home
- A friend's living room makeover
- Mood boards and 3D mockups
- Before-and-after shots of small space tweaks
Launch a website and claim a digital presence
Even if you plan to keep things local, a clean, easy-to-navigate website is a must. It builds trust and gives people a place to see your work, read about your services, and reach out.
You don't need bells and whistles, just a few key pages:
- Home
- Portfolio
- About Me
- Services Offered
- Contact Info
While you're at it, claim your social handles and set up profiles on platforms like Houzz, Pinterest, or Instagram, whichever feels most aligned with your vibe.
Optimize for local SEO and use visual platforms
To help your target audience find you when they look for design help nearby, local SEO is key. Here are some quick wins to reach people in your area:
- Use your city or neighborhood name in your website copy (for example, "Interior design services in East Austin")
- Claim your Google Business Profile
- Encourage clients to leave Google or Yelp reviews
- Geotag your Instagram posts
Social accounts can also serve as your mini portfolios. Share your work consistently, and use location-based hashtags like #SeattleInteriors or #MarinCountyDesign to reach local audiences.
Market like a neighbor
There's a way to make things even more hyperlocalized with your marketing while showing how much you care about your community. As you’re still learning the ropes on how to start your own interior design business, Nextdoor can help you do just that.
Use Nextdoor to connect with local clients
This is where community truly comes into play. On Nextdoor, 75% of users are homeowners. Neighbors turn to each other for trusted recommendations, and that includes finding someone to help redesign their kitchen nook or turn their guest room into a cozy office.
Create a Nextdoor Business Page, post updates about your services, and share design tips that are genuinely helpful, like budget-friendly entryway makeovers or small space hacks. People appreciate generosity, not hard sells.
Interacting with local clients on Nextdoor can also give you a general idea of your business’s buyer persona, which can help you better target potential customers.
Gather reviews and referrals from nearby clients
Word-of-mouth is gold in the design world. After wrapping up a project, ask happy clients to leave a review on Nextdoor or mention your name when someone inquires in the forums.
What's even better? Offer a referral bonus like a free consultation or a local coffee shop gift card. It feels neighborly, and people love recommending folks they trust.
Join local events, host workshops, and get involved
To stay top of people's minds, show up. Whether it's a craft fair, home tour, or seasonal pop-up, being present builds recognition. You might even host a small "Design on a Dime" workshop at a local café, showing neighbors how to refresh a space using what they already own.
It's less about pitching and more about connecting. That's the foundation of every thriving neighborhood and every successful design business.
Plan the financials
Once you've sorted out your initial vision for your business, you can start thinking about money matters and how you can best serve your clients while earning sustainably.
Set a clear pricing structure
Talking about money can feel awkward, but it's crucial to set expectations early on. There's no one-size-fits-all model, but here are a few common approaches:
- Hourly rate – Ideal for smaller projects or consultations
- Flat fee – Great for well-defined scopes like a single-room refresh
- Percentage of Project Cost – Often used for full-service remodels or new builds
Whichever you choose, be upfront and transparent. Walk clients through your pricing before any work begins, and include it in a simple agreement. Remember, you're not just offering a "pretty space," you're delivering peace of mind, function, and beauty. And that's worth every penny.
Explore funding options and startup costs
Starting your own interior design company doesn't have to break the bank, but there are upfront costs to plan for, such as:
- Design software and tools
- Sample books and materials
- Website hosting and branding
- Marketing expenses
- Insurance and legal fees
To pay for these expenses, some folks bootstrap from savings. Others explore microloans, local small business grants, or even community-funded lending circles. Keep receipts, make a budget, and track every expense from day one. It'll save you stress and surprises later.
Keep personal and business finances separate
Opening a business bank account isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a foundational step in how to start your own interior design business. It helps with tax prep, bookkeeping, building business credit, and keeping things clean if you're ever audited. Even if it's just you right now, treat your business like the real deal—because it is.
Set up a smart workflow
Even the most creative minds need structure. Systems make your work smoother and your client experience shine.
Get the tools needed
Time is your most valuable resource. And juggling floorplans, invoices, and client emails can get messy real fast. Here are a few tools to help:
- Design software – You'll need this for drawing up and presenting designs.
- CRM tools – These can help manage client communication and timelines.
- Contracts and templates: Set clear scopes, timelines, and payment schedules. Look for legally reviewed templates if you're unsure.
Arrange a home office or a shared studio space
You don't need a sprawling studio to get started. Many designers begin at home. Just make sure you carve out a space that's functional, inspiring, and distraction-free. The key is starting where you are and growing with intention. As your client base grows, consider:
- Co-working spaces with meeting rooms
- Shared studios with other creatives—you might even pick up referrals this way
- Renting a tiny storefront or showroom when you're ready for more visibility
Grow through community and partnerships
No interior design business is an island. The more community connections you have, the better.
Partner with local contractors and retailers
Building relationships with trusted local pros like painters, electricians, plumbers, and carpenters can turn your vision into reality without the headaches. Likewise, teaming up with nearby furniture stores or tile shops might open up trade discounts and shared promo opportunities. It's a two-way street: you recommend them, they recommend you. Everyone wins, including the client.
Join professional organizations
These networks offer continuing education, job boards, mentorship, and peer support. They're also great places to bounce ideas, gain confidence, and feel a little less alone in the process. Consider joining groups like:
- ASID (American Society of Interior Designers)
- NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association)
- Local design circles or entrepreneur meetups
Networking doesn't have to feel forced. It can look like grabbing coffee with a fellow designer or attending a talk at your neighborhood library. Small steps build real relationships.
Design homes and transform people's lives with Nextdoor
Learning how to start an interior design company isn't just about licenses and logos. It's about listening to people's stories, transforming their spaces, and becoming a trusted partner in their lives. And when you start local, focusing on your neighborhood, building partnerships, and connecting authentically, you don't just build a business. You build community.
Platforms like Nextdoor help you reach real people, right in your own zip code. Whether you're building your buyer persona or just looking for your first client, starting with your neighborhood is always a strong foundation.
So take that first step. Knock on that door. Rearrange that room. Invite creativity in, and let your vision serve others. You've got the eye. Now it's time to bring it home.
