Creative, imaginative and artistic — these are only some of the characteristics of an interior decorator.

Most of the time, an interior decorator will be working with clients and other design professionals to create solutions that are functional and attractive. In the interior decorating industry, you have to possess certain skills to be successful and to beat the competition.

Here are 7 of the most important skills every interior decorator needs to have:

 1) Creative and artistic skills

You need to have artistic and creative abilities in order to know how lighting, texture, and colour can be used most effectively within a space.

 

2) Above-average listening skills

The field of interior decorating requires you to listen to your clients, and to understand their expectations. If you want to be successful in your career as an interior decorator, you need to make sure that your clients are happy with the final product, and you can only do this by paying close attention to their needs and expectations.

 

3) Good interpersonal skills

In this industry, it is important that you feel comfortable communicating with your clients, so that you are able to deliver an end result that you will be proud of. And not only will you be dealing with your clients, but you will also be required to liaise with your suppliers and service providers (such as textile wholesalers, furnishers, painters and plumbers).

 

4) Excellent planning skills

Planning is essential, as you will need to be able to present a plan to a client in a visual manner. Such a plan will usually include a whole variety of details, including not only a representation of the final product, but also a cost analysis and timeline.

 

5) Good management skills

Management skills are crucial in any business. When you work in this field, you have to meet deadlines, draw up schedules, and understand how to use your resources efficiently. Good project management skills and knowledge of management strategy will always be to your advantage in this line of work.

 

6) An eye for detail

You have to pay close attention to detail in order to create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

 

7) A focus on follow-up service delivery

As a service professional, you need to make sure that your clients remain happy with your service and quality long after you have completed an individual project.

 

As you can see, not only do you need natural creativity and excellent interpersonal skills to be a successful interior decorator, but you will also need good business and management skills — which you can gain by studying a business management course at Oxbridge Academy.

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